Oil leak... :(

Well, my '07 650 had a holiday present for me when I returned from vacation in Miami - a nice puddle of oil on my garage floor. Seems like a cup or two leaked out as pictured below. From searching this forum, this problem seems typical for 78k miles. From the threads and depending on the source of the leak, I will see if I can convince them to do extra related work while they are in there (e.g., both valve cover gaskets).

Since I have CPO and the extended free service/maintenance still in effect, I'm hoping this one doesn't cost much. Appointment on Monday and will let the group know how it turns out.

It does not look like an oil leak, but oil is in the mix!!!

I would 1st check your oil level, then check the oil plug & filter for leaks. If those look ok, it is probably a valve cover leak, or the alternator o-ring. Both of these fail around the same time frame. None of these are fun to fix! Dealer repair cost will be around 3300.00 for both.


Good Luck

Thanks Herb - I will see what my SA says and go from there. I may give you a ring next week for a consult (as the resident DIY oil leak/ring/gasket expert).

I had the same thing happen to me it turned out to be the oil sending unit.
It is located right under the Brake Vacuum pump on the passenger side.
Need a mirror and good flashlight to see it. You can feel it out when the car is cool to get an idea.
It was leaking right out of the electrical connector. Also found out that the vacuum pump seals were gone to so I replaced them as well.

I did take pictures of the whole thing I am just having problems loading them to the forum.

Mine might be the same - from what I can tell it is leaking from the vacuum pump or just under it. Will find out tomorrow.

You can change it yourself it's really easy. I think autozone has it for $15.00 took me longer to find a deep socket than to change it out.

Here are some pics I found with the vacuum pump removed. The sending unit is right there with the connector on.

Ok - many thanks. I have CPO and extended free maintenance so I will see if the dealer will cover it. If not, then I may give it a go myself. Thanks again.

Well, dropped my six off at the dealer today for the oil leak and got a loaner (2012 328i). Global BMW here in Atlanta just finished renovating their service area - their enclosed service area now has three intake lanes that can process 30+ cars... quite the impressive operation.

My SA is convinced that the CPO will cover the oil leak, but he doesn't have the final diagnosis yet. Also, he told me it was time for brake fluid flush and new rear brakes (fully covered). Once again, very thankful for CPO and extended free maintenance program.

Glad to hear that all is well.

Got my six back from the dealer this afternoon, and here's the report on my baby at 79k miles:

- Oil leak was coming from the brake vacuum pump - dealer replaced entire pump and seals under CPO.
- checked shifting hesitation and discovered tranny leaking fluid - replaced Mechatronic sealing sleeve for gearbox casing, tranny pan gasket/seal, drain plug and added fluid under CPO.
- brake fluid flush, and replaced rear brakes, sensors and rotors (covered by extended service/maintenance).
- microfilters replaced.

Total cost - $50 CPO deductible plus SA tip

Hard to measure the happiness factor over my decision to buy a CPO with extended service included by BMW NA under sales incentive program, but my SA estimated that the dealer cost of these repairs would have been around $3,200.

Great news, nice to see that they covered everything.

Originally Posted by gregb

Got my six back from the dealer this afternoon, and here's the report on my baby at 79k miles:

- Oil leak was coming from the brake vacuum pump - dealer replaced entire pump and seals under CPO.
- checked shifting hesitation and discovered tranny leaking fluid - replaced Mechatronic sealing sleeve for gearbox casing, tranny pan gasket/seal, drain plug and added fluid under CPO.
- brake fluid flush, and replaced rear brakes, sensors and rotors (covered by extended service/maintenance).
- microfilters replaced.

Total cost - $50 CPO deductible plus SA tip

Hard to measure the happiness factor over my decision to buy a CPO with extended service included by BMW NA under sales incentive program, but my SA estimated that the dealer cost of these repairs would have been around $3,200.

Cost of an aftermarket warranty $$$$ ( we all can't have CPO)

Value of a Waranty when you have a covered issue... PRICELESS!

I need to go through my extended warrenty paperwork to see if I'm covered. I just got the battery recall work at the dealer & they confirmed my indys diagnosis of brake vacuum pump oil leak. Quoted at $909 parts & labor... I'm at about 60500 mile.

Warranty is a must on these cars unless you have deep pockets to empty.

I dropped $7500 in one year on maintaining my 745i. These cars are definitely not made to own with high mileage! Won't do it again...

Originally Posted by greco2000

I dropped $7500 in one year on maintaining my 745i. These cars are definitely not made to own with high mileage! Won't do it again...

ouch!! that's ridiculous and enough $$ to buy a reasonable car. I'm a permanent fan of sticking with CPO's.

I've got 122,500 on mine only problem I have is the driver seat not locked keeps going off. Hope it stays that way or should I sell it to be safe?

I would still keep it but expect repairs to come up in the future

Originally Posted by greco2000

I dropped $7500 in one year on maintaining my 745i. These cars are definitely not made to own with high mileage! Won't do it again...

Damn, that is a lot money! Is it me, or does it seem that 7's have more issues than 6's?

Originally Posted by Nitrogen

I've got 122,500 on mine only problem I have is the driver seat not locked keeps going off. Hope it stays that way or should I sell it to be safe?

Glad to hear from a member with that many miles. How's the vehicle mechanically?

my baby has another oil leak at 80K - appointment next Tuesday to get her checked out.

Tell your SA it's now time to earn his tip. Most likely valve covers, or alternator gasket. Your CPO is now earning interest!

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by HerbP

Tell your SA it's now time to earn his tip. Most likely valve covers, or alternator gasket. Your CPO is now earning interest!

Good Luck!

Yeah - I got the low oil warning light and stopped to see my SA on the way home. He whipped it down to the garage, topped it off and checked the vacuum pump for new leaks (didn't see any). He had it back to me in about 5 minutes, and we scheduled for next week when I could get a loaner. I think you're right - probably one of those or the timing covers. And you're right - thank goodness for the CPO - I'm definitely on the plus side of the extra $ for it.