Page 1 of 1

BMW E46 330i (M54B30) engine oil leak - causes and solutions

Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2024 11:41 am
by spinecki
BMW E46 330i (M54B30) engine oil leak - causes and solutions

Common leak sources:
  • Valve cover gasket
  • Oil filter housing gasket
  • Oil pan gasket
  • Rear main seal
  • VANOS seals
Diagnostic steps:
  • Clean the engine thoroughly
  • Run the engine and inspect for fresh oil leaks
  • Use UV dye for hard-to-spot leaks
Solutions:
  • Valve cover gasket replacement:
    - Remove valve cover and replace gasket
    - Torque bolts to 10 Nm
  • Oil filter housing gasket replacement:
    - Remove oil filter housing and replace O-rings and gaskets
    - Torque bolts to 22 Nm
  • Oil pan gasket replacement:
    - Support engine, remove front subframe
    - Replace gasket and torque bolts to 12 Nm
Note: Address oil leaks promptly to prevent engine damage and environmental issues.