These filters are a common problem with BMW's N55 and N54 engines. The dealer wanted over $1600 to replace these seals! This repair needs to be taken care of because once the leak becomes significant it will seep onto the belts operating directly beneath, creating even more issues. The seals are cheap and the location is directly at the top of the engine bay. The labor is more intensive than you would suspect because the intake manifold (top of the engine) has to be removed to access the bolts to remove the housing. I will attempt this repair myself as the seals are really cheap.
How can this be prevented? Keep your car stored in garage away from temperature swings which wear out seals. Monitor engine oil temperature when operating and make sure it is within range. Use BMW recommended oil with correct weight. Or, simply don't buy a BMW with N54 or N55 engine as this repair will likely happen to you within 100,000 miles.
Keep in mind that any vehicle in with the N54 or N55 motors are going to suffer from this issue. For example, BMW 1 series M, M2, X3, X1, 335i, 535i...etc.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
leaking oil filter housing gasket & oil cooler gasket
These filters are a common problem with BMW's N55 and N54 engines. The dealer wanted over $1600 to replace these seals! This repair needs to be taken care of because once the leak becomes significant it will seep onto the belts operating directly beneath, creating even more issues. The seals are cheap and the location is directly at the top of the engine bay. The labor is more intensive than you would suspect because the intake manifold (top of the engine) has to be removed to access the bolts to remove the housing. I will attempt this repair myself as the seals are really cheap.
How can this be prevented? Keep your car stored in garage away from temperature swings which wear out seals. Monitor engine oil temperature when operating and make sure it is within range. Use BMW recommended oil with correct weight. Or, simply don't buy a BMW with N54 or N55 engine as this repair will likely happen to you within 100,000 miles.
Keep in mind that any vehicle in with the N54 or N55 motors are going to suffer from this issue. For example, BMW 1 series M, M2, X3, X1, 335i, 535i...etc.
- Andrew R., The Woodlands, US