Minor but wierd BMW E36 question.

Post by **TroyV** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:57 am

This is regarding my 98 328is coup, just under 3500 miles to go before 250k. The car runs perfectly. I know a bunch of you still have these and I have a funky thing going on.

The car leaves no motor oil spots anywhere, there are no leaks of any kind except for a very slight one at the low pressure hose for the PS pump.

I can drive the car normal, no issues. However, when I have to stop harder than usual, I get a smell of motor oil when I take off after the stop. I have done my best to look things over under the hood and I can't find any obvious leaks, and again, I'm not leaving any spots. I actually got a chance to get under the car over the weekend and couldn't see anything obvious. Before I start trolling the forums for answers, I figured I'd ask here in case anyone has had an issue like this. The scent is strong and then dissipates after a minute or so, which suggests that oil is getting to some place hot....presumably the exhaust manifold, and burning. There is never any smoke though.

Any thoughts?

Post by **dtlemoine** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:10 am

Perhaps dripping near the back side of the motor around the manifold?

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=350038

Post by **TroyV** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:14 am

I love simple fixes. Thanks

savage217 · Post by **savage217** » Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:54 pm

Probabaly valve cover gasket is leaking slightly. Pretty sure that is a common reason for the smell. When did you last replace it?

Post by **TroyV** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:03 am

Never.

Dave_G · Post by **Dave_G** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:51 am

I'm not at all familiar with the M52 engine, but does it have a crankcase breather tube like the M20 does? My E30 had a similar mysterious oil leak, but without the burning smell. It was coming from the top and bottom o-rings on the breather tube. I replaced the o-rings, and the engine doesn't leak a drop of oil now.

Again, I don't know if the M52 is constructed the same way, but if it is, that might be worth a look.

Dave_G · Post by **Dave_G** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:02 pm

Dave_G wrote:Again, I don't know if the M52 is constructed the same way, but if it is, that might be worth a look.

Hmm, looks like it isn't at all the same. The closest analogous part would be this:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=11&fg=15
Any oil leaking there?

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Minor but wierd BMW E36 question.

Minor but wierd BMW E36 question.

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