Did I finally get my BMW to stop leaking oil? - E46 Oil Leak Saga: The Conclusion

I'm sure all of you have oil leak sagas of your own. Thanks for tuning into the conclusion of my little one. #bmwlife
If you haven't seen part one, check it out here:
• BMWs Are Designed To L...
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:57 The valve body has to come out to remove the oil pump
00:05:09 Removing the torque converter without making a mess
00:06:36 I damaged the oil pump seal
00:08:35 Attempting to remove the oil pump
00:10:56 Ok, enough messing around!
00:14:09 Reinstalling and torquing the oil pump bolts with new washers
00:16:23 Remove the old oil seal and inspect the damage
00:17:55 The different possibilities of what is causing the engine oil leaks
00:22:14 The actual cause of the engine oil leaks!
00:25:02 Some final notes and reassembly
00:28:55 About the washer behind the oil pump seal
00:29:49 Reinstalling the torque converter
00:34:47 First drive results
00:35:09 Wrap-up
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@johnstuart3851]

One definition of an expert is someone who has done most of the mistakes already.

[@craigc8954]

You’re pain is our gain Jason. Big thumbs up from me. Keep this content coming.

[@andrewturchan6065]

Like how realistic you are . Making mistakes is part of being professional . If you know what I mean . Great videos !!!

[@juanmartincorrea9652]

Thanks Jason and long love your E46! I tell you, in 100 years when no other E46 remains, yours will be alive and kicking. Cheers!

[@utahyork3338]

The frustration under the car can get real. I have to stop, get some ice water and sit on my steps to cool off. After 5-10 minutes I can go back to the battle. But I remember one time I just couldn't get the trans to align with the engine. Pushed and turned, but nothing was working. Took a break and then got in great position ready to push for all its worth. Grabbed the trans and before I could really push, it just slid together. You never saw anyone scramble for a bolt as fast as me. This was a longer video but well worth it. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@50sKid]

Oh yeah I’ve been there lol

[@chuckz28]

Glad to see you finally got it! This will surely be helpful for when I do mine

[@alfrednavarro2391]

Awesome job! Don’t beat yourself up over this. That is something I would have over looked and thanks to you I can now go ahead and change out my gaskets with confidence and ensure I lube those bolts up with thread seal.

[@Willielee43]

You have some real dedication to go through nothing but respect to you and thanks for the videos

[@bw1532]

Thank you so much for showing us this. You probably saved at least 100 guys from really bad leaks after replacing RMS. Who knows, maybe thousands!

[@lp2565]

BINGO! Glad the leak is solved. Noted for future reference. Great video, as always, Jason! Thanks for sharing.

[@dreyn1456]

Thank you for always showing & explaining in such detail. You do a really good job in shooting the videos. Thanks for the hard work.

[@moose3d]

Amazing persistence, Jason. Well done...you're definitely right - your pain is our gain, so thank you!

[@pieternaude53]

Great video's Jason .. really professionally done + good lighting & sound. You saved me ton's of effort. Never new .. there is such a thing as Thread-sealant :-))

[@nkolemfupa6601]

Am lucky to watch this video right now because i have the same problem after i replaced the Rear Main about two years ago and my Transmission is currently out of the car. Thanks for the info uv saved me from my troubles.

[@martinhazel7549]

Good work! Recently did the oil filter housing gasket using your video. The alternator trick worked a treat. My car is no longer an embarrassing puddle maker.

[@jetstarsuk2364]

Top man. You’re shaving some great tips through all your hard work. You got a massive heart.

[@Tootszee]

Fantastic ending to a challenging issue. Knowledge comes with a price. Thank you for sharing, jason.

[@viperocco]

Dude, your videos are very informative and really help get one motivated to perform such tasks on their e46.

[@chadriddle3517]

Jason thanks for sharing all this with us always a pleasure to watch Your videos

[@dhaladetailing1225]

Just came across this video and I am about to assemble my m52! I would have just put those bolts back in not thinking about thread seal so thank you for doing such a detailed video! Well done!

[@Generalusuer]

Your looking slimmer. I had to go back to your older videos to double check. good job that work is paying off.

[@50sKid]

Thx!

[@diljoe9678]

You're the man Jason thank you!!!! Best bmw diy channel on youtube

[@Monalissa5.0]

Wow man i haven’t seen you in about a year and half and you look amazing! Keep up the good content

[@ravsinghrajput2105]

Hey 50s kid, I watch nearly most of your videos... You are always efficient, honest and with full of knowledge.. Looks like you did loose some weight, congratulations 👍

[@50sKid]

Thx for watching!

[@bdavali4342]

Man, you have amazing PERSEVERENCE! And you're doing this flat on your back with car on jack stands and limited room to work! I wouldn't try these things even if the car were raised on a lift! Unlimited "attaboys" to you!

[@TheEmpowerment1]

Also I hope you used new Bolts. I am glad you finally solved the problem!

[@lefora87]

I'm glad it is solved man...more peace for you...you got the heart of a lion man respect.

[@naomin504]

I know the moment, surrender is not an option. We all benefit from your example. In a small way your a hero. Well done!!!

[@woodst408]

I have two BMWs E46 and an E60...They should be called THE LEAKING MACHINE instead of the ultimate driving machine. They are only good for 3 years after that here comes the flood. I have learned a lot I mean a lot from your channel and you save me a lot of money. Thanks!

[@carlosclaudio3134]

Jason love your videos! Too bad, all that work, but you got it. Just bought a 2004 330xi. I will be referencing your videos often. Thanks for your hard work.

[@Flaming360Spider]

Best videos on e46 information

[@user-tx2zz5jv1y]

Enjoyed the video! Great to see sort out the leak.

[@peted3637]

Thumbs up! I just pulled the ZF8 out of my e30 (yes, e30) and discovered the rear main area has oil around it. I knew to thread seal the 8 crank bolts, but those two M8 bolts I never even thought of as culprits. Live and learn.

[@eDXTRe]

This video is very very helpful, as my e46 is still leaking oil. I keep this in mind so my garage that will replace main bearing seal will use the right sealant on those 2 screws....... Last time working on my car (intake manifold swap and gaskets) I noticed that my crank sensor had fresh oil around it. On removing the sensor I noticed no O-ring was used....... So I put an oring on the sensor. But now thinking of replacement of this sensor with a used one from junkjard......

[@NEWAGenTChannel]

Was waiting for this. looks like I'm also gonna have a oil leak free e46 soon. Now someone needs to go and add this to all the DIY's on the internet.

[@uvolniavka]

Glad to see another E46 video from you. You should have kept the 5-speed manual in this car, especially now that you also have an E90, which has a much better automatic transmission.

[@millertimebmw]

Spin that torque converter, she'll click in, keep rotating then it'll pop all the way in. Great videos as always.

[@renatitorenatito1708]

YHANK YOU TEACHER FOR THIS VIDEO, A LITTLE LONG BUT GREAT JOB, AND YOU STILL BE MY HERO.

[@Fantic156]

One tip for replacing seals .. use the old one, the 'wrong' way round over the outside of the new one to tap them in .. It helps keep the new one square and you have very little chance of damaging it as well. ;)

[@AdilAaronAkhtar]

Only works if the old one comes out in one piece haha

[@dantheman1337]

Yes or use a socket or bushing/ bearing install tool.

[@DavidMartinez-wg4tn]

I’ve been watching you for years and I’ve been hooked on e46s for years and I now have this 03 325ci and fluid was pouring out me thinking it was the rear main my motor had 120,000 on it this video was very helpful thanks

[@heliezerhernandez8987]

Thank you so much you have helped a lot of people making your videos thanks

[@oldjarhead1125]

Another GREAT DIY video Jason! I have learned sooo much from you showing these issues/problems. Please keep them coming.

[@relaxodelaxo7052]

glad to hear u found the leak, just be patient :)

[@stepheno9569]

Great wrenching. I bet this win was most satisfying.

[@tracystuntlady6343]

Thank you for another informative E46 video. FCP Euro shorted me on my order as well. I definitely had higher expectations of them than the service I received. Now that it is finally cooling off here I am going to tackle my oil pan gasket with your video and my Bentley manual for guidance.

[@LeverPhile]

FCP once sent me 2 struts and 1 shock in a big order of e46 suspension parts ... to their credit they sent the second rear shock by overnight delivery.

[@tracystuntlady6343]

@@LeverPhile You know that Johnny Cash song "One Piece at a Time"? I wonder if one of their employees is rebuilding their E46 one piece at a time from our orders? :P

[@Vjiovino]

Thank you for all your hard work

[@cameron24v]

Well done! Perseverance pays off!

[@kellyanderson7115]

I'm going to do a 5 speed to 6 speed swap on my 2001 BMW 330xi. It certainly does help to watch for the trouble spots in some of these jobs. I'm going to replace the rear main seal, the transmission seals and the transfer case seals. I try to do things such that they're good to go for 20 years, which for me means I'll be 80 by the time they become a problem.

[@johngausta7829]

Oil pan gasket and transmission refresh is on the agenda for this year, glad I watched this video. P.S. You lost weight. Can we expect workout videos from 50sKid? Looking good!

[@KappnSkips]

You look great, you have no idea how happy it makes me seeing you wrenching on an e46 again haha

[@JRBRestorations]

Great!!! I have an oil leak in the same spot! Great video.

[@johncoss5604]

That's persistence well done.

[@aor3200]

Great work once again.

[@thetoughcookie3665]

Great video. You do the pain so we get the gain, thanks :)

[@kenseagle4169]

What a truly helpful video.

[@kyplummer3657]

Somehow it just gets everywhere it’s wild with these

[@matreyia]

I will make sure to take out the 13mm rear gasket cover bolts and coat them with sealant and reinstall. Glad I watched this before reinstalling my transmission. Same deal on a 1988 528e zf4hp22 transmission.

[@jason.arthur.taylor]

Great video as always. Some ideas about leaks I have for next time: pressure wash the engine bay. Install a dozen video cameras. Rev at 8000 rpm and see where the oil is flowing. And, don't buy cars with subframes unless you want the dealer to service them.

[@DonBMW]

UV is the way to go. Had an old GM where I had fixed numerous leaks, but still had a final leak I could not find. The UV dye immediately showed me the rear main seal was leaking. Bam no more oil leaks!

[@fowanlee6986]

You did a great job !! 👏👍

[@tkflex2332]

Thank you. Appreciate what you do 🙏🏽

[@busterscrugs]

I'm so glad I decided to do a manual swap instead of fixing my 5hp19. Hope she's sealed for good this time!

[@busterscrugs]

Good to hear I'm not the only one with items missing from my FCP Euro order. Last order, they forgot my oil filter.

[@danbuegsnerf3428]

I had no idea how much trouble these cars could be but knowing you’re in the trenches reporting back, I’m still gonna buy one. If you weren’t making these videos, I’d probably buy a Lexus

[@johnhanson9245]

Great job

[@stanislavvitvitskiy7432]

50s kid, I had a problem with the torque converter too and the way I finally put it in is actually simple. You just need to put the transmission on its back. I first thought this was bizzare but when I tried it went in instantly, it just dropped right in, all three clicks, didn't even have to wiggle anything.

[@ThelastRaven-Ez8]

Broooo Big help thank you for everything!!!!! You are a bmw God

[@DEEuroworks]

Awesome video. Thanks 50.

[@michaelblacktree]

I bet that was a big relief!

[@50sKid]

Oh yeah

[@mikesavage8379]

I think you had the torque converter at the right depth when you went off-camera at 33:15..The depth of the torque converter is no different at 33:25 when you come back and say you finally got it. I agree the TC is tricky to seat correctly.

[@50sKid]

Trust me it wasn’t there. It’s a very small amount that it moves in

[@johnstuart3851]

BTW, the Bentley has the measurement dimension from the bell housing mounting surface to the torque converter when the converter is installed all the way into the front pump.

[@gavdcookuk512]

I love your videos buddy, I’m also very glad I sold my E46 😆

[@robbiek5oh]

very satisfying to fix oil leaks! I wonder if my S54 has the same design?

[@dantheman1337]

Watched the whole thing. I.didn't even know thread sealant like that was a thing but do now. I wanna see you confirm it is definitely fixed! ( in like a week's time lol) What patience you have! Mind you i am derusting mine. I have the whole rear disassembled, axle carrier, drive shaft, exhaust, fuel tank, trailing arms, brake lines, it all. It is a whole different game in the UK as every welded thread, metal edge and around every hole is rusty after 18 years and just grows outwards under the polyurethane under coating.

[@50sKid]

Oh man, that sounds like a huge project. I will do a quick follow up after a month or so. Time for some E90 stuff though

[@dantheman1337]

@@50sKid Yes it is lol. I was just thinking it'd be a bit of surface rust here and there, particularly on the rear arches and it just escalated. I had the engine apart last year fixing the stuck lifters, doing the vanos and doing the M56 valve cover conversion (following your instructions! ).

[@50sKid]

@@dantheman1337 Nice, I actually bought a whole set of new lifters to replace mine because I've got one that sticks every once and a while. Figured it would be a nice self contained video as people probably don't realize the information exists in a different video with a different title.

[@redrock1963]

........and all that on the ground !! That's dedication.

[@hughrisdon7717]

It's extra work, but you could pull the transmission out from under the car and stand it up on the tail shaft to make it easier to install the torque converter.

[@50sKid]

Huge pain to get back up and onto the jack

[@herrerafoto]

Excellent!

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

Liked because of the DM shirt!

[@CocoLobo_]

2 years later but, YAYYY!!! 👍👍👍

[@TheEmpowerment1]

I like the new logo

[@burntnougat5341]

Damn you 50skid. I had just bolted the transmission to the engine but was unsure if I had used the appropriate thread sealant on the rear main seal bolt. Either way I dropped the trans yet again, found blue loctite on that bolt, cleaned and applied the Permatex thread sealant. Annoying but now I have peace of mind at least. Putting the trans back is such a bear of a job.

[@50sKid]

Glad I could help lol

[@davidkaye8712]

We live and learn every single day.

[@jonathanowen6147]

Brilliant!

[@gtcreels532]

Oh shit! Finally?

[@Circleinspace]

Thank you for sharing....

[@ApaX1981]

Unlikely....but again a great effort.

[@zafer7368]

I've watched so many of your videos and I really want a E46 now but I live in England, I'm scared to deal with the rust 😂 I've been looking at e46s here and they look good outside but as soon as you get under the car, they are rusted to hell, well there goes my dream

[@ddemier]

Love your content. Fix more things.

[@haribotoystory9890]

thank you very much, finally...

[@jeffkhoo106]

Good job... Cheers....

[@bH7146920789]

Long live King Jason..!!

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

LiquiMoly has an oil that has the UV dye on it, it comes on the green jugs. That is the one I use, some engines like on the Oldsmobile aurora it looks radioactive with all the leaks. 🤣🤣

[@sasamarjanovic8385]

Hi Jason I have seen a torque conversion being put on and to line it up as they pushed it on they keeped turning it to the left and this seated it on to the gear box. Not sure if this would be the same on the bmw but hope this helps

[@KnightSpirit001]

In search for possibility for my S54 leak lead me to this video and I just did clutch job and yes replaced rear main seal without putting new bolts to those two holes. My question after carefully watching this video is that if I removed oil pan and put hecka amount of sealant around that leaking corner of RMS will it solve the leak? Removing the transmission again just to re-seal those two bolts would be a huge job and pain (especially on jacks and stands). Thanks BTW for the great video!

[@darrellrobinson6178]

Hey Jason where can you get an engine overhaul kit for a 2.8 m52 engine

[@kellyanderson7115]

You should get into 3d printing! It's ideal for making one-time use seal drivers.

[@getitdonegarage]

In my opinion when you gonna do a big job such as this it is much easier to pull the complete engine out as one and work on it outside the car u have a better results and the bmw is very convenient as the front end disassembles to allow engine removal with little effort

[@getitdonegarage]

And it is possible to remove engine harness with engine at the same time without disc connecting the harness great content u have helped millions of people out there fix their cars and i am a fan of your work thank you for all that u do.god bless

[@judykovacs7192]

I have 2005 bmw 330ci..OIL LEAKING on exhaust pipe having burning oil smell in cabin.Changed valve cover gasket still problem exist.Any idea where is the leak coming from?

[@protomor]

I'm literally about to do this job in a few days. Which 2 bolts need the sealant? I see the bottom right. But also the one right above it? Just want to make sure. Thanks man!

[@50sKid]

The two larger ones with 13mm heads

[@josephguzman4737]

Prison mike ! Love the office shirt. Great content !