BMW M54 Common Oil Leaks (E46/E39/E60/E83/E85)

Welcome to ShoplifeTV!
In this video I explain the common oil leaks that occur in a M54 engine. This can be used for E46, E39, E60, E83, E85. If you have any questions let me know.
Instagram: @ShopLifeTV
Oil Filter Housing Gasket DIY: • E46 Oil Filter Housing...
Music by Joakim Karud: / joakimkarud
Disclaimer: Not sponsored Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. When using any of the affiliate links I may get compensated for any products purchased using the link. This compensation does not affect my views on the product.

[@pam2147]

Great to see a young man with a focus. You presentation was excellent. I am in Japan and these E39 2003 are dirt cheap, because the maintenance is so high. Parts especially. The people don't do there own maintenance. Everything is left to the dealers. Keep up the good work.

[@ChooseLanes]

I did all of these gaskets to both of my e46's you covered everything.

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Greetings from Australia! I have been watching your videos for some time now. They are always informative, direct addressing to the exact matter in no time. Keep up the good work mate!

[@FoxFaderWorld]

Thanks for the quick overview. I got one of these after letting go my b8 A4 and this e46 has got some leaks. Thanks for the dipstick oring reminder.

[@acewelding]

Great video, just to add to what you have covered, I replaced my valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket, which had gone brittle and were leaking, I now have a leak from the exhaust cam sensor located on the front left hand side of the cylinder head just below the valve cover. Its just one bolt to undo and slip on a new O ring. Hope this helps as it could easily be mistaken for the valve cover gasket failure, so worth replacing before or as well as replacing the valve cover gasket. I replaced my gaskets using your tutorials, so thanks for posting.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thats great man! Thanks for adding sensor o ring!

[@jcerecke]

I've also replaced the valve cover gasket recently but still have an oil leak which I'm pretty sure is the camshaft position sensor o-ring. Will be getting a new one Monday.

[@sieve417]

Thank you for the help!! just learned about my current leak: "washers vanos oil line leaking e46"

[@antonytaylor6488]

Had a oil leak for some time really annoying as I cannot park on drive . Your vid really clear and helped me trace to oil filler gasket. You guys posting such clear info for us diyers to save £££ and keep our old 330 on the road is so helpful keep it up

[@SageF]

Hey man I gotta say your videos have saved my life when it comes to my car I have a 99 323 sedan I know it’s not the most popular e46 but it’s got a solid subframe and I got it for a great deal

[@bryanchance100]

Fantastic video!! Thank you so much. All your videos are incredibly helpful.

[@hungrychowhound11612]

love your Videos. I'm a late new commer to the e46. Your diy's have svaed me more times then I can count. I haven't completely thrown in the towel. I have on 02 325ci automatic. like they say knowledge is power. thanks for all you. I am your student.

[@alcolaco2042]

Absolute legend bro! This is my second comment on your channel. I don't need to turn to any other youtubers to learn about my e46. Great work, keep them videos rolling in 👍

[@surgeknight5725]

Good job on the video. I'm now using your diy videos to do my own diy on my BMW 320i e46

[@dragoselu87]

Really on point videos, focused and no rambling ❤

[@wondermoon6252]

Very informative brother!!!! thankyou for sharing your knowledge!!

[@Vgk36]

Thank you for posting this . Trying to chase down a leak and now I know exactly where to look!

[@giovargas895]

Great information as always !!! Greetings from Costa Rica.

[@gilbertoliveira4364]

Keep up the good work and great videos. So refreshing to see a young person know what they are talking about. You are very professional and knowledgeable. I hate watching videos put together by immature young kids who think they know what they are doing then laugh about it when things break or half fast the job. Too many bmw DIY youtubers on here that should be banned from youtube. You my friend are one of the best. Keep it up!! thumbs up....

[@aarms]

Your videos are extremely well done. I just replaced my oil filter housing gasket on my 2003 330i using your DYI as guidance; I am so stoked I found your videos. I haven't put oil back in my engine yet, because I'm afraid the oil pan gasket might actually be the culprit of a major oil leak that started immediately after giving my car a standard oil and filter change recently (which I have done half a dozen times with no issues). I saw evidence of oil leaking out of the oil filter housing on the "waffled" areas, but up on stands, I am noticing oil that has also leaked out of what appears to be the bottom of the engine, or the the oil pan essentially. Didn't see a DYI for the oil pan gasket on your page, have you done one?? Thanks for everything!!! I am also going to check the washers and those other areas you pointed out in this video. Keep up the good work.

[@jeraldojose9663]

Thank You for tutorials. I'm definitely would watch that particular things. Thanks for your advices.😁😁

[@chickenbone3755]

Far out dude I can't thank you enough. Wish I saw this sooner!

[@ytfeverguy8367]

very thorough and helpful. TY (2004 E83 3.0)

[@JeLifeCoach]

Thanks for this. Awesome video brother. I just bought a 2005 e83 and i had all of these problems. Paid a shop for oil filter gasket housing, valve cover gasket, vanos feed line, and a vacuum leak. Engine has 141K miles on it and I got it for $2400. Hoping it holds up w the repairs, oil change and new spark plugs. Could be a fun car to take family and dogs camping, to lake, etc.

[@robertking8585]

Great post, explained it simple.

[@Kaizengaragewerke]

Good visual. 👍🏼 Keep these videos coming! Thank you!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks, will do!

[@dennislyb]

Excellent video. Thank you for good info.

[@tonymeneses7068]

Tx Man! Very Informative and interesting!

[@latzkoworks]

It is very useful video, thanks for it!

[@AquaticLogic]

Sweet video man thank you!

[@queenslander954]

Thanks mate , you’re a bloody legend. 👊

[@INDRAMotorsport]

Man i love your videos especially with m54, you are saving me a loooot of time under the car. Thanks a lot and keep doing well with diy...

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Jiri INDRA Appreciate it, stay tuned for the complete disassembly series.

[@INDRAMotorsport]

+ShopLifeTV I will :)

[@BluePacificMedia]

Perfect video, appreciated!

[@ConcreteJungle7]

Your videos are saving me a lot of dough bro... Thank you! 👍😀

[@ShopLifeTV]

No problem man!

[@313boss]

Best video I very seen... Thanks alot I might i have to show this video to my mechanic hahah so he can fix my problem

[@michaelbennett8847]

What happened as an oil leak for me (small, but noticeable) was the exhaust camshaft sensor. It dripped onto the coolant hose.

[@AndyNav1]

Thanks for this informative video as usual. On my 06 x5 3.0i there's oil leak around oil deflector. It's not shown on your video. What is deflector and how is it replaced? Thanks

[@Mnme63]

Nice channel, quite helpful! Recently bought an 05 520i with the 2.2, need to replace valve cover gasket cuz of oil leak, but any idea why in my last 5 weeks (3000miles/5000km) I've already added 3 liters/ quarts of 5w30 oil :( They can't be that bad?

[@stubbk3]

Looks like I'll be doing all of these as a first job on mine .. Winter driveway fun lol

[@fontainea8276]

Good video, question. What about when you're having an oil leak from the O-ring that's inside of the cap? Is it possible to get a thicker and diameter O ring with the same circumference or what's the problem?

[@mehranm2]

Excellent video

[@edwinriveraoriginal]

Love your's videos...awesome

[@brainfleming8756]

Thanks so much dude!

[@jonathanlau5433]

Hi, it is a great video. I just changed the valve cover gasket, but while trying to discount the CCV breather tube, I accidentally broke it. Would you please tell if there is a way to just replace that breather tube without going through the whole process of replacing the CCV. My CCV system was just replaced a year ago. Thanks.

[@alexandercabrera5322]

Ty for a great video very interesting. I have a question I have an oil leak but nothing major unless I ride on the highway then when I park the car big size putle of oil on the floor by the way e60 with the m54 any input would be great ty

[@CarModsGarage]

Nice video 👍!

[@kodithorn4053]

Great video thanks

[@Djsatile]

Earned my subscription

[@tallerguanaco9485]

hey thanks for your videos, I have a question ' I hava 2003 325xi and I would like to know how to change the oil pan gasket thanks

[@brianlee4503]

Great video

[@martinruiz7475]

Great tips

[@RashawMusic]

Thanks fam 💯

[@salehbyatra4707]

Thanks its appreciated Best Regards Saleh

[@christinegreen7120]

I have a front crank shaft seal leak on my E46 2003 320i sedan. Do you have an instructive video showing how to do this? I have found your videos very good value but cannot find one covering this seal replacement.

[@yadirabella1]

yes I did it i I replaced both banks and the crankcase hose kit

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Trino Munoz When you first turn your car on, do you have any white or blue smoke? Also when you accelerate?

[@asengeorgiev9326]

Thanks Bro

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Thank you

[@MrHengDoItAll]

Do you have video ( how to replace oil pan gasket on e90 ) thank you

[@crusifficadus]

Mostly the cracks around bold #2 from the top left (front view) got 3 valve cover broken on the same spot

[@victoranguiano7401]

Does this also have a small o ring by the headers that can cause a oil leak ? I think you said in your other video but it was for an m3 that is best to buy a vitalic o ring replacement. I have a 04 330i

[@oniel9]

thanks bro !!!

[@diasporaman5419]

This kid is awesome

[@chadrowley1242]

Hey love your videos. I have a 2007 BMW 550i 4.8l v8. I have a massive oil leak. I found some oil on the passenger side valve cover. But I think there has to be a bigger leak. Can you tell me the common areas the v8 leaks from. I'll look at the oil pan today. Also my car says it's full of oil. So could I be getting a bad reading? I just bought this car and thought I was getting a pretty good deal. But not know.

[@user-ej4ur8xp5v]

did you fix it now Chad?from where came the oils leaks?i have the same to my 545i 2007

[@YeseniaLopez-cq9dy]

E46 Guru 💪💪💪

[@matt270avian]

Can you do a video on installing cams? I picked up a 3 liter intake cam for my 2.5 and was wondering what exactly needs to be done to install it. I've seen people doing both cams and needing the fancy alignment tools, is this the same case for just doing the intake?

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Matt Thompson You can probably get away with rigging up something to avoid buying the timing tools, but I would rather just be safe and buy them. I'm not familiar with swapping the cams from a 3.0 to a 2.5, but I will be making disassembly videos for the M54 so that may help. Stay tuned

[@atobsky]

Great video and I subscribe to your channel--love the work and the camera takes. I have the m54b30. i started the car, switched it off went to lock the gate, got back and it would not start. Got a local mechanic to check it out. He stripped it and the valves bent on cylinder 6, replaced and built engine back. Started the engine and it was smoking like a chimney with oil dropping from the exhaust and oil light flashing on the dashboard. Please help what can i do. it idles very well and does not seem to lose power when idling but lack power when being driven. please help i am in Nigeria so not a lot of specialist tools or expert like you here. thanks, the car did not overheat even after he coupled the engine back,

[@kennyspringer7668]

Do I have to replace the whole Oil Vanos Line or just the Crush Washer cuz I replaced it once not too long ago

[@hellxxslayer9660]

My e46 is leaking on the backside of the motor it constantly drips even if I done drive it for a week it’s a steady leak over a week time it’s 2quarts low I’ve inspected the oil pan it’s fine I think it’s the gasket or rear main but I was told that the rear main would only leak when running so what would you say should I just do oil pan gasket or just pull the transmission and do rear main

[@frizz1010]

I ve changed all what you explain on my m54b25 ! What a leeking engine ☹️

[@adrianedhouse5175]

Hi Jason. Would this be similar with my N46B20 engine? Got myself a bit of a leak and think it could be the OIl Filter Gasket. No oil drips on the exhaust shields so I don't think its the valve cover gasket. Oil is getting on the drive belt which then distributes it around the engine bay (mainly in line with the belt's direction of travel). The Filter is directly above the Drive Belt so I'm thinking that it is the culprit.

[@adrianedhouse5175]

FYI - BMW = 2005 318i - Not brought out in North America I think so you might not be familiar with it. Same shape as the rest of the E46 series but with the 2 litre 4 cylinder N46 engine (and other variants along the way).

[@herrbrahms]

It's strange that the rear main seal leaks on this engine, but everyone says the front main seal is solid. Do you have an opinion on why this is the case?

[@ramazkutateladze538]

Hi I get a high oil consumption from my X5 M54 engine.. as you might know it has dual-oil pan.. so I have to add 1 liters of oil per 2000 KM.. is that normal?

[@fuadmemmedoff88]

hello Which of the BMW e60 engines is better and more durable?

[@DankUraniumYT]

I went a head and installed a metal version of the valve cover gasket

[@pam2147]

Actually I saw oil puddles in the waffle section of the block, but I had already replaced the Oil filter gasket. So I was not happy. I used a very bright light and it now appears that the oil is coming from the CCV. Do you think a leak from the CCV would end up on the waffles?

[@ShopLifeTV]

+pam2147 It could, maybe if the hose that goes to the oil dipstick was severed off.

[@pam2147]

Thanks. Keep up the great work. If you ever come to Japan let me know.

[@kartooni]

*Noce vidéo dude, you must take off the engine to see all the trouble?*

[@kennyspringer7668]

Also would this give me a rough idle in any way

[@robertdaniel4804]

Hello, does the M54B30 have a oil cooler ? I can.t find it :((

[@magnetdc1966]

Hi 1360 miles 1.5 liters Is engine oil supplement normal? BMW E60 525I M54

[@garaiselvis]

NIce, but you did nod mention the oil rings on pistons. On m54 they wear out faster. A common thing on m54 engines. A lots of vids about this on youtube.

[@Swagga723]

I've changed my valve cover gasket and I'm still having oil leaking on the rear shield and sensor. It's driving me nuts. What else could be causing that. M54 engine, 2001 BMW 325i

[@DriftEmigrant]

Did you put silicone before put the cover back with new gasket?

[@josebarajas1850]

Sometimes the cover themselves get hairline cracks

[@InJesusNameAmen143]

QUESTION....... CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF I HAVE TO PUT OIL IN THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING AFTER DOING THE OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET . .ALL THE OIL THAT WAS INSIDE MY OIL FILTER HOUSING LEAKED OUT DUE TO THE GASKET BEING BAD. SO AFTER I INSTALLED THE GASKET AND PUT EVERYTHING BACK TOGETHER NOW NOT SURE IF I HAVE TO PUT OIL IN THERE . AS IT USED TO HAVE ALOT OF OIL IN THAT HOUSING AND NOW ITS EMPTY. I NOW THAT THE OIL WOULD TRAVEL THERE TO FILTER OBVIOUSLY BUT SOMEHOW AFTER I CHANGED GASKET IT SEEMS TO BE EMPTY EVEN AFTER DRIVING. MAYBE IM JUST LOW ON OIL (?) SHOUL I PUT OIL IN THERE ? IM USING OW-40 CASTROL . INCASE THAT MAKES ANY DIFERENCE. CAN ANYONE HERE WITH AN E46 ANSWER ME . PLEASE AND THANK U IN ADVANCE. 330CI E46 CONVERTIBLE 2003 PRE-FACELIFT. INLINE 6 M54 ENGINE I BELIEVE . 190K MILES. OIL LIGHT COMES ON AT START UP . THEN AFTER 2 MINUTES IT TURNS OFF . I CHANGED THE OIL LEVEL SENSOR UNDER THE CAR . STILL LIGHT COMES ON . GOT TO CHECK FOR MORE OIL LEAKS . I DID VALVE COVER AND OIL FILTER HOUSING .

[@dvgemona]

hy, can you make a e46 2.0 diesel engine general maintenance!? thanks

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Gemona Mirza Hey, I am not really familiar with the 2.0 diesels. Thanks for watching!

[@benegal9063]

👌👌

[@Jasongy827]

My oil gasket is messed up. I check my oil pan it’s good I turn on AC I don’t smell burning oil

[@cameron1975williams]

My 2004 Z4 clutch starts slipping when I top the oil up to maximum on the dipstick.. My theory is the rear main crank seal is leaking and thus contaminating the clutch. Does this sound plausible?

[@jameswalsh5683]

plausible yes

[@RichSheffey]

Leaking oil filter cap is also real common

[@2003bmw530i]

Hi, I have a 535i and I noticed simens vdo on the bottom that is leaking. Any thoughts what that is? I have a picture Thank you

[@ShopLifeTV]

Send me a picture on instagram @ShopLifeTV

[@773steve]

This car the Same as 525I 2003?

[@eastsideofthetracks8311]

My car burns oil wayyy to much I just did a oil change and checked the dip stick a week after and it was almost dry please help me

[@beber0721]

Why i have so many vapor and water at the exhaust all the time ?

[@bobbymann123]

Hey bud. I have an oil leak that is bugging me on my left hand drive 2005 e60 530d in South Africa Cape Town. The Bmw mechanic that works on my car from home says it’s the main seal oil gasket and that my car needs to go onto a lift which he does not have at home and my entire suspension must be removed in order to fix the problem. Not worth the costs he says as I go thru about 2 liters of additional oil thru the year. Which makes sense, but annoys me when it drips in my garage. Is there perhaps a quick fix around this. I service my car regularly and only use the 5w40 oil from Bmw. Please help

[@InJesusNameAmen143]

What in the world you doing in cape town . Thats awsome.

[@RemixMonster]

Recently bought a bmw e46 and oil leaks. I replaced the vavle cover gasket and still see smoke all around the headers. Help.

[@jaded804]

Ghost Kxng same have you gotten it figured out ?

[@yadirabella1]

yes only sometimes

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Trino Munoz Any check engine lights? Or any oil leaks?

[@yadirabella1]

Only check engine light

[@ShopLifeTV]

+Trino Munoz What are the codes?

[@yadirabella1]

check engine light disappeared. But now the car said right back light malfunction I don't know why

[@rabilkerimov4652]

Hi. My car is running out of oil. Please help Please, E39, 2002

[@RMAJGaming]

he says M54... but from what i can tell thats the same engine in my E46 which is a M52. whats the difference? would all these common oil leaks be the same on the M52 is there more or less.? id like to know because i just replaced my oil pan gasket and its still dripping oil. please someone who knows, help me.

[@209xKiiNG]

I'm starting to hear ticking from what sounds like the bottom of the engine. Any thought?

[@ShopLifeTV]

+carlos mejia What year and model?

[@209xKiiNG]

+ShopLifeTV 03 325i

[@ShopLifeTV]

Does the ticking sound increase with rpm?

[@wahedminnas7523]

So you can say the whole engine is leaking and must do engine refurbishment or docking.

[@ArianBehzadian]

yall think its safe to buy a 2001 5 spd 320 that has 400k on the body with a few small spots of rust, clutch is solid ,drives solid, but engine was rebuilt at 250k. interior is exceptionally clean considering the age. seller is asking 800 im gonna offer 400 hoping to land at 500 since the definitely needs a new windshield, rims and tires think its a safe project buy?

[@kevinpoirier6490]

Bro where are you from I have an oil leak and god help me to find a mechanic that knows what he's doing on BMW's. I've been to 3 different ones none can give me an answer

[@brendam455]

how do I know what kind of engine I have . I have a bmw 325ci 2001

[@ShopLifeTV]

you have an m54b25

[@brendam455]

Do you think I showed replace the AUX fan blade or the Whole AUX fan housing that comes with the fan. My current fan does not move freely.

[@myvenusinuranus]

I have an E46 and the valve cover is leaking......the oil pan is leaking.....and the oil filter housing O ring is leaking why can't BMW make a car that doesn't leak everything?