MOST Misdiagnosed Oil Leak On BMW E46 M3 (CPV O-Ring DIY)

This video is about the most misdiagnosed oil leak on BMW E46 M3. Usually people mistake it for oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, or rear main seal.
Upgraded CPV O-Ring Kit:
• MOST Misdiagnosed Oil ...
S54 Playlist (Vanos Bulletproofing and More):
• S54 E46 M3 Videos
Ultimate E46 M3 Torque Values Guide:
drive.google.com/file/d/1elAi...
Merchandise: www.shoplifetv.com
Instagram: @ShopLifeTV
/ shoplifetv
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.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Special Thanks to ShopLifeTV’s New “Joined” Members: “Cutting Edge Cool” “Amadeo Maya” “Michael Hector” “Richard de Ruiter” “BJ Anthony Laqui” “Juan Ayala” “Adam Sturgill” (To become a member, click the “join” button next to the subscribe button and check out the perks!)

[@willlopez7319]

ShopLifeTV hi where is your shop located? And how can I have my car checked by you? Love your work and the channel. Thanks

[@blackmancer]

just wondering if you need to drain the oil to do this?

[@michaelhall9138]

I don't see a "join" button...

[@neb-co2cs]

Michael Hall you need to do it on laptop or pc not showing on mobile.

[@ShopLifeTV]

no you don't. I mentioned it in the video

[@pnum9618]

this guy is a great communicator speaks clearly no B.S. and knows what the hell he is doin

[@BryanChance]

That's where my car is leaking from. I thought it was the rear main seal. Thank you man.

[@friguy4444]

Amazing. No one in any forum or any shop that I've read or been to has ever even mentioned this valve. The first thing I've heard from any place is oil leak must be your ........or anything but never this valve. Thanks big time for pointing this out and showing us this. I am putting on catless headers soon so I'll do this at the same time. You Rock!!

[@enforcementofficer4802]

This guy is straight to the point - love the videos - thanks for making them :)

[@dubvalver]

was just laying under the car about to do the smg motor, i was worried when i saw oil. come to youtube and shoplife has come through again with another e46 video. thanks!

[@onewontdo]

My shop just misdiagnosed this exact thing as oil pan + valve cover gasket leak. Thank God for your video! Your tutorials are saving my neck so much with my e46 M3. Cheers!

[@timothysmith1460]

Glad you guys are back. Thanks for your most informative videos, it really helps us diy guys. I've learned that the only way to keep my bmw is to work on it myself. I enjoy it actually, it's a love/hate relationship.. 😁

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Timothy

[@mattandallthings]

Luv this dude. Got everything covered when if comes to the E46. To the point and informative. Great work champ.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks man!

[@dulanawijeratne413]

Fking love this channel

[@KevinWillemse]

Your videos are great. No BS, real help for real DIY wrenchers. Much appreciated.

[@davidmiller805]

Just found this video. Thanks! Saved me a lot of work finding the leak on my wife's M3.

[@bsouza1675]

Jason, thanks so much. I have a E46 M3 and an oil leak. The viton hack is super!! 14.5 x 1.5....will do. As always, excellent VID.👍

[@gasratzcustoms]

Where did you find them?

[@gustavojuarez2862]

Was having a great day giving my e46 it's general maintenance. And as I was detailing wheels noticed it was slightly leaking oil. Thanks for the informational video!

[@matts826]

Replaced this seal just on the back of watching this video, and it's sorted out the problem first time around, top man! Thanks

[@gasratzcustoms]

Where did you find them?

[@dr.lector1091]

You are the Godfather of E46 and i had good luck because i own a 330i e46 and a 530i e39 and do all repairs and maintenance with Your help. Thank You very much for Your informative videos. I suck every BMW video from You like a dry sponge. I wish You all the best and good luck. Much greetings from germany.

[@rob961988]

This job was so easy, thanks bro saved me some cash

[@jasonheisler6381]

Dude! I was about to replace my oil pan gasket until I saw this video! Thank you so much for posting this!

[@edwardhello1197]

Man your an intelligent guy! Explanations are very good. Thanks bro! 👍

[@franciscoribeiro6223]

This guy is the best, Bmw specialist, trully know it all, if anybody has any questions about bmw, this guy has done.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks bro

[@rickh1634]

On the M54 - I just had a low oil pressure light come on (red oil can). I recently replaced Oil Filter Housing Gasket and Pressure Sensor. I bought the sensor from a budget car parts store here in the UK (Eurocarparts) - what happened: the pressure sensor failed and allowed oil through, this caused quite a leak and fouled up the sensor connector. I bought an OEM sensor, cleaned everything up and so far so good. Lesson - OEM is expensive for a reason, you pays your money, you makes your choice. Great videos - they have helped me so much, thank you.

[@PazLeBon]

That 'reason' is cos they are greedy bastards, not really any other 'real' reason. Sure, the rights and quality (usually made in same places) add value and yes can be more expensive but 400% more mark up than other manufacturers? Mehh In twenty years everyone will be driving Chinese electric cars, some of these huge companies will fall by the way side I suspect. Unless everyone is suddenly out of austerity across the world :_

[@alexo1226]

Love you videos man !! Keep up good work 👍🏼🎉👍🏼🎉 solid information

[@ShopLifeTV]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@NGAAutoTV]

Great video! My Z4M has a leak towards the rear and I bet this is what I need to fix.

[@jstevens74]

My E60 has a similar slow leak like that. Will check it out. Thank you! Great videos.

[@OKCFittySix]

Exactly where my Z4 M is leaking from. Thanks so much!

[@jojoesteezy3301]

Great video and really appreciate you sharing

[@richardrumplik7023]

Great Job that’s a hell of a hard place to find $$$ I replaced my valve cover gasket . But now I will ck this out on my engine.

[@MateoKelley-nd2jp]

great video, you are well spoken and articulate. great job.. thanks

[@gregmtech]

its been the same issue since the S50 ;) and dont forget to check that pesky chain tensioner screw behind the water thermostat housing. so many think its their vanos leaking when its a loose screw.

[@MLZ59]

Hey, great video! After seeing this video, I decided to do it myself! Only 1 big problem, I ordered from ECS tunning all the parts . After 3 weeks waiting and lied by their employs, that they are getting the order together and shipping it right away, I'm still getting the email from them that some of the parts will arrive to their warehouse next Monday. And this is 3d Friday in the row! The worst company I ever saw!

[@cuel347]

definitely knows his stuff and explains

[@TheKeenMechanic]

Love your videos and the right arm moves too lol

[@dannyDC2]

cheers for the video man, top info

[@johannjohann6523]

Great video. New subscriber. well done thanks.

[@amana1480]

Well done for this video. You didn't explain what viton is and why it's better. "Viton® fluoroelastomers perform extremely well. With that in mind, this rugged rubber is ideally suited for applications requiring hard-wearing O-rings, gaskets and seals. Viton® might just be the most durable and high performance rubber material that you’ve never heard of."

[@angelchavez4601]

👍 I enjoy your video very helpful thanks

[@lynnbell6374]

Great vids keep it up

[@bsouza1675]

Excellent vid👍👍👍👍👍

[@spencerh1813]

Dude your the bomb!

[@MrCuckoobox]

Thanks for sharing.........BMW should been using Viton Seals since 2000 but I guess that would have cost the "Stealerships" too much $$$ in repairs.....

[@malayaleeking]

Thanks for the great video. How do I confirm that this is the problem? Will I see oil dripping rapidly, it gradually, build up on cover? I see a gradual slow leak right now.

[@johnkruse5782]

Please do a Video on the oil temperature on my 2004 BMW M3. The oil temp gauge in the Custer dose not work I am not sure were the sending unit is. you do a great job and I have used your videos quite a bit.

[@KKE1978]

I have an e39 530i and i wonder if i have that coz i have an oil leak that i think its rear main seal. And this guy is a guru in bmw. I wish i lived near his business..i would be a customer for life.

[@colinfairclough1653]

Just changed my lower suspension arm and lollipop and I noticed a small amount of oil right there next to the bell housing, was worried but now I think this looks like it could be the problem

[@ElshadiGaming]

Thanks bud..

[@bmerboy2540]

“Hey there’s something wrong with your ride. You left a huge oil leak at the start line. You have to end the race fast.” -Mia

[@robcik8330]

nfs :P

[@gloglo1275]

Thanks . Bmw wanted $812 to do this on my e46 m3!!!! Wow

[@mattbliven5345]

Good video

[@olatundeolaku9990]

Hi I used a bmw E46 and I enjoyed the car so much, what other bmw can u recommend that is also as reliable as the E46.

[@babifunkstercakesz]

Can you please link the viton o rings I've been going crazy looking for the exact ones you have please and thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@aldinjohnson4647]

good job 👍

[@falconidaes]

No BS, no wasting time! Keep it simple.

[@hiloeq5161]

Hell yeah, I thought I had a rear main seal leak in my m3, looks like it’s just this!

[@gerry.mcginty]

Great work, very informative, super clear and concise! I have an engine il leak from somewhere high up in or around that same area on my 2008 bmw X3 E83 M47 engine,wonder if my engine also has this type of valve

[@l.t.9297]

Hello can you tell me please if a bmw e46 M47 has something like this?

[@l.t.9297]

Hello can you tell me please if e46 M47motor has such a valve?

[@PMonyy]

Man I wish you was in Brooklyn I really like all your videos plus I don’t trust no mechanic but you lol

[@jocalibusohump]

Good job

[@shameerrrrr4980]

Bro can you do a video on how to fix maf harness for e46 330ci..I think I've pulled the harness abit too hard now I'm getting circuit error code

[@user-km7yx7zh8f]

Hi me i have same problem thanks to shop life 👍

[@Fhantom99]

FYI: Non-M3 E46s --> NO CPV

[@Nardology]

bump

[@petereacmen716]

You want to get a drag link socket. It should fit more snug than your typical flathead socket.

[@Photostudioww]

There's a McDonald's near me. 🤷 Just playing.😂 Great info 👍

[@darinworthington]

Did this a couple of years ago on my E46 M3. Very tight space to get into, and the car has to be cold too.

[@csuxak47]

any ideas why my s54 valve cover moist in a few areas and around oil filler cap, alrdy did crankcase pressure test and all good

[@edyarliangga]

thanks

[@aksman1964]

Done mine last year

[@spaMicah]

does this also apply to the M54 engine?

[@fearthereaper5663]

Hello this can cause oil burning smell and smoke? Thanks a lot and cheers

[@kingme6109]

Do this work for the N62 E64 engine I hope I have that right for my 645 bmw I’m thinking about shopping it to u

[@vijaystylesz23]

Link to part? I have the exact oil leak and thought it was those 3 but realized it's the valve o ring

[@spicetv1657]

Hi have 1 question Where is located coolant temperature sensor on e46 316i 2001 model

[@34813ctr]

I have a question for you - I have a 95 318ti - it will start but dies almost immediately once it warms up I can get it to idle with a little help of using the gas peddle once in a while. Just above the airfilter there is a metal part with what looks like a black mirror on top and a screw on/off line beside it. I removed that and the motor idles pretty good and does not stall. I have a picture of that part but just dont know what it is called. Was wondering if you could help me Burt

[@jyeung528]

Do you know of any potential misdiagnosed rms, oil pan, leak for the M54 2.5L?

[@humble1835]

Hey where are you located? Honest mechanics are like good doctors, hard to find.

[@ujacka55]

I’ve found the CPV but can’t get it to turn and stripped it a little. Would soaking it in penetrating oil help to loosen it?

[@1Mokkan]

Can this cause oil to leak onto the headers? I've replaced the VCG so far, but the oil leak is still present and I've got plenty of smoke when stopped.

[@oni5909]

i’m not sure but mine has been leaking for a minute like the under panel but like idk since when but how long do you think it’s be bad if you haven’t treated it yet?

[@JohnLee-qi9xs]

Hey man. I had a bad leak after i replaces all my spark plugs. I was told it’s either the CPV and/ chain tensioner. I ordered both but now I’m doubting if it’s either considering that it most of the leak seemed to be settling towards to front of the motor on the passenger side. Help!

[@paulmarriner5906]

Hello can you show how to remove Windscreen washer reservoir on m3 e46 please Regards

[@nelsonlamb4086]

I have a e60 with N54 motor with a small leak in the rear of the motor. Is this valve repair applicable to the N54? Thanks.

[@pinti3333]

Does this o ring exist on the M54B22 engine too?? Please I need a quick answer!

[@migsolli873]

Hey man! Ive been trying to find where my cpv valve is. Does this apply on 01 325i? Or just m series? Hope you can help me out cause ive been trying to locate where that cpv is. Thanks

[@smooveking773]

on my m52 my belt tensior was lose i see that the bolt is compleatly snapped of the engine block well is it the block or a bracket? looks like it part of the oil housing was next to the alt

[@kirklandfunz]

I love my bmw so much and can’t drive it rn bc it’s throwing coolant behind the crank wheel

[@Sunny-me1xq]

My bmw x6M 2014 leak oil upper oil pan so does dealership told me but after I watched your video that’s caused it does my x6M has 1 where it locate pls and thanks

[@wvadam]

He is pretty smart if he knows about Viton and he is right it will outlast any standard rubber oring ususally made from buna or nitrile. Im glad he spoke about where he got it because it can be difficult to find exact sizes in that material and when you just go to an auto shop you will probably take whatever they got.

[@michaelatkinson3871]

Wow, I am glad to see this video. I was thinking that I had a rear main seal leaking. The oil is leaking right from where he showed. I will replace the CPV valve and see if it fixes the issue. FCP Euro or ESC Tuning part 11111318185 is the whole valve and seal. $51.00USD for the valve and seal. I am just replacing the valve and seal because if you have an aged motor like mine, 175k, just replace the old parts.

[@deltacharlieecho4732]

Is this exclusive to the S52 or does the M52 have this issue as well?

[@fiatlux4265]

If you're rebuilding your S54 block, do NOT forget to check to see if the machine shop inserted the oil galley plugs back in prior to giving it back to you! They commonly take these out to clean the galleys of dirt & debris. This will cause a massive oil leak & lead to engine failure rather quickly!

[@panchovilla7931]

I need help on my 2008 550i it just started smoking out of the exhaust and it started oil leak when its running

[@silviataylor92]

Hi, Should you warm up your car in really cold weather??

[@Mike-Minion]

so where does one purchase a single o-ring? I can only find big bags full. I only need one.

[@joaari1]

Does this o ring the same for non “M”, e46 coupes as well?

[@mirzha001]

My e46 325i only leaks when it’s off I small amount of oil though I don’t know what it is .

[@AhmedAli-lv5wo]

Where is your garage located mate? I have bmw 1 series, oil leaking from underneath the car but not from the engine sure. What’s your suggestion would be?

[@jongkeunlee]

Is this only for M3 motor or for any E46 m54 engine? Thank

[@errolc69]

Is this exclusive to the M3 or it goes for all e46 models?

[@chicagobulls4517]

You should drop trusted links you buy or would buy from in your videos

[@benberk8541]

I might have this issue on my 2001 bmw x5

[@marvinvanstaden1929]

I need help with a 2001 e46 330d , car has no oil leak except on or from the intercooler , why is that ?

[@Duzzer_One]

Is this something that's only on the M3 or could this be a potential leak in the 325ci engine?

[@zeema1ik]

hi may i ask a question about my e46 2001 auto convertible. i have been tiring to fix the issue for about 5 months and still no luck. showed to different mechnics even bmw could not find fault in diagnostic. basically it cuts off while I'm waiting on red light as i suppose to drive off it cuts off it starts straight away after that though. red oil light comes up on the dash even the oil level is okay. so far i have replaced new plugs , new coils, cleaned venos censor, egg valve, none of the hose pipe have a leak, change camshaft sensor, changed oil pressure sensor too, used heavy duty injector cleaner recommended by 2 mechanics drove on motorways that made the drive much better but problem is still there, also changed fuel filter too. please please could you assist in this matter?