E38 740 leaked oil when parked on a steep driveway

[bmwfan 0]

Hi

Had a NZ new E38 740 for over a year with no issues, and no oil leaks. Went to a mates place and parked for about 5 hours nose down on his very steep driveway (new house with a new concrete drive way - one of those pebble effect ones) and when we left there was an obvious pool of oil on the ground.

Turned on the engine, got no warning lights, turned on OK, backed up OK and checked oil on the level - OK. Drove home and next morning there were just a couple of oil spots on the drive way. I couldn't see any obvious place where the oil had come from, although there was oil on TOP of what I assume is some form of oil/sump tank. Got some foaming degreaser and cleaned the mess up. And now 2 days later ther isn't a sign of any further oil leaks.

Any ideas on what this could be - there shouldn't be any oil overflow should there?

Any any advice on a good product to clean up a mates driveway!

Thanks

[*Glenn* 854]

Possibly your power steering resevoir was over filled. Check it again after a few days driving. You might have to raise the vehicle, remove stone tray and check underneath. They are also prone for rocker cover gaskets, power steering and oil cooler hose leaks. With age the transmission gearchange shaft seals & wiring harness socket seals leak as well and only leak after the car is parked up after a run.

Edited February 2, 2009 by *Glenn*

[*Glenn* 854]

Any any advice on a good product to clean up a mates driveway!

We use a product called "Groom all" made by Enviro Chem. You can only buy it in bulk though. If your in Auckland I could sell you some. A customer had the same problem on his sons new drive. It worked a treat and is biodegradable

[bekker 7]

Is it possible that who ever did the last oil change was a bit messy and let some spill down onto one of the covers under the engine?

If they did, parking on a steep angle could have let some run down onto the driveway.

Might be worth checking anyway.

Cheers