One little oil drop once a week. What is this?!

[sdevil 0]

Hi guys,

Recently I found my 2002 e46 318i got a little oil splash on floor once a week. it's a little one, size about 4mm width and 20mm length, not round shape oil drop, and i noticed it a week ago. The first time I noticed this is when I turn my steering wheel from left to right then right to left in my carport. I saw there is a little oil drop on the floor after I turned steering wheel.

Then today when I drive to work, I get off the car pick something up, I noticed there is another drop on the floor, simillar shape and size.

When I bought the car, VTNZ report says under engine got minor oil seepage.

Is that mean my car start to engine oil leak? or something else? Because the shape doesn't look like normal engine oil drop?

Do i need to send to garage to check it out? It's only a little drop and only happened twice so far, not really want to spend too much $ on it.

This is my first bimmer, Since I got it, I have done the first service for about $700 for changing some stuff, then fix one sensor problem for $350, It's really nice car to drive, no doubt about it, but seems like it's a little $ spender.

Any suggestions guys?

Thanks in advance.

Edited November 1, 2010 by sdevil

[briancol 3]

This is your BMW leaving it's mark.

On a serious note, check your oil levels first and if they are alright then take it to a BMW service centre and get it checked out

[JaseNZ 53]

Best bet is get it up in the air get the splash guard off and have a look. I am betting a leak on one of your steering pump hoses.

[sdevil 0]

Do I really need to take this seriously or can I wait when it drop more?

How much usually cost to fix this kind of oil leaking?

[JaseNZ 53]

Do I really need to take this seriously or can I wait when it drop more?

How much usually cost to fix this kind of oil leaking?

Depends on what the leak is, If its one of the steering hose's then the price of a hose clamp.

Monitor your oil levels on everything to be on the safe side.

As the old saying goes an ounce of prevention save's you a sh*t load of money in the long run.

Edited November 3, 2010 by M-Spec

[sdevil 0]

Depends on what the leak is, If its one of the steering hose's then the price of a hose clamp.

Monitor your oil levels on everything to be on the safe side.

As the old saying goes an ounce of prevention save's you a sh*t load of money in the long run.

Hi M-Spec,

Thanks for your help.

I have checked engine oil last night, seems fine, engine oil level just about the max mark.

No idea how to check other oil levels.

[polley 916]

What colour is the oil?

[sdevil 0]

What colour is the oil?

It's brown colour.

I got pic here.

[Jacko 2084]

Mouse with the shits is my guess.

[Michael. 2312]

There are many places it can leak from.

Usually the most annoying place is the rear main seal, between the block and gearbox, so quite involved to replace it.

Edited November 4, 2010 by Achtzylinder

[*Glenn* 854]

To : sdevil

What engine is in your car ? M43, N42 or N46 ?

They all have different problems and would need to be checked professionaly by someone with BMW experience with these engines.

[sdevil 0]

Mouse with the shits is my guess.

I hope so.... but it's oil.

It's not strong smell.

[sdevil 0]

To : sdevil

What engine is in your car ? M43, N42 or N46 ?

They all have different problems and would need to be checked professionaly by someone with BMW experience with these engines.

Hi Glenn,

It's 2002 318i, I think it's N42 Engine.

I am just wondering the oil leak like this(only dropped 2 tiny one in 2 weeks), do I really need to send to garage? Or can I wait for maybe another few months to check it out?

[*Glenn* 854]

It realy depends on what is leaking, and what it's leaking on, under the bonnet. Are you in Auckland ?

[sdevil 0]

It realy depends on what is leaking, and what it's leaking on, under the bonnet. Are you in Auckland ?

Thanks Glenn,

Yes, It is leaking under the bonnet.

I am in Auckland, just considering do I need to spend another $$ to fix this at the moment.

[*Glenn* 854]

Thanks Glenn,

Yes, It is leaking under the bonnet.

I am in Auckland, just considering do I need to spend another $$ to fix this at the moment.

Give me a call tomorrow and we can arrange a time to look & give you the right advice without all the resident A.C.E's theorys

[Silver Fox 43]

You always spoil the fun Glenn.

[*Glenn* 854]

You always spoil the fun Glenn.

Dave... you would not believe how much I've held back over the last few weeks.. so much bullshit & so many arm chair experts and know alls on here ATM in so many of the subject threads. I might just stick to the HB's instead and I'm sick of policing photo sizes as well.

BTW Dave... it's 8 weeks now

Edited November 4, 2010 by *Glenn*

[Silver Fox 43]

Congrats Glenn, will pop in for a chat soon, just let them go, you know the ones who matter.

[Jacko 2084]

Dave... you would not believe how much I've held back over the last few weeks.. so much bullshit & so many arm chair experts and know alls on here ATM in so many of the subject threads. I might just stick to the HB's instead and I'm sick of policing photo sizes as well.

BTW Dave... it's 8 weeks now

Hey ive got a degree in Mus musculus fecal matter identification. Got it from an interwebs university.

If everyone knew everything, what would the point of a forum be?

[Silver Fox 43]

The point of the forum, IMHO, is to be social, and to help each other and show off our cars.

If you have good advice, give it, if you don't really know then keep it to yourself, no point in letting the rest of us know how little you actually know.

You mean one of these degrees?

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Edited November 4, 2010 by Silver Fox