N63 Engine Oil Leak

[Ryan5034]

I'm starting to have some issues with my 2011 N63 X5. I have an oil leak that was diagnosed as possibly the upper oil pan. but I have also seen some evidence that says it could be the oil return pipe from the turbo chargers. Apparently that leaks down the valley of the V and runs into the transmission bell housing. Which is where my leak "appears" to be from.

I already had the rear main seal changed, assuming it was done correctly, how can i tell whether it's an upper oil pan or the turbo oil lines? (other then tearing it apart)

[Hanebo]

Get an endoscope and confirm it is the turbo return lines. The linked video shows you how to confirm that you have oil in valley.

Good luck

[9vapors]

Originally Posted by Ryan5034

I'm starting to have some issues with my 2011 N63 X5. I have an oil leak that was diagnosed as possibly the upper oil pan. but I have also seen some evidence that says it could be the oil return pipe from the turbo chargers. Apparently that leaks down the valley of the V and runs into the transmission bell housing. Which is where my leak "appears" to be from.

I already had the rear main seal changed, assuming it was done correctly, how can i tell whether it's an upper oil pan or the turbo oil lines? (other then tearing it apart)

I had the turbo oil feed lines leaking, was charged $3,900 to have it all fixed... now I have a coolant leak. First they said from the coolant res, I replaced that, now they're saying it's my water pump... it never ends.

N63 Turbo oil line and return line replacement DIY Video https://www.xbimmers.com/forums/show....php?t=1524165

[Ryan5034]

Both are good videos thanks for sharing. So I'm starting to burn oil as well (valve stems). Should I fix the leak and move on or go for new engine.?

[9vapors]

Originally Posted by Ryan5034

Both are good videos thanks for sharing. So I'm starting to burn oil as well (valve stems). Should I fix the leak and move on or go for new engine.?

I mean if I was burning oil too, I would probably fix the leak and sell, buy another. A rebuild is expensive, but can be a better financial choice than selling... But that depends on your experience with it and your situation. You could have A shop diagnose why it's burning oil and see if it's worth it and what direction makes sense based on that.

[X5 MAN]

Using thicker oil in a high mileage vehicle helps stops oil leaks. 10w-40 Castrol

Using Liqui Moly oil save cans can be used to fill in the engine oil to regenerate valve stem seals.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Ryan5034]

Hanebo- Much thanks for the bore scope idea. I bought one and you can totally tell it's the turbo lines leaking.

Makes me happy because I can probably do this on my own and fix my car.

I am headed to the BMW dealer (4 hours away to get a recall done and a quote on the valve stem seals.

Thanks for the advice!

[heatmizr]

RYAN -
Pls post the dealer quote you got on the valve stem seals!
How many miles on yours? I have just over 50k on my '12.

[Ryan5034]

I have 92k miles right now. I will pick up the car on Saturday I'll try to post the quote if they give me something meaning full.

They gave me 2 options over the phone. 1. fix valve stem seals and turbo oil line leak for $11k. 2. Install new engine and various lines for $15k.

I'm up in the air right now on whether to sell it or keep it. If I keep it I'll fix the turbo lines myself (still burning oil from valve seals), If I get rid of it I have one offer for $8k trade in.

[Ryan5034]

If you want the dealer estimates I have them now. It's a big PDF though so PM me an email address and I'll share.

I'm going to keep my X5 and fix the oil leak. Ordered parts today from FCP Euro.

[Hanebo]

Good luck fixing the turbo lines, looks to be a nice weekend project. FCP Euro is awesome, I order all my stuff there!

[Thecastle]

Originally Posted by Ryan5034

I have 92k miles right now. I will pick up the car on Saturday I'll try to post the quote if they give me something meaning full.

They gave me 2 options over the phone. 1. fix valve stem seals and turbo oil line leak for $11k. 2. Install new engine and various lines for $15k.

I'm up in the air right now on whether to sell it or keep it. If I keep it I'll fix the turbo lines myself (still burning oil from valve seals), If I get rid of it I have one offer for $8k trade in.

I have an similar x5m. I’ve spent 10k (extended warranty) in oil leaks, valve covers, turbo oil lines, turbo oil return block, rear main seal, all pcv components, filtered air ducts, it never ends. I’d go do the new engine, if you keep the car.

My x5 4.8i smoked like the batmobile. It had bad valve stem seals. I tired multiple things, thicker oil, lucas leak stop, liqu moly etc. the one that worked the best and almost eliminated the smoke for me was at-205. https://www.amazon.com/ATP-AT-205-Re...eywords=At-205

None of these things stop the smoke if the seals are torn, but work well if they have simply lost their elasticity

All n62 and n63 need valve stem seals usually around 70k miles.

[Ryan5034]

Well I have started the process of tear down. I have all the engine partition out, radiator fan, air boxes, and O2 sensors. Need to try to get the intercoolers and alternator out next.

Found PCV hoses on drivers side were broken so I have more parts ordered now.

[Ryan5034]

Ok I decided I should fix the valve stem seals as well. 1. I can tell they are leaking by the residue left in the exhaust side of the heads. 2. I have so much of the engine torn apart.

Has anyone used the AGA Tool kit to do this? Wondering if you might have any tips for me. I have a rented tool kit coming on 9/21.

Any thoughts on using Elring gasket kit versus the BMW brand. AGA makes a mention of Elring having a better design.

[moritzio]

Hey all , I have a N63 X5 E70 with coolant evident in heads. I am wondering has anyone proved it possible to remove N63 heads from the E70 without dropping the engine? Is this possible even if more time consuming?

[JellyStyle]

Originally Posted by moritzio

Hey all , I have a N63 X5 E70 with coolant evident in heads. I am wondering has anyone proved it possible to remove N63 heads from the E70 without dropping the engine? Is this possible even if more time consuming?

it can be done, but its a ton of work and you need some muscle and a friend. Ask Sophisticated Redneck , he did his heads without dropping the motor.