Weeping oil filter cap

DanMZe90 · 07-11-2022, 01:49 PM

OK, to fix the oil viscosity warnings I'm getting in Carly, I replaced the oil and filter this weekend.

However, I think I damaged the oil filter cap as, even though it wasn't leaking after a couple of test drives and a 40 minute/20 mile journey to work this morning, on the return journey this evening I notice a bit of oil that seems to have come from the top nut area. Please see attached picture. I initially used the wrong tool when trying to unscrew it (an adjustable spanner) which I think may have caused a very think crack in the top nut. It's possibly opening up enough in heat to leak which is why it is intermittent.

I'm guessing this can't be repaired as I don't reckon I could get it clean enough to use e.g. a thin superglue or epoxy.

So I think I need to get another filter cap.

I can get them on Ebay as just the cap:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393515979684

or as a complete and more expensive assembly:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203641995267

If I buy the cap, how easy is it to remove the central rod thing from the existing cap?

And, whatever I buy, will I need to get another new filter to get the three washers I've just replaced?

Stupidly I found out that I did have a socket large enough...so I'm feeling a bit of a d***head....

Thanks

Dan

DanMZe90 · 07-11-2022, 02:34 PM

If I punch my VIN into realoem I can see that the stem and cap are separate but I wonder if they are detachable once in situ?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_2328

If I purchase just the cap then all I'd potentially need is the cap gasket...

Phil325i · 07-12-2022, 08:08 AM

Whichever you buy it's essential you fit the long serrated piece, not just the cap. You will have a whole world of pain if you don't fit that piece as your engine won't reach the correct oil pressure and the VANOS will play up.

If you replace the cap only, make sure you swap the center piece over from your old cap.

DanMZe90 · 07-12-2022, 11:15 AM

Thanks, I've purchased a whole assembly just to be sure. I've managed to seal most of the hairline crack using some Zap thin CA superglue which seems to have stemmed the majority of the weeping whilst I wait for the replacement.

07-11-2022, 01:49 PM	#1
DanMZe90 Private First Class 20 Rep 107 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330D SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Devon iTrader: (0)	Weeping oil filter cap - fix or replace what? OK, to fix the oil viscosity warnings I'm getting in Carly, I replaced the oil and filter this weekend. However, I think I damaged the oil filter cap as, even though it wasn't leaking after a couple of test drives and a 40 minute/20 mile journey to work this morning, on the return journey this evening I notice a bit of oil that seems to have come from the top nut area. Please see attached picture. I initially used the wrong tool when trying to unscrew it (an adjustable spanner) which I think may have caused a very think crack in the top nut. It's possibly opening up enough in heat to leak which is why it is intermittent. I'm guessing this can't be repaired as I don't reckon I could get it clean enough to use e.g. a thin superglue or epoxy. So I think I need to get another filter cap. I can get them on Ebay as just the cap: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393515979684 or as a complete and more expensive assembly: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203641995267 If I buy the cap, how easy is it to remove the central rod thing from the existing cap? And, whatever I buy, will I need to get another new filter to get the three washers I've just replaced? Stupidly I found out that I did have a socket large enough...so I'm feeling a bit of a d***head.... Thanks Dan Attached Images
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07-11-2022, 02:34 PM	#2
DanMZe90 Private First Class 20 Rep 107 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330D SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Devon iTrader: (0)	If I punch my VIN into realoem I can see that the stem and cap are separate but I wonder if they are detachable once in situ? https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_2328 If I purchase just the cap then all I'd potentially need is the cap gasket...
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07-12-2022, 08:08 AM	#3
Phil325i Brigadier General 639 Rep 3,212 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Whichever you buy it's essential you fit the long serrated piece, not just the cap. You will have a whole world of pain if you don't fit that piece as your engine won't reach the correct oil pressure and the VANOS will play up. If you replace the cap only, make sure you swap the center piece over from your old cap. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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07-12-2022, 11:15 AM	#4
DanMZe90 Private First Class 20 Rep 107 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330D SE Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Devon iTrader: (0)	Thanks, I've purchased a whole assembly just to be sure. I've managed to seal most of the hairline crack using some Zap thin CA superglue which seems to have stemmed the majority of the weeping whilst I wait for the replacement.
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