[raptor_f22]

Hi all,

Noticed this a while back when cleaning my engine bay...hasn't got any worse from what I can tell but don't know if I should be concerned about it or not? It looks 'wet' like there's oil leaking from somewhere or an oil mist has been developing in that area.

My first BMW so don't know my way around the engine bay fully yet.

Any advice appreciated!

[MattOz]

Looks like the fairly typical oil leaking from the inlet manifold area. Most likely to be swirl flaps and associated gaskets. Not a massive job, but a bit fiddly. Would be ideal to replace the flaps with blankers if not already done.

[raptor_f22]

Okay thanks - cars going into TWG soon so may as them to take a look. What should I expect to happen if I just leave it as it is?

[tobeski]

Had the same issue with mine, this is what it looks like with the manifold off.



Two options: buy some blanking plate or re-seal the swirl flaps with tiger seal. I went for the second option as the swirl flaps were fine.

Easy job, but allow a couple of hours labour if someone else is doing it to removed all the parts etc

No real harm if you don't fix it, but it'll just keep blowing oil out through the seals and over the engine, will get worse too as the seal get worse I guess.

[raptor_f22]

Originally Posted by tobeski

Had the same issue with mine, this is what it looks like with the manifold off.



Two options: buy some blanking plate or re-seal the swirl flaps with tiger seal. I went for the second option as the swirl flaps were fine.

Easy job, but allow a couple of hours labour if someone else is doing it to removed all the parts etc

No real harm if you don't fix it, but it'll just keep blowing oil out through the seals and over the engine, will get worse too as the seal get worse I guess.

cool picture, thanks for your help! I took the car to TWG this morning to get Will's thoughts. Going to get blanking plates put in, replace gaskets and do a glow plug service at the same time. Hopefully that should sort it out and I needed the plugs doing anyway

[mjn77]

I have a similiar leak. Where does the actual oil come from though?

[tobeski]

Originally Posted by mjn77

I have a similiar leak. Where does the actual oil come from though?

The swirl flap seals leak, common fault. Located at the bottom of the manifold (can't see them without removing the manifold).

Boost pressure blows it through the seals.

[mjn77]

If its swirlflaps leaking then i'm covered under warranty, so will get it booked in with BMW.

[raptor_f22]

Unfortunately mine won't be covered under warranty. Swirl flap blanking + glow plug service is coming to around £250 I think.

[mjn77]

How comes warranty won't cover it?

[raptor_f22]

Originally Posted by mjn77

How comes warranty won't cover it?

Well, I assume it wouldn't. Car doesn't have full stealer history from past owners and my last experience going to the local stealer shows it's not even worth having a conversation about this.

[mjn77]

I'd double check mate.

I asked BMW warranty about swirl flaps oil leakage and got this reply back;

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email. I can advise that the Swirl flaps are covered under the comprehensive warranty for a mechanical or electrical failure.

However the vehicle will need to be diagnosed at a BMW Centre to confirm the failure, and be processed to the claims teams for them to determine if this is covered.

Kind Regards

Lisa Smith
Finance & Insurance Sales Co-ordinator

[raptor_f22]

Originally Posted by mjn77

I'd double check mate.

I asked BMW warranty about swirl flaps oil leakage and got this reply back;

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email. I can advise that the Swirl flaps are covered under the comprehensive warranty for a mechanical or electrical failure.

However the vehicle will need to be diagnosed at a BMW Centre to confirm the failure, and be processed to the claims teams for them to determine if this is covered.

Kind Regards

Lisa Smith
Finance & Insurance Sales Co-ordinator

That's interesting, let me know how you get on. Which local dealer is this and who did you email to get that response back?

As well as what happened when I went in with my cracked alloy I've also been put off by the various stories on people going to BMW to get this done under warranty only to be told things like "the whole manifold needs replacing, £600 please as it's not covered under warranty"

I just find the stealers inconsistent in the approach and methods.

[mjn77]

That is Specialist Cars in Stevenage.

I was in there a couple of weeks ago and one of the reps said the manifold IS covered under warranty. Ironically though, they said the red boost pipe wasn't covered under warranty, eventhough plenty other people have had theirs replaced under warranty!

I emailed the BMW Warranty people direct, as they approve/deny claims.