[Orion4]

I'm going to post this is the general section as well- apologize for the double post in advance.

I noticed about 3 weeks ago a very small pool of oil under the oil drain plug. Thought I was a little sloppy during my last oil change. When I had the car in for some brake lines and fresh brake fluid, the tech notice a small amount of oil collecting at the passengers side front of engine below valve cover on a ledge of the engine. Can't trace it visually or by hand. Its in the general area of engine front head bolt, but neither of us can tell for sure and/or if I might have a sheared head bolt- UGH!!

He's recommending pulling the valve cover, etc to get clear access to the area and if the bolt has failed replace it at the tune of about $1700 for all the work. If it is multiple bolts and the head needs to be pulled/replaced with gaskets, they estimated $$8K!!!

I've used this Indy for years, but this seems excessive to say the least.

I have no other indicators or symptoms. Oil loss is very little- doesn't register on oil level over the last 7K miles since the last change.

Think I'm going to take it to another BMW Indy for a second analysis/opinion

Any recommendations/suggestion on trouble-shooting this or alternate approaches are greatly appreciated

[Beemw335]

Year, mileage, mods, track or street use?

[Orion4]

Sorry. 2008 , 55300 miles, muffler delete, no track- all street and highway.
Thanks

[bryce]

i'm 90% positive it's your oil filter housing gasket. they go out regularly on these cars around 4 or 5 years old. here's a thread that outlines it:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=476419

[Orion4]

Bryce,
This is on the right fender side of the passenger side of the engine, not the side where the oil filter housing is located. Ill check that tonight and try to take a pic of what I can see.
Thanks