hi ive brought a bmw e36 Compact 316i, 1997.

Ive had it for about 4months and when first brought it was dry (atleast i think) The car only had one old lady owner with 110k on the clock, Has had all belts changed and constantly serviced.

Anyway. Ive been getting an oil leak that comes and goes and has been leaking for around 2-3 months and where i park the car has a huge patch that i have to leave cardboard down.

Ive been dipping the car to see if oil level is going down, and it hasnt. Infact i havent needed to top it up at all. So i dont understand how the car can leak huge amounts of oil and the oil level not to drop?

Any ideas?

bump

Hi George.

There doesn't have to be a lot of oil to make a mess, remember when oil is hot it's a lot thinner in viscosity than when it's cold. Have you checked the usual areas for dampness (or fresh oil) such as around the sump, rocker cover gasket and oil filter housings?

George,

Agreed hot oil does go a long way and looks worse than it really is.

If there are no visible leaks from looking on top of the engine then it is most likely the oil filter housing where there are 2 seals that eventually go, common problem. Have done this job on my 316i Compact,not too bad a job if you are reasonably handy with the spanners