How Much Does It Cost to Repair a BMW Engine Oil Leak?

Have you noticed an oil leak coming from your BMW?

The first question that probably comes to mind is “how much is this going to cost to repair?”.

Oil leak repairs can vary widely depending on where the leak is coming from as well as the specific model of BMW.

Generally, oil repair costs can vary from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand depending on the repair that’s needed.

In this blog post, we will go into more details about the common oil leaks on BMWs and the repair process and costs for these.

Identifying BMW Oil Leaks

Seeing oil spots on your parking area could mean there’s an oil leak coming from your car. You shouldn’t ignore this, as taking care of it right away can save you from more expensive fixes later.

Other usual signs of an oil leak include a burning smell while you’re driving or when the engine is idle. This scent might mean that leaked oil is burning on your engine or exhaust.

If you see smoke coming from underneath the bonnet, don’t ignore it. It’s another clear sign of a possible oil leak. Leaky valve covers are a common cause, so keep an eye out for these signs and act quickly to stop further damage.

Common Causes of Oil Leaks On BMWs

Common causes for oil leaks on BMWs include:

Oil filter housing gasket
Valve cover gasket
Rear main seal
Oil pan gasket
Worn out drain plugs
Timing cover gasket

Oil leaks can also be an indicator of a more serious issue with your engine. Neglecting oil leaks can lead to further damage and expensive repairs. By taking swift action to diagnose and repair oil leaks, you can prevent early component failure. Regular upkeep and inspection are crucial for detecting and stopping these leaks.

Average BMW Oil Leak Repair Costs

Typically speaking, the repair bill for an engine oil leak on a BMW is somewhere around a few hundred dollars. This is usually the case if the oil leak is coming from a simple gasket that is easy to change such as the valve cover gasket.

However, more complex leaks such as the rear main seal or head gasket can cost significantly more, especially on particular models such as M series. These can go into the thousands depending on what is required for repair, and if there are any other related issues that need to be addressed.

Preventing BMW Oil Leaks

Even though oil leaks in cars are somewhat unavoidable, dealing with them promptly can stop other pricey problems from cropping up and keep your engine in good shape.

Here are some things you can do to prevent oil leaks from occurring and getting worse:

Regular Check-ups: Stay up-to-date with your car’s service timetable. Routine oil changes and inspections can spot possible issues early on.
Good Quality Components: Only use top-notch seals and gaskets. Cheaper components typically fail earlier, causing leaks.
Keep an Eye on Oil Level: Regularly check your oil level. A sudden drop could point to a leak.
Prompt Repairs: If you spot a leak, don’t put off repairs. Overlooking it can lead to more costly issues later on.

Damage From Untreated Leaks

Overlooking oil leaks in your car, rather than being a small problem, can result in serious engine damage and component breakdown.

Here’s are some issues that can arise from ignoring an oil leak:

Eventual Failure: An oil leak is a sign that something is not doing it’s job, and is likely to get worse. Eventually, the oil leak will get worse and could potentially dump all the oil from the engine.
Engine Damage: The lack of oil from untreated leaks can eventually cause serious engine damage if the oil is not kept topped up or if the leak suddenly gets worse, especially while driving.
Component Breakdown: Delaying repairs can lead to premature breakdown of engine components.
Hose and Belt Issues: Leaking oil can wear down your coolant hoses and drive belts, causing further problems.

Do You Have An Oil Leak On Your BMW You Need Repaired?

We at Dodson specialise in engine repairs and servicing for all BMW models.

Give us a call at 09 441 3635 or email us at service@dodsonmotorsport.com to book your BMW in now!