010414

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SI B01 04 14
Warranties
July 2014
Warranties
SUBJECT
External Engine Oil Leaks and Repairs
MODEL
E60 (5 Series Sedan)
E61 (5 Series Sports Wagon)
E70 (X5)
E71 (X6)
E82 (1 Series Coupe)
E83 (X3)
E84 (X1)
E85 (Z4 Roadster)
E86 (Z4 Coupe)
E89 (Z4 Roadster)
E88 (1 Series Convertible)
E90 (3 Series Sedan)
E91 (3 Series Sports Wagon)
E92 (3 Series Coupe)
E93 (3 Series Convertible)
F01 (7 Series Sedan)
F02 (7 Series Sedan Long Wheel Base)
F06 (6 Series Gran Coupe)
F07 (5 Series Gran Turismo)
F10 (5 Series Sedan)
F10H (ActiveHybrid 5)
F12 (6 Series Convertible)
F13 (6 Series Coupe)
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F15 (X5)
F16 (X6)
F22 (2 Series Coupe M235i)
F25 (X3)
F26 (X4)
F30 (3 Series Sedan)
F30H (ActiveHybrid 3)
F31 (3 Series Sports Wagon)
F32 (4 Series Coupe)
F33 (4 Series Convertible)
F34 (3 Series Gran Turismo)
F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe)
All with the N51, N52, N52K, N52T, N54, N54T, and N55 engines
SITUATION
During the vehicle’s operational life, normal engine oil seepage or sweating, in addition to accumulated road dust,
dirt and grime in the engine compartment can cause the appearance of a more severe oil leak. This is further
exaggerated by residual oil that remains on the engine assembly after maintenance services are performed, e.g., oil
filter changes, “engine oil top-offs,” etc.
If this visual appearance of accumulated oil on the engine assembly as an “active leak” is misinterpreted,
unnecessary gasket repairs/replacements will result.
Specifically, our analysis of the claim-related data for vehicles equipped with the engines noted in this bulletin is
showing an above-average number of engine gasket repair/replacement claim submissions.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide your workshop with information and a procedure that will help in
identifying engine oils leaks that do and do not require a repair.
PROCEDURE
A. No repair is necessary.
Light external engine oil accumulation: Due to sweating – this is not an “active” oil leak, and no repair is
necessary.
Example: A-One
Cylinder Head Cover Gasket
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Light external engine oil
accumulation
No repair is necessary.
Example: A-Two
Oil Filter Housing and Heat Exchanger
Light external engine oil
accumulation
No repair is necessary.
Example: A-Three
Heat Exchanger
Light external engine oil
accumulation
No repair is necessary.
B. Repair is necessary.
Medium to large external engine oil accumulation: Together with pooling, dripping and spotting – this is an
active engine oil leak, and a repair is necessary.
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Example: B-One
Cylinder Head Cover Gasket
Medium to large external engine oil
accumulation
A repair is necessary.
Example: B-Two
Oil Filter Housing and Heat Exchanger
Medium to large external engine oil
accumulation
A repair is necessary.
Example: B-Three
Heat Exchanger
Medium to large external engine oil
accumulation
A repair is necessary.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Active engine oil leaks are covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or the
BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program for applicable covered items.
[ Copyright ©2014 BMW of North America, Inc. ]
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