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Instructions for Checking Engine Oil Leaks

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Engine oil

If your car is smoking and smells burnt from under the hood after a drive on a winding road, or if you find oil spots on the ground, there is an oil leak problem: let's figure out where it's coming from. Many E46 6-cylinder gasoline engines have the following issue: oil leaks from the head into the valve cover, accumulating and dripping onto the hot exhaust manifolds at the first turn; essentially, this oil easily finds its way through the screw holes in the center of the valve cover because the mating surface created on the cover is not flat with the head surface and therefore does not seal properly. First, remove the pollen filter (2 or 3 quick releases) and the related support (some Torx screws), and take off the coil cover (2 M6 nuts): you will start to see the oil path and where the oil drips onto the exhaust manifold cover. By unscrewing all the fastening screws of the valve cover, you will notice that the old gasket is practically burnt out, especially on the exhaust side.

Updated on 4 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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