Possible oil pan leak, pictures included

[Freds Premium Garage]

Hi guys, I just bought my first E30 (3rd BMW). It has a small oil leak so I decided to take some pictures and get your expert opinion.

I see that there is a bolt missing on the lower part of the oil pan. So that is one area the leak is probably coming from.

The top though looks pretty saturated and I wonder if its the top oil pan gasket too? (Edit: I see another bolt missing, and I believe it is to the top of the oil pan?)

What do you guys think? (ps. I think my power steering hoses look pretty gunked up too.)

http://imgur.com/a/ogWKV

[ttrousdell]

Id put a bolt in that lower oil pan but it appears the leak is coming from above the pan and ac compressor. wipe the area down till its clean, drive it for a little and maybe now that its clean you will be able to spot the origin better.

[Josh1254]

1.Replace clamps on the power steering reservoir.
2. Replace the seals for the oil filter housing (common, easy, and cheap)
3. Inspect timing chain covers and timing chain tensioner gaskets for leaks.
4. Replace valve cover gasket

You may be leaking from the oil pan gaskets, but it's evident you have leaks above that. Start higher up and work your way down.

[bmwman91]

Get a good look over by the oil filter housing. That gasket and o-ring are notorious for leaking badly, and you would be amazed at how far the oil spreads from that leak. A leak in the filter housing will soak the entire pan, lower front of the engine and blow back to the steering rack. If you do find that it is the filter housing, make sure to get the mating gasket surfaces immaculately clean with some acetone and a clean rag. Also get the round hole super clean too. Just note that the round hole is the clean oil inlet galley to the engine, so do not get ANY dirt or crap in there or it will end up in a main bearing or lifter. You should just need a new gasket and 2 O-rings. I also recommend spraying both sides of the gasket with this stuff, a couple of coats, and 15 minutes to dry before installation.

http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/gasketing/gasket-sealants/permatex-high-tack-spray-a-gasket-sealant-detail