Oil filter housing is leaking

[Jand3rson]

When I started my car today to check a few things, I noticed a fairly steady drip coming from under the car. I found it to be oil, and upon further inspection,
discovered that it was leaking out of the bottom of the oil filter housing, shown here:



I think I still have another one on the block from my parts car. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Why would it be leaking from there?
I can't see it well enough to see if it's cracked or not, but I doubt it. I guess I can swap the other one over. Hell, I just did the oil pan.

Also, do I have to drain all the oil to change the housing, or will most of it be in the oil pan?

[rs4pro3]

There is a valve there that is known to fail sometimes cuasing links. I think it bypasses the oil cooled untill the car warms up. I saw mention of it on Roadfly somewhere about fixing it I'll see if I find the link.

[rs4pro3]

Here you go http://e30.bmwdiy.info/oil-leak/

[nitro325is]

that is the most annoying leak.I just did mine last week after tiring of it leaking all over my new rack and arm.That link is helpful.Definitely use a C clamp.Didnt remove the filter though.Also the new snap ring is such a pain to get in.

[Jand3rson]

Awesome, that is EXACTLY what is happeneing. You guys rock.

About how long did it take? It looks pretty simple.

[MR 325]

Better take it to the dealer ;) ;)

[Jand3rson]

Better take it to the dealer ;) ;)

Yeah, I don't know if I can handle that one... :D

[nitro325is]

Awesome, that is EXACTLY what is happeneing. You guys rock.

About how long did it take? It looks pretty simple.

Removal=2 min
Install=about 5 min cuz I only had short needle nose that the ring would slip out of. long ones should make it much easier.

[Jand3rson]

Awesome, that is EXACTLY what is happeneing. You guys rock.

About how long did it take? It looks pretty simple.

Removal=2 min
Install=about 5 min cuz I only had short needle nose that the ring would slip out of. long ones should make it much easier.

[AdamF 88iS]

Very very common leak. There should be repair kits avalibe from most parts places with a new seal, cap, and circlip.

[Kavkazia]

Better to do in morning, cold, remove oil filter, lines, have rag ready for little leak, undo the big bolt, don't remember the size, and you have the housing in hands!

Make sure lines are high facing up, because you don't want to get oil on your face, :).

[Jand3rson]

Yeah, I think I'm going to remove the housing in order to replace the parts. It will be SO much easier to do it that way, there is no room for tools in there.

[AdamF 88iS]

If you take the housing off you should replace the big O ring behind it and the small fat O ring that goes on the bolt that holds the housing to the block.

[Jand3rson]

I just ordered the kit from BavAuto, and added those two o-rings to my order.

[Jand3rson]

The parts to fix it have not arrived yet, and my wife has to take the car out of town this weekend.

Will it be ok to drive as long as she keeps close tabs on the oil level?

*EDIT* The parts just arrived. Looks like I'm doing some early-morning wrenchin' tomorrow.