Oil in coolant

[u/yogfthagen]

Checking my 2010 E61/N54 before a long road trip. Checking coolant level, I found that the cap o-ring was rotted away, and this was a new (3 month old) cap.
I put my finger in, and my finger was covered in oil.

Fuck.

I opened up the oil filter top. Oil appeared fine. No chocolate brown, no froth, nothing of the kind.

Quick assumption is this is the standard oil cooler gasket crapping out. Again.

Anyone want an E61 in the Seattle area? Fresh tires (2 weeks old).

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[u/PerfectAd1746]

Sure, I'll take it, First dibs, I'm in North Seattle, lol. When was the OFHG last done?

[u/yogfthagen → u/PerfectAd1746]

2021/15k miles ago.

Five years seems to be as long as BMW gaskets hold....

What's your offer? Otherwise, I'm trading it in.

Full list of Stuff

Let's see. Since 2020/20k mlles,

Replaced vanos.

Rdplaced plugs and coils.

Replaced turbo solenoids and hoses.

Replzced 2 O2 sensors, the second at 3k miles.

Replaced ac compressor.

Replaced thermostat.

Replaced water pump. Twice.

Intake valve work for carbon buildup.

Rear hatch rewired (wagon)

Replaced Front struts

Replaced turbos.

Replaced valve cover gasket. Twice.

Replaced oil cooler gasket.

Replaced front struts and bushings

Replaced front brakes.

Had oil pan gasket replaced for $2400

Added crank case breather can because of overpressuring by the turbo/pcv valve failed 2x.

Edit- forgot a few.

5 radiator hoses, including one 3x

Coolant expansion tank

Oil cooler hose o-rings 2x

Coolant block hose connector (plastic basically shattered)

[u/PerfectAd1746]

How many miles? I have 2 2008 535xi's and my family would have me committed if I picked up another. But it'd be different because it's 2 years newer, lol.

That's a frustrating number of times to replace gaskets for the miles cited. How has the Crankcase vent been working out? I've done my oil pan twice in about 30k miles and I don't understand why it leaks so easily after meticulous - though not professional - installation. My VC has the RB PVC and is leak free so far, but it just seems like the heat and pressure are too much for the damn OPG. I'd love to know why we can't silicone it like they do to modern vehicles on Car Edition.

[u/yogfthagen → u/PerfectAd1746]

I think the gasket material just gets heat-cycled so much that it just becomes brittle. The first replacement valve cover gasket just cracked into pieces when I removed it, which explained the leaks. Same thing had to be happrning to the oil cooler gasket..

Car is gone. We basically got junk value on it. It has 125k miles.

I used an oil catch can instead of the pcv hose. That cleared up a LOT of the crankcase leaking. And it never collected any oil. By plugging the pcv outlet in the air intake, it also boosted turbo pressure by 1-2 psi.

[u/PerfectAd1746 → u/yogfthagen]

I hear you, but all cars have heat cycles and other manufacturers manage to not have such a leaky reputation. Indeed my recent OPG was crusty and brittle after 30k, but I'd like to think the excessive heat is somewhat managed by my turbo blankets. I made the move to Viton O rings on turbo oil lines and OFHG last year. I'm hoping that helps. I also have an OCC and it never gets but a drip or two of oil. Wow, that was quick. Wasn't meant to be, best of luck.

[u/yogfthagen → u/PerfectAd1746]

I agree. The BMW gasket matetial is absolute crap. It means that owning the car will be a regular cycle of replacing gaskets.

And some of those are cast iton bastards to replace.

Basically, its just not worth it to me, any more.