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My 1999 BMW 740IL is leaking coolant, it looks like it is coming out around the seal. I will attach pictures. What unit is this? Is it something I can replace on my own? What causes this?
This part is directly under the engine underguard protector (picture taken under the car)

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Edited by XXXXXXXXXX on 4/9/2008 at 4:40 PM

Submitted: 578 days and 14 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Optional Information:
1999 BMW 740il

Already Tried:
Nothing

Accepted Answer

Good evening i will try to help as best as i can-From the pictures you included(which are always a help) it is very difficult to say where the coolant is coming from.The picture is of the oil pan- so the leak is not from there, what looks like is happening is that coolant is running down the front of the engine and drying on the pan.One very common leaking part on these engines is the water pump.Perhaps if you look directly behind the fan, you can see some wet coolant(as opposed to dried),and determine where it is leaking.There are quite a few hoses, and also the expansion tank and cap located towards the front of the engine that could also be the culprit.If you know of anyone that has a coolant pressure tester it would be helpful.You can pressurize the system and watch for leaks.The other thing that you can do is clean everything off completely(with some engine degreaser, it will smell bad for a little while), and then run the vehicle and see if you can see where it is coming from.This is much easier to do on a lift, but with some ramps or jackstands it is possible.Hope this helps and good luck.remember you can always reply to this answer after accepting it-

Expert:	bmwforeman
Pos. Feedback:	98.4 %
Accepts:	212
Answered:	4/9/2008

BMW Technician

bmw factory trained since 2000 current shop foreman

578 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

It really seem like fluid was coming out of the seal on the oil pan. I will do as you suggested. Is there a gasket that should be replace on the oil pan? Is that a job that I could do with mechanical ability without having to take it to shop?

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Posted by bmwforeman 578 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

While it may appear to be leaking there, there is only oil behind that gasket.WHat i believe is happening is that the coolant is puddling there from running down from somewhere else-that is just the lower oil pan gasket,there is another gasket that seals the entire oil pan which is a much more difficult job, while the lower oil pan gasket is easy.But if there is no oil leaking from there i wouldn,t change it-i cant get the instructions to load right now i will try later-

578 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to bmwforeman's Post:
Your right...I jacked it up and without turning on the engine I pour water into the tank an it is streaming down to the oil pan. I can't tell were it is coming from but my assumption from domestic cars is that when water streams out that fast it is typically the water pump. If it was a hose I don't think I would get that kind of imediate water flow.
Thoughts.

Posted by bmwforeman 578 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Well thats great-just be sure to check even closer where the coolant is leaking.i have seen the plasrtic tanks crack also- let me know what you find-Remember feedback is greatly appreciated-

576 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

Okay, here is what the shop is telling me. After replacing the water pump, it appears that the leak is coming from the intake gasket. They are telling me 6 to 7 hours to replace the gaskets and the plastic piece the top piece has to be replace because when the enigne over heats (which it only did twice- and we stopped to let it cool down), crystalizes and when they put it back on it will crack. Can you give me any input? That top piece is 350 to replace at the dealership.

Posted by bmwforeman 574 days and 22 hours ago.

Answer

I am assuming that you are talking about the valley pan gasket whick is located under the intake.Common leak point on these vehicles-

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Optional Information: 1999 BMW 740ilAlready Tried: Nothing

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It really seem like fluid was coming out of the seal on the oil pan. I will do as you suggested. Is there a gasket that should be replace on the oil pan? Is that a job that I could do with mechanical ability without having to take it to shop? View Full Image

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Answer

Well thats great-just be sure to check even closer where the coolant is leaking.i have seen the plasrtic tanks crack also- let me know what you find-Remember feedback is greatly appreciated-

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Answer

I am assuming that you are talking about the valley pan gasket whick is located under the intake.Common leak point on these vehicles-

Related BMW Questions

Optional Information:
1999 BMW 740il

Already Tried:
Nothing

It really seem like fluid was coming out of the seal on the oil pan. I will do as you suggested. Is there a gasket that should be replace on the oil pan? Is that a job that I could do with mechanical ability without having to take it to shop?

View Full Image