How To Deal with Oil Cooler Gasket Failure in Your BMW 6 Series

BMW 6 Series is a luxury car with great performance but you might have to deal with problems such as oil cooler gasket failure. If not solved, this problem leads to oil leaks and may even damage the engine of the car. Below are some things to do and how to resolve gasket failure in your BMW 6 Series oil cooler.

The Oil Cooler Gasket Explained

The oil cooler gasket is a very small part of your BMW system but is a very important one. It is used to secure the oil cooler to the engine, to avoid leakage of oil through the joint. When this gasket wears out, oil leakage occurs and this results in low oil levels and at times severe engine damage.

What to Do When You Notice Signs of Oil Cooler Gasket Failure

• Check the Oil Cooler Area: If you have reason to believe that your oil cooler gasket is failing then you should first look at the oil cooler section. Check for any signs of oil leaks, this may include oil stains or wetness around the gasket. These are clear indications that the gasket might be in a bad state.
• Check Oil Levels: One of the clear indications that you may be having a leak is if the oil levels dip drastically. Check the levels of your engine oil and make sure it is done often.
• Consult a Mechanic: If you experience any of the symptoms related to the failure of the oil cooler gasket, you should take your BMW to a mechanic. They have all the equipment and knowledge to properly diagnose the problem. A mechanic can affirm if it is the gasket that is causing the issue and the right repair measures to take.
• Schedule Repairs: When your mechanic has determined the issue to be a failing oil cooler gasket, then you should book an appointment for repair immediately. If the repair is not done soon, the situation worsens and the cost of repairing the engine goes up. With quick repair, your car will continue to run smoothly, and any other related complications will be checked to avoid worsening the situation.

Replacing the Oil Cooler Gasket

• Remove the Oil Cooler: First, turn off the vehicle’s engine and open the hood and then the oil and coolant should be drained into a container to prevent spills on the ground when working on the gasket. Do not work on the engine while it’s still hot to avoid being burnt. Next, find the oil cooler. Remove it from the engine. This may require you to unscrew some bolts and disconnect several hoses. Spend as much time as possible in this step to ensure that you do not cause any part to be irreparably damaged.
• Replace the Gasket: After you have pulled out the oil cooler, you have to remove the gasket from the cooler and the engine. It is recommended to clean the surfaces to be joined in order to eliminate any old gasket material or dirt. This is important so that a good contact can be achieved with the new gasket that is to be fitted. After the above surfaces are clean, fit the new gasket. The oil cooler should also be refitted on the engine and all the connections should be tightened in the correct position.
• Replace the Engine Oil and Coolant: After the oil cooler has been re-installed, go ahead and add fresh oil and coolant into the engine. This replenishment is essential for the normal functioning of the engine. When you have finished refilling, ensure that there are no leakages from the gasket and other joints.

Come To Us For All Your BMW Needs

At Cerrone’s European, our certified mechanics assist German car owners in the Redwood City, CA area to improve the performance of their automobiles with our superior services and repairs. If you find that your BMW 6 Series has problems with the gasket of the oil cooler, then it is best to come to us for repairs.

Our factory-trained technicians have been attending to similar problems for more than three decades, so your BMW will be in safe hands. For your next BMW service, call us now at (650) 365-4145.

* BMW 6 Series Car image credit goes to: Aliaksandr Litviniuk.