Have you ever found oil leaking underneath your BMW 6 Series? This problem is caused by a bad oil cooler gasket, which is common in many BMW cars.
The oil cooler gasket in a BMW 6 Series is a component that separates the engine oil from the coolant. When this particular gasket deteriorates, it can cause oil and coolant to mix or lead to a variety of symptoms.
If you own a BMW 6 Series, it is essential to keep your BMW running at its best, and you need to understand why the oil cooler gasket in your BMW fails, as well as the early signs.
We at Euro Pro, located near you in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina (SC), will help you understand the reasons and signs of an oil cooler gasket failure.
Common Causes of Oil Cooler Gasket Failure in BMW 6 Series
Material Degradation and Aging
The oil cooler gasket in your BMW is typically made up of rubber or a composite material. Its exposure to hot engine oil and the various chemicals present in it causes it to degrade over time.
Further, these degraded oil cooler gaskets become brittle, harden, lose elasticity, and eventually crack, causing failure.
Repeated Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Your BMW engines, especially those in the six Series, operate at high temperatures during extreme heat cycles to maximize performance and efficiency.
In this constant cycle of heating up to operating temperature and then cooling down, the gasket material contracts and expands repeatedly after the engine is turned off. This thermal stress is the major contributor to material failure and fatigue.
Constant Oil Pressure Stress
The oil cooler gasket is designed to hold back pressurized engine oil. This continuous internal pressure puts constant tension on the gasket and thus exploits any weaknesses that develop from thermal cycling or material degradation.
Engine Vibrations and Micro Movements
High-performance engines like those in the BMW 6 series generate significant vibrations. These slow, wave-like vibrations are transmitted throughout the engine assembly, leading to shaking at the gasket interface.
After some days or many hours, these vibrations can lead to material corrosion, fatigue, and make the seal wear out.
It is essential to have your BMW checked by expert mechanics like us at Euro Pro, located near you in Belville and Myrtle Beach, SC, so we can perform a comprehensive diagnostic to detect the problem and fix it in no time.
Signs Your Oil Cooler Gasket in Your BMW 6 Series is Failing
- Visible Oil Leaks Under The Car: When you see oil leaks under your car, it’s clear your gasket is leaking, which is one of the most common reasons. You will notice fresh, dark oil puddles or drips on your garage floor, which generally appear after the car has been parked for a while.
- Odor of Burning Oil: When oil from a failing gasket drips onto hot engine components, such as the exhaust manifold, it burns off, leaving a distinct smell of burning oil. This odor is generally noticeable from inside the cabin or around the car, especially after a drive.
- Low Engine Oil Warning Light: If the engine oil level drops continuously due to a leaking gasket, your BMW’s sophisticated monitoring system will detect a drop in oil level, and the “LOW OIL” check light will illuminate on your dashboard.
- Unusual Noises from the Engine: When oil drips through a gasket leak and lands on the serpentine belt or its pulleys, it can cause squealing. Also, this can lead to premature belt wear and failure of belt-driven accessories.
- Smoke from the Engine Bay: An advanced leak can produce visible smoke evolving from the engine bay. This smoke is typically light white or bluish in color. This occurs when a significant amount of oil drips onto very hot surfaces and instantly vaporizes.
Euro Pro: Your Go-To Automotive Repair Garage in Myrtle Beach, SC for Oil Cooler Gasket Failures
We at EuroPro, located around Myrtle Beach and 
Charleston, SC, are committed to providing car owners with repair and service for their high-end European cars, which they won’t find anywhere else in and around the city.
- Our state-of-the-art garage is equipped with the latest factory-grade tools & diagnostic equipment to address all kinds of issues with any part of your car.
- Our team of certified, factory-trained technicians has 35 years of experience fixing European cars & would be happy to assist you with your vehicle.
- We also offer No-Interest financing through BOSCH services, as we are a BOSCH certified repair shop.
Call Euro Pro in Myrtle Beach or contact us to make an appointment, and we will get your car fixed as early as possible.