E46 Rear Main Seal

[Yash2468]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know who best apart from the dealerships to take my car to get the rear main seal replaced in CPT? Also does anyone have any idea of the cost roughly?

Its E46 318i, noticed an oil leak and got the car put up on the ramp and was advised by a techie that its the seal, and the gearbox and engine need to be separated to get to it to have it replaced.

Thanks

 

[KPM3_30]

Chances are the car may have a few oil leaks (Tappet Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, possibly the rear main seal), get the car steam washed underneath and then have the car looked at again, before you purchase parts to make sure you pin point the issue before spending.

Will wait for one of the CPT guys to give you a shout on where to take the car. @Tinuva, any ideas?

 

[Yash2468]

Chances are the car may have a few oil leaks (Tappet Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, possibly the rear main seal), get the car washed steam washed underneath and then have the car looked at again, before you purchase parts to make sure you pin point the issue before spending on parts.

Will wait for one of the CPT guys to give you a shout on where to take the car. @Tinuva, any ideas?

Thanks, the tech was pretty adamant it was the rear main seal, but guess its worth another look. We did confirm it was not the the Tappet Cover Gasket or Oil Filter Housing Gasket....which i was actually hoping it would be as it is an easier fix...

 

[KPM3_30]

If I'm not mistaken, the rear main oil seal isn't very expensive but the labour involved is where the cost rises.

Make sure you have a look at the car's cooling system, if the previous owner didn't do any work on it. Expansion tank + cap and top radiator hose is a must, everything else you can attend to as and when you need to.

 

[Yash2468]

If I'm not mistaken, the rear main oil seal isn't very expensive but the labour involved is where the cost rises.

Make sure you have a look at the car's cooling system, if the previous owner didn't do any work on it. Expansion tank + cap and top radiator hose is a must, everything else you can attend to as and when you need to.

Will definitely do so! Thanks for the advise.....was reading about that but forgot to have a look.

Just trying to make sure I can get it all perfect and replace/fix all the small issues I can see for now and what budget will allow....

 

[evnmopwr]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know who best apart from the dealerships to take my car to get the rear main seal replaced in CPT? Also does anyone have any idea of the cost roughly?

Its E46 318i, noticed an oil leak and got the car put up on the ramp and was advised by a techie that its the seal, and the gearbox and engine need to be separated to get to it to have it replaced.

Thanks

As KPM_330 said, Could be many things... but steam clean first then Check

I will Suggest NB Mechanical Workshop. They just off Belgravia road in Southern Suburbs. Bashier Is an ACE mechanic. They are a tad bit pricey but they guarantee you no comebacks.. 021 697 0005. Speak to Bashier or Nabeel

If you want to Pay abit cheaper and still get Quality work, Bashier's son-in-law, who also works an NB Mechanical Workshop has his Own private Workshop too.
SNGM is Shabeers Shop name. you can call him on 083 973 2901

 

[KPM3_30]

If I'm not mistaken, the rear main oil seal isn't very expensive but the labour involved is where the cost rises.

Make sure you have a look at the car's cooling system, if the previous owner didn't do any work on it. Expansion tank + cap and top radiator hose is a must, everything else you can attend to as and when you need to.

Will definitely do so! Thanks for the advise.....was reading about that but forgot to have a look.

Just trying to make sure I can get it all perfect and replace/fix all the small issues I can see for now and what budget will allow....

No worries man, happy to help.

There will be a lot to do, but so long as it is not something that will leave you stranded, you can do them when time/funds allow. The cooling system is one item that could leave you stranded, so look at that as priority.

To try and save where you can, opt to DIY. Lots of online tutorials and documentation on the forum for these cars. Will find the thread and paste it here.

Edit: Found the thread, https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=50103

 

[Yash2468]

definitely gonna look at the expansion tank now....I see they not that badly priced, so something i can get done ASAP.

 

[Tinuva]

Check out the shops mentioned by evnmopwr.
I only have experience using Garage808 in the Northern Suburbs, but they also on the pricier side and they only taking in new customers where the cares are below 200 000km.

As for it being the rear main seal, did you take any photos while the car was on the ramp?

I think if the oil is only at the bottom of the engine, its one of two things:
1. The oil pan gasket
2. Rear main seal (bottom and back of engine)

KPM_330 is 100% spot on, the money is going towards labour. Looking at the videos online, you will be removing some items on the engine itself (although I think on the 318 this may not be needed) because the engine will be tilted slightly. Then also they will have to remove the exhaust, the drive shaft, and then pull back the transmission to get to the rear main seal.

Now here is the thing. How fast is the oil leaking? If it is slow, and at the bottom of engine, I would guess its the oil pan gasket. From the videos I watched online, the rear main seal actually comes loose, and the oil seeps out a lot faster than you would expect, so much so that you should not be driving the car at all. Also, the rear main seal, the oil will only be at the bottom and back of the engine.

 

[Yash2468]

I find some oil every morning where i park, and its weirdly a different amount each day, like it can be immediate, like park the car, and move 20 mins later and there is a tiny puddle, or it can stand for hours with nothing leaking.

Definitely at the back of the engine, unfortunately never take any pics... :hammerhead:

 

[Tinuva]

Ok so my advice for right now, at least keep checking the oil level daily and top up until you can get the issue sorted.

If your oil light is working, the car should at least give you a little bit of early warning, usually orange oil light when you turn off the engine, is the start of too low oil in the engine. Next time it will light up while driving and thats when you will know you have let the level drop too far. I would personally at this point turn off the car and make sure I get oil in before continue driving.

So if you see oil on the ground, does the car not have the covers under the engine anymore? Or are they temporarily removed?

 

[Yash2468]

no cover underneath and I check the oil daily...religiously....dont want to cause further issues....any idea where I could possible take it to get it sorted out at a decent price?

 

[Kyle]

Chances are the car may have a few oil leaks (Tappet Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, possibly the rear main seal), get the car steam washed underneath and then have the car looked at again, before you purchase parts to make sure you pin point the issue before spending.

Will wait for one of the CPT guys to give you a shout on where to take the car. @Tinuva, any ideas?

Sorry for the hijack... Who offers a chassis steam clean in Durban?

 

[KPM3_30]

Sorry for the hijack... Who offers a chassis steam clean in Durban?

Been meaning to take mine for some time but haven't had a chance. My brother took his E46 to a place in Chatsworth on Sunset Avenue (near the test centre).. Send me a WhatsApp this evening to get the specifics bud, will check with him for you.

 

[Dr Evil]

Brilliant Mechanical Workshop near Kenilworth Centre is really good. Been taking my car there for years and their labour rate is quite reasonable.


Sent from my iPhone+ using my finger

 

[Tinuva]

If you get an expensive price to do the rear main seal, watch the following two videos (1st google result) and you will understand:

Part 1:

Part 2:

40min each video. Part 1 is taking it all out. Part 2 is putting it all back together. Even then, the guy made a mistake and broke his auto transmission.

 

[Yash2468]

If you get an expensive price to do the rear main seal, watch the following two videos (1st google result) and you will understand:

Part 1:

Part 2:

40min each video. Part 1 is taking it all out. Part 2 is putting it all back together. Even then, the guy made a mistake and broke his auto transmission.

thanks for the info....going to get the car up on a ramp hopefully this weekend and see where the problem is (hopefully), right now really hope it is not the seal.

 

[Yash2468]

Quick update, had the car steam washed and checked, turns out it is the sump gasket that is leaking.

Busy getting that sorted out as well as fitting new front disks and pads....but turns out the brake booster is going...hissing sound....so figured might as well get it all sorted out...

Checked the expansion tank and that was replaced so saving there.

Now just the hefty repair bill.... :blueCry:

 

[evnmopwr]

Quick update, had the car steam washed and checked, turns out it is the sump gasket that is leaking.

Busy getting that sorted out as well as fitting new front disks and pads....but turns out the brake booster is going...hissing sound....so figured might as well get it all sorted out...

Checked the expansion tank and that was replaced so saving there.

Now just the hefty repair bill.... :blueCry:

Do you have a Replacement brake booster?? i have one in good condition for sale if you need...

 

[Yash2468]

Quick update, had the car steam washed and checked, turns out it is the sump gasket that is leaking.

Busy getting that sorted out as well as fitting new front disks and pads....but turns out the brake booster is going...hissing sound....so figured might as well get it all sorted out...

Checked the expansion tank and that was replaced so saving there.

Now just the hefty repair bill.... :blueCry:

Do you have a Replacement brake booster?? i have one in good condition for sale if you need...

Mechanic already sourced one i think...If not, will let you know...where you based?