This BMW X3 came into Luca Motors with a coolant leak. Inspection identified damage to the original plastic oil filter housing at the point where it connects to the engine. We replaced the damaged housing and completed the repair successfully at our Alphington workshop.
Where the coolant was leaking
The leak on this vehicle was at the housing-to-engine connection. Damage in that area affected the joint’s ability to seal. Identifying that source was important because fitting new seals alone would not resolve the damaged housing.
The workshop photos show the removed plastic housing beside its replacement, the damaged sealing area in close-up, and the removed seal held in front of its seat. The gradual zoom helps show exactly where the damage sits on the original housing.
Why an oil filter housing can cause a coolant leak
An oil filter housing assembly can also include coolant connections for the oil cooler. A fault in the housing or its sealing area can therefore cause coolant loss. The precise leak location needs checking on the individual vehicle before choosing a repair.
In our workshop experience, this type of plastic housing failure can occur on lower-kilometre vehicles as well.
The completed repair
We replaced the damaged oil filter housing and resolved the coolant leak. The original parts and workshop footage show the component involved in this repair, helping explain what was causing the problem.
Watch the repair
Getting a BMW coolant leak checked
If your coolant level repeatedly drops, you notice a leak or a coolant warning appears, arrange an inspection. Tell us your BMW’s model and year, what you have noticed and when it happens. Those details help us understand the concern when you book.
Luca Motors provides independent BMW servicing and cooling-system repairs at 164 Grange Road, Alphington VIC 3078. Call 03 9499 6203 or request a workshop booking online.