Oil residue in engine

mikeyymonster · 08-06-2014, 02:35 PM

After washing my car for the first time, I noticed that there was a pool of oil residue on the top of both of my headlights. I didn't think much of it and cleaned it off. After a week of driving, I noticed that it started to appear again. I can't figure out where it's coming from but it looks like it's running along the lines of the hood and then dripping on the headlight. Upon inspection, it looks like it may be coming from the hood. It almost looks like excess lubrication maybe?

I took a few pictures and was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? Note that it is happening on both sides. I will be taking it to the dealer shortly to take a look, but wanted to make a post in the mean time. Last 2 pictures are of the top of the hood (when opened). 3rd picture is the top right of the hood and the 4th pic is the top left of the hood. Note the residue.

3.0L · 08-06-2014, 02:39 PM

I'd take it straight back to your dealer, with the oil residue in place. Best guess is that there's a loose fitting somewhere and the whirlwind coming through the grille plus the fan are flinging the oil (or whatever the fluid) around.

ska///235i · 08-06-2014, 02:45 PM

There shouldnt be lube in the hood. Did you check the heat shield to see if someone left some KY in there??

pikcachu · 08-06-2014, 02:46 PM

I noticed the same thing... i think its some kind of grease they put in some places and in very hot days it melts getting more liquid...i wouldn't worry...

specially in Cali

jmkr · 08-06-2014, 03:06 PM

Yeah, I've noticed the same thing too. King of dripped down over the headlight which was annoying, but wiped away pretty easily.

overcoil · 08-06-2014, 03:09 PM

Does it feel slick like motor oil and smell like motor oil?

Or is it tacky like a cosmoline shipping rust protectant?

Vlad-Miami · 08-06-2014, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikcachu

I noticed the same thing... i think its some kind of grease they put in some places and in very hot days it melts getting more liquid...i wouldn't worry...

specially in Cali

my car doesn't have such issue at all. very dry and clean.

mikeyymonster · 08-06-2014, 05:43 PM

I'll be bringing it in tomorrow morning and will report back for those of us experiencing this. Thanks for the replies.

vivalaReagan · 08-06-2014, 05:54 PM

noticed the same on mine. i agree that it's probably cosmoline & not a concern.

Hasek9339 · 08-06-2014, 09:14 PM

The cars are coated in a wax to protect them on the salty voyage to the USA!!!

check this story about the BMW VPC

http://www.e90post.com/vpc/index.asp.htm

Alpine F31 · 08-07-2014, 01:28 AM

Cosmoline is the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the pictures.

Looking forward to an explanation from your dealer.

bimmerbuff · 08-07-2014, 10:23 AM

I'm also thinking it's cosmoline melting on a hot day, but I would check to be sure.

alz0rz · 08-07-2014, 11:20 AM

Same here.

Marc08EX · 08-07-2014, 11:27 AM

I'm pretty sure it's cosmoline.

mikeyymonster · 08-08-2014, 01:03 AM

Just wanted to report back - you guys are right in that there is nothing to worry about as it is just excess wax. Depending on how excessive you have it, the dealer can clean it or you can just clean it on your own which is what I intend to do. I've also noticed that my door handles have been very sticky lately even after I've cleaned them so I'm guessing it may be seeping out from that area as well. A bit of an annoyance, but hopefully it will pass soon through time. Thanks for your feedback!

Oi_Oi_M8 · 09-02-2014, 11:12 PM

I've got a bunch of this oily residue running down both headlights and a nice pool of oily residue on the inside of the hood cross member.

Taking it into the dealership in the morning so hopefully it's nothing but annoying none the less.

horsepower_and_hounds · 09-03-2014, 06:53 AM

Typically fine and normal for German cars. You will see it seep out of the bottom of the doors and down the car when it is really hot out. It will collect dirt and then be noticeable.....
They coat the inside of the panels with rust/corrosion inhibitor

Cyberdemon · 09-03-2014, 09:30 AM

I'm pretty sure it's KY. You should check your cars cell phone records...I think it's been sleeping around on you while you were asleep.

williewonkerz · 09-03-2014, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I'm pretty sure it's KY. You should check your cars cell phone records...I think it's been sleeping around on you while you were asleep.

FOR THE WIN

pikcachu · 09-03-2014, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I'm pretty sure it's KY. You should check your cars cell phone records...I think it's been sleeping around on you while you were asleep.

hope it's with a 1M and maybe you might get M2 babies

quickdrum89 · 09-03-2014, 03:39 PM

Yeah I had the same thing...Here are some pictures.

I just wiped it and carried on.

quickdrum89 · 09-03-2014, 03:45 PM

pictures

08-06-2014, 02:35 PM	#1
mikeyymonster Major 526 Rep 1,078 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (6)	Oil residue in engine After washing my car for the first time, I noticed that there was a pool of oil residue on the top of both of my headlights. I didn't think much of it and cleaned it off. After a week of driving, I noticed that it started to appear again. I can't figure out where it's coming from but it looks like it's running along the lines of the hood and then dripping on the headlight. Upon inspection, it looks like it may be coming from the hood. It almost looks like excess lubrication maybe? I took a few pictures and was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this? Note that it is happening on both sides. I will be taking it to the dealer shortly to take a look, but wanted to make a post in the mean time. Last 2 pictures are of the top of the hood (when opened). 3rd picture is the top right of the hood and the 4th pic is the top left of the hood. Note the residue.
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08-06-2014, 02:39 PM	#2
3.0L Colonel 8935 Rep 2,010 Posts Drives: M235i, 20k miles Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I'd take it straight back to your dealer, with the oil residue in place. Best guess is that there's a loose fitting somewhere and the whirlwind coming through the grille plus the fan are flinging the oil (or whatever the fluid) around. __________________ ///M235i \| Mineral Grey Metallic \| Premium Package \| Technology Package \| Driver Assistance Package \| Dakota Coral Red/Black Leather \| Harman/Kardon Premium 360 watt sound system \| 8-speed automatic When writing your life's plan, use a pencil with an eraser
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08-06-2014, 02:45 PM	#3
ska///235i ***** noob 1369 Rep 10,479 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	There shouldnt be lube in the hood. Did you check the heat shield to see if someone left some KY in there?? __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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08-06-2014, 02:46 PM	#4
pikcachu Major General 1399 Rep 5,262 Posts Drives: M235i (F22 Red angel) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: undisclosed iTrader: (1)	I noticed the same thing... i think its some kind of grease they put in some places and in very hot days it melts getting more liquid...i wouldn't worry... specially in Cali
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08-06-2014, 03:06 PM	#5
jmkr Boost Patrol 30 Rep 79 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I've noticed the same thing too. King of dripped down over the headlight which was annoying, but wiped away pretty easily.
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08-06-2014, 03:09 PM	#6
overcoil Major General 3074 Rep 5,577 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	Does it feel slick like motor oil and smell like motor oil? Or is it tacky like a cosmoline shipping rust protectant?
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08-06-2014, 05:43 PM	#8
mikeyymonster Major 526 Rep 1,078 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (6)	I'll be bringing it in tomorrow morning and will report back for those of us experiencing this. Thanks for the replies.
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08-06-2014, 05:54 PM	#9
vivalaReagan Private 24 Rep 92 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: The Rock iTrader: (0)	noticed the same on mine. i agree that it's probably cosmoline & not a concern.
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08-06-2014, 09:14 PM	#10
Hasek9339 Lieutenant 48 Rep 569 Posts Drives: 2009 328i Montego Blue Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo NY iTrader: (2)	The cars are coated in a wax to protect them on the salty voyage to the USA!!! check this story about the BMW VPC http://www.e90post.com/vpc/index.asp.htm
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08-07-2014, 01:28 AM	#11
Alpine F31 Colonel 918 Rep 2,710 Posts Drives: MB E350 4MATIC Estate Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 Jeep Grand Che ... [0.00] 2015 BMW M235i (sold) [0.00] 2013 BMW 328i (sold) [10.00]	Cosmoline is the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the pictures. Looking forward to an explanation from your dealer.
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08-07-2014, 10:23 AM	#12
bimmerbuff Slightly Less Obsessed 26 Rep 317 Posts Drives: Between BMWs Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I'm also thinking it's cosmoline melting on a hot day, but I would check to be sure.
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08-07-2014, 11:20 AM	#13
alz0rz What goes here? 450 Rep 1,356 Posts Drives: 2019 G30 M550i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida Space Coast iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [0.00] 2021 BMW M3 Competi ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00]	Same here. __________________ 2019 G30 M550i GBNF: 2021 G80 M3, 2019 F90 M5 Competition, 2016 F80 M3, 2014 F22 M235i
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08-07-2014, 11:27 AM	#14
Marc08EX Lieutenant 139 Rep 575 Posts Drives: 2011 E82 135i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: AZ iTrader: (5)	I'm pretty sure it's cosmoline. __________________ 2011 135i 6MT \| Alpine White \| Terracotta Boston Leather \| M-Sport \| BMW Performance Exhaust Resonator Delete \| Active Autowerke Signature Exhaust \| BMW Performance Suspension \| Blackline LCI Taillights \| BMW Performance CF Spoiler \| CF Rear Diffuser \| PPK \| E92 M3 FSB \| Matte Black Kidney Grilles \| VMR V710 Jet Anthracite \| Michelin PSS \| BMW SS Pedals
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08-08-2014, 01:03 AM	#15
mikeyymonster Major 526 Rep 1,078 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (6)	Just wanted to report back - you guys are right in that there is nothing to worry about as it is just excess wax. Depending on how excessive you have it, the dealer can clean it or you can just clean it on your own which is what I intend to do. I've also noticed that my door handles have been very sticky lately even after I've cleaned them so I'm guessing it may be seeping out from that area as well. A bit of an annoyance, but hopefully it will pass soon through time. Thanks for your feedback!
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09-02-2014, 11:12 PM	#16
Oi_Oi_M8 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW M235i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: West Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	I've got a bunch of this oily residue running down both headlights and a nice pool of oily residue on the inside of the hood cross member. Taking it into the dealership in the morning so hopefully it's nothing but annoying none the less.
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09-03-2014, 06:53 AM	#17
horsepower_and_hounds Brigadier General 1836 Rep 4,203 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	Typically fine and normal for German cars. You will see it seep out of the bottom of the doors and down the car when it is really hot out. It will collect dirt and then be noticeable..... They coat the inside of the panels with rust/corrosion inhibitor
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09-03-2014, 09:30 AM	#18
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1538 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	I'm pretty sure it's KY. You should check your cars cell phone records...I think it's been sleeping around on you while you were asleep. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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09-03-2014, 03:39 PM	#21
quickdrum89 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 48 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Yeah I had the same thing...Here are some pictures. I just wiped it and carried on.
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09-03-2014, 03:45 PM	#22
quickdrum89 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 48 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	pictures Attached Images
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