[Estrkrz]

Hi.I plan to purchase 2015 228i with 25k miles on it, but I noticed this. Is a valve gasket leak? Anything to worry about? If need to be fixe what is aproximate cost of it? Or should I pass on this car? Thanks!

[cooolone2]

Why pass? What other factors weigh in? VCG isn't a hard job, cheap of DIY... And if a common issue, there should be plenty of information available to help DIY. If well maintained and taken care of, a VCG leak is not indicative of increased risk, but manufacture quality control. Let alone at 25k. That said, it's befuddling how the BMW gaskets just don't seem to hold well over time. My old American made junkers never leaked like these do, lol. Just sayin...

[John in VA]

Our '13 328i had a warped valve cover (it's plastic) at 40k miles (in Jan 2019), causing an oil leak.

[Maynard]

A pre purchase inspection from a good local indie shop will surely pay for itself on this kind of thing.

[overcoil]

you know, maybe and probably I don't know what I'm talking about, but that engine looks really dirty for 25K miles.
I mean 25K miles is 2 or 3 oil changes only, maybe an air filter and fluid top off and that engine looks a bit worn.

But I may be way off.

[chattanooga240]

Pretty clear the VC is leaking, and is extremely common on all BMW's.

Doesn't matter that the mileage is low, the factor is it is 5 years old.

That would not turn me off from buying it. Cost to fix yourself, under $100, by the book at a shop, $250-$350.

[B58togo]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

you know, maybe and probably I don't know what I'm talking about, but that engine looks really dirty for 25K miles.
I mean 25K miles is 2 or 3 oil changes only, maybe an air filter and fluid top off and that engine looks a bit worn.

But I may be way off.

It’s a five year old car. The engine bay is going to get dirty in that time. Mine’s dirty, but I’m too nervous to really go nuts cleaning it.

[chattanooga240]

Originally Posted by B58togo

It’s a five year old car. The engine bay is going to get dirty in that time. Mine’s dirty, but I’m too nervous to really go nuts cleaning it.

Not hard to do if you have a little patience.

California car duster, then some nice plastic spray and micro fiber towels does wonders.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by B58togo

It’s a five year old car. The engine bay is going to get dirty in that time. Mine’s dirty, but I’m too nervous to really go nuts cleaning it.

Your probably right and he has the oil seeping

My car is daily driver, different engine, driven in rain / snow and 40,000+ miles and it has a different look and I don’t spray or degrease the engine.

[MarcoZandrini]

Originally Posted by Maynard

A pre purchase inspection from a good local indie shop will surely pay for itself on this kind of thing.

Try www.bimrs.org.

[Shovelman]

That's not engine grime, that's dirt road dirt.

[XutvJet]

Another possible source is the oil fill cap. It's above and in close proximity of the oil building up on the heat shield. Someone could have been lazy with filling the oil.