Is your BMW showing signs of oil cooler trouble? Here's how to tell if your oil cooler assembly might be failing:
- Oil Leaks: Look for oil puddles under your car, especially near the front. A failing oil cooler often leaks.
- Overheating: If your engine temperature gauge is higher than usual, the oil cooler might not be doing its job.
- Milky Oil: Check your oil dipstick. If the oil looks milky or frothy, it could mean coolant is mixing with the oil, which can happen with a bad oil cooler.
- Low Oil Pressure: The oil pressure warning light might come on if the oil cooler isn't working right.
How to test if it's the oil cooler:
- Check for visible leaks around the oil cooler assembly.
- Pressure test the cooling system to see if pressure drops, indicating a leak into the oil system.
- Inspect the oil cooler for cracks or damage.
Common causes of failure:
- Age and Wear: Over time, the seals and gaskets in the oil cooler can dry out and crack.
- Corrosion: Exposure to road salt and other elements can corrode the oil cooler.
- Overheating: Repeated overheating can damage the oil cooler.
- Impact Damage: Road debris can hit and damage the oil cooler.