BMW E90 E92 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Replacement 2007-2012

A leaking oil filter housing is a very common problem with BMW N52 engine.  In this article I will show you how to replace the oil filter housing gasket on a BMW E90 E91 or E92 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i and 330xi.  BMW manual calls for removing the intake manifold in order to remove the oil filter housing, it is absolutely unnecessary to remove the intake.  This job is actually pretty easy, most DIY home mechanics should be able to perform the repair in less than an hour. 

1.  A sure symptom of a leaking oil filter housing gasket is oil leaking down the side of the engine block.

2.  Remove the air intake box.

3.  Remove the oil filter housing cap.

4.  Remove the oil filter and let the oil drain into the crank case.  Try to get rid of as much oil as possible so you don't make too big of a mess when you unbolt the oil filter housing from the block.

5.  Disconnect the upper radiator hose.  Some coolant will pour out so have a something under the hose to catch the coolant.

6.  Disconnect both of the electrical connectors on the oil filter housing.

7.  Unbolt and disconnect the small coolant hose that attaches to the bottom of the oil filter housing.  When I disconnected this hose, the plastic fitting disintegrated in my hands.  I might be a good idea to order this hose just in case.

8.  In order to get to the bolt under the manifold you will need an extension similar to what is in the picture below.  I used a thin wobble extension with a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter.

9.  Loosen the bolt that is under the manifold and use a magnetic pickup tool to get the bolt out.

10.  Loosen and remove the other two bolts.

11.  Remove the oil filter housing, clean everything very well and reinstall.

12.  Reinstall everything in the reverse order.  After you bolt up the oil filter housing to the cylinder head, torque the bolts to 22Nm.