E34 540 steering leak, help please

[sideways500]

My 540 has a steering fluid leak which is bad enough to cause MOT failure. A main dealer did an inspection II service but said they couldn't see where the leak was coming from. Are there any usual cuplrits on a 130k mile car?

Ideally I'd take it to an independent for this and any future work. Please can anyone suggest anywhere in the Leics/Derby/Notts area?

Thanks.

[GTWayne]

Ask the mechanic that failed the car when it went in for MOT where the leak is and if he can't see it then clean the surrounding area and re-MOT it.If it is a worsening fault it will become apparent soon enough.

[fixedwheelnut]

In order of most common first;
Power steering pipes from the reservoir.
The power steering pump, [from the casing or shaft seal]
Power steering rack, [internal but fills up the bellows and leaks out]
The Auto box oil cooler at the front can leak and can be confused with P.A.S fluid.

[sideways500]

fixedwheelnut - thanks for the list. I'm planning to take the car to a good local garage (but not BMW specialists). Is there anything tricky to look out for? Do you think it needs to be done by a specialist/franchise?

GTWayne - thanks for the suggestion. I've tried MOT 2nd opinion already.

[fixedwheelnut]

No a competent Independant would be ok Power steering is pretty straight forward, the rack can be awkward to change have to support the engine and drop the subframe slightly.

[Marshy]

Just one thing to also look for: the 540i has hydraulically assisted (instead of vacuum assisted) brakes. Hence, the hydraulic booster (that sticks out from the passenger side firewall with the brake fluid reservoir on top) can also leak PAS fluid. The PAS pump has two outlets - one to the steering, one to the hydraulic unit for the brakes.

I pray this isnt't the failed bit - it's an epensive bugger and I had to search a bit to find one from a breaker. It would have beeen a direct order from Germany otherwise...

[sideways500]

Thanks for your help so far. I've managed to get out and investigate myself this afternoon. After taking the undertrays off and exploring a bit, I've come to the conclusion that the leak is actually engine oil, not PAS/brake assistance oil. The leak seems to be coming from somewhere underneath the auxilliary engine oil tank (at least that's what the thing appears to be - 200mm high cylinder having plastic cap with 30mm nut moulded into the top?). This then drips onto the two steering box hoses, hence the MOT misunderstanding.

Does this sound likely, or have I incorrectly followed the plumbing? It would be easier if the the two oils were different colours.

So shouldn't be MOT failure, I think? Still need to convince tester of this and fix the engine oil leak, of course.

Thanks.

[Marshy]

The thing with the moulded nut in the top is the oil filter housing IIRC.

Doesn't sound like a biggie to fix...

[sideways500]

Thanks Marshy. I did wonder where they'd hidden the oil filter. The car is now back with Sytner in Nottingham. I believe I've narrowed the leak down to one of a few pipes behind the alternator. Hopefully nothing more serious than that.

[thesilverfox]

I was told at my last MOT course (quote a leak is a drip drip drip) you cant fail it if its just wet or damp in that area just advise, you could just wash it off and send it back for a retest

[sideways500]

Thanks sliverfox. I've tried that already. The second time around, the MOT bloke showed me a "drip, drip, drip", unfortunately. I'm fairly sure it's coming from one of the pipes near the alternator housing. The dealer has steam cleaned the oily bits (hope that hasn't made any more problems) are inspecting now, apparently.

[sideways500]

Notts main dealer say it's PAS and engine oil leak. £309 for a timing cover gasket and £50 for a PAS pipe and banjo bolt. Being finished tomorrow, I hope.

I'm still on the look out for a decent independent in Notts/Leics if anyone has any suggestions?
Thanks.