Small leak- what is it?

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 10:30 PM

Update: Nevermind, it stopped leaking and I don't know what it was but it went away on its own.

I'm back from vacation and see that there is a leak on the ground from my car. It doesn't seem like oil. There has never been a leak from my car before. Can you guys please help with what it could be? I've taken a pic with my car moved over a few feet to the right so it shows where it's leaking from. My car is low and I don't have access to a lift but I would like to do what I can to figure this out.

Cory S · 07-12-2016, 10:47 PM

Smear it with your finger... Smell it. Wipe it with a white piece of paper.. What color is it?

silvergray545 · 07-12-2016, 10:55 PM

Mileage?

TheBingoBalls · 07-12-2016, 10:57 PM

If it's clear and has a film/oily texture, might be coolant. I'd the check the hoses around the coolant tank as well as the coolant hose that connects directly to the front of the engine (part #7). I had a small crack there that I didn't notice before until it finally snapped off.

silvergray545 · 07-12-2016, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

If it's clear and has a film/oily texture, might be coolant. I'd the check the hoses around the coolant tank as well as the coolant hose that connects directly to the front of the engine (part #7). I had a small crack there that I didn't notice before until it finally snapped off.

My thoughts exactly. Cracked coolant line or a pinhole leak in the radiator.

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cory S

Smear it with your finger... Smell it. Wipe it with a white piece of paper.. What color is it?

I can't smell anything. Here's a smear on a piece of paper

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvergray545

Mileage?

72000 miles

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

If it's clear and has a film/oily texture, might be coolant. I'd the check the hoses around the coolant tank as well as the coolant hose that connects directly to the front of the engine (part #7). I had a small crack there that I didn't notice before until it finally snapped off.

Can I check those things from the hood or do I need a lift? Sorry for the noob questions.

ATLIEN · 07-12-2016, 11:06 PM

Mechtronic sleeve?

TheBingoBalls · 07-12-2016, 11:06 PM

I'm want to say that's coolant. That wet spot on the floor, where is that in relation to you car? Below the engine or transmission? It may be transmission fluid but I'm sure transmission fluid has a colour to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

Can I check those things from the hood or do I need a lift? Sorry for the noob questions.

Nope. To check any of the hoses, you just need to pop the hood and everything is there for you to check. The hose that was problematic for me should be right in front of you once you lift the hood of the car. That picture I posted should look exactly the same when you look at your engine.

silvergray545 · 07-12-2016, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

Can I check those things from the hood or do I need a lift? Sorry for the noob questions.

Check your fluid levels. Something may be low.

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

I'm want to say that's coolant. That wet spot on the floor, where is that in relation to you car? Below the engine or transmission? It may be transmission fluid but I'm sure transmission fluid has a colour to it.

I'm not sure. In the first pic, it shows the distance from the front of the car and the leak is right in the center of where I park.

TheBingoBalls · 07-12-2016, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

I'm not sure. In the first pic, it shows the distance from the front of the car and the leak is right in the center of where I park.

Hmm...Well it could still be coolant leaking. It could be leaking in the middle since that's where the fluid could leak out of due to the construction of the underbelly pan. I would lift the hood and with a flashlight see if there's any hoses or parts that are wet. A wet spot that big, there should be something you should be able to see.

silvergray545 · 07-12-2016, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLIEN

Mechtronic sleeve?

Forgot about that. Let's hope that's not the issue.

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLIEN

Mechtronic sleeve?

I have no idea what that is. Will google. Thanks.

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvergray545

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLIEN

Mechtronic sleeve?

Forgot about that. Let's hope that's not the issue.

Don't scare me!

M2BMW · 07-12-2016, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

I'm back from vacation and see that there is a leak on the ground from my car. It doesn't seem like oil. There has never been a leak from my car before. Can you guys please help with what it could be? I've taken a pic with my car moved over a few feet to the right so it shows where it's leaking from. My car is low and I don't have access to a lift but I would like to do what I can to figure this out.

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

I'm not sure. In the first pic, it shows the distance from the front of the car and the leak is right in the center of where I park.

Hmm...Well it could still be coolant leaking. It could be leaking in the middle since that's where the fluid could leak out of due to the construction of the underbelly pan. I would lift the hood and with a flashlight see if there's any hoses or parts that are wet. A wet spot that big, there should be something you should be able to see.

Ok I'll do that tomorrow. Thanks!

silvergray545 · 07-12-2016, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

Don't scare me!

Lol those are just a pain in the ass. Not sure if you'd be able to DIY it.

M2BMW · 07-12-2016, 11:23 PM

Brake line or master cylinder leak

RJ_ · 07-12-2016, 11:27 PM

Is your car auto or manual? I forget. I thought it kinda looked like brake fluid and was leaning towards a clutch line or a leak at the clutch delay valve.

bimmette · 07-12-2016, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ_

Is your car auto or manual? I forget. I thought it kinda looked like brake fluid and was leaning towards a clutch line or a leak at the clutch delay valve.

Auto

07-12-2016, 10:30 PM	#1
bimmette YouTube.com/TvTara 6454 Rep 4,715 Posts Drives: like I stole it! (11 m3 E93) Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Update: Nevermind, it stopped leaking and I don't know what it was but it went away on its own. I'm back from vacation and see that there is a leak on the ground from my car. It doesn't seem like oil. There has never been a leak from my car before. Can you guys please help with what it could be? I've taken a pic with my car moved over a few feet to the right so it shows where it's leaking from. My car is low and I don't have access to a lift but I would like to do what I can to figure this out. Attached Images __________________ Watch my DIY mods at: YouTube/TvTara Follow me on Instagram at: TvTara1
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07-12-2016, 10:47 PM	#2
Cory S Major 305 Rep 1,163 Posts Drives: 2011 335i-X Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: N.H. iTrader: (0)	Smear it with your finger... Smell it. Wipe it with a white piece of paper.. What color is it? __________________ 2011 335i X-drive 6AT / Pure turbo / 500AWHP/526TQ
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07-12-2016, 10:55 PM	#3
silvergray545 Skittles, OT OG 2337 Rep 649 Posts Drives: Lots of M cars Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2000 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2004 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 VW GLI [0.00]	Mileage?
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07-12-2016, 10:57 PM	#4
TheBingoBalls Brigadier General 3821 Rep 4,660 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 F36 BMW 440i x ... [0.00]	If it's clear and has a film/oily texture, might be coolant. I'd the check the hoses around the coolant tank as well as the coolant hose that connects directly to the front of the engine (part #7). I had a small crack there that I didn't notice before until it finally snapped off. Attached Images
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07-12-2016, 11:06 PM	#9
ATLIEN Captain 549 Rep 791 Posts Drives: 08 335i & 11 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (0)	Mechtronic sleeve?
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07-12-2016, 11:23 PM	#20
M2BMW Lieutenant 115 Rep 581 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2008 iTrader: (0)	Brake line or master cylinder leak
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07-12-2016, 11:27 PM	#21
RJ_ Baby-faced Assassin 1203 Rep 152 Posts Drives: when car isn't broke. Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Department of the Posterior iTrader: (0)	Is your car auto or manual? I forget. I thought it kinda looked like brake fluid and was leaning towards a clutch line or a leak at the clutch delay valve.
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