The BMW is known for more than the comfortable driving experience it offers its owners. It is also known for its safety and design. The model is not exempt from potential damages and malfunctions.
One of the most commonly reported problems for the BMW 6 Series is oil cooler gasket failure, which can cause headaches and a lousy driving experience if not repaired in a timely fashion.
Warning Signs of Gasket Failure
The oil cooler gasket acts as a seal that keeps vital cooler fluid in your vehicle and potentially harmful contaminants out of it. As an essential component of your vehicle’s cooling system, the oil cooling gasket is critical in keeping your car’s engine at peak performance.
A broken or damaged gasket means a compromised seal, which can wreak havoc on a BMW. If left unrepaired, a compromised gasket can lead to expensive damages and potential hazards to you, your car and other drivers.
We’ve listed some common indications of gasket failure:
Leaking oil from the cooler
If you notice oil leaking underneath your vehicle, the gasket could require repair. Oil from the gasket can drip onto other parts of your car, such as suspension components. This will eventually cause further damage if not fixed.
Oil leakages can also indicate that your car’s engine might not have enough oil to maintain proper lubrication. Check your car’s cooler for an oil leakage the next time you take your vehicle for a drive to ensure there are no leaks.
A high temperature gauge
The oil cooler gasket plays a crucial role in keeping your BMW’s engine in a healthy temperature range. High temperatures mean overheating, which does not bode well for your car. Operating a vehicle with an overheating engine will significantly decrease the car’s engine’s lifespan, resulting in another expensive or even impossible repair.
Contaminated oil
A properly-functioning gasket helps keep your car’s oil in good working condition. Contaminated oil can also lead to high engine temperatures, and we all know the risks associated with that. Car oil can become contaminated when the gasket is not functioning correctly. This allows impurities into the vehicle, which can eventually lead to warping and tearing of the engine components. This is especially problematic if the contaminants are large or have a rougher texture.
Failure to fix your vehicle’s oil cooling gasket in a timely fashion can lead to some serious repercussions. Oil leakages can lead to a lack of lubrication and increased friction, which poses a severe risk to your car’s engine. Overheating can lead to damages in your car’s cylinder head, engine block or other internal parts.
Reasons for Oil Cooler Gasket Failure
Just like any car part, an oil cooler gasket can become stretched or cracked over time. Oil cooler gaskets are made of a rubber material that can stiffen over a sufficient amount of time, resulting in pieces of the gasket drying up and breaking off.
While oil cooler gaskets are designed to withstand intense engine conditions and extended exposure to heat, anything exposed to excessive heat will eventually become compromised. According to the manufacturer, it’s best to refer to your BMW’s operating manual to determine how long you can expect your gasket to last.
When the time comes, be sure to schedule a consultation with an auto mechanic to ensure it is in proper working order, and have it replaced if necessary.
Let DART Auto Replace your Gasket
We don’t recommend trying to fix an oil cooling gasket yourself. The safest way to ensure the integrity of your BMW’s gasket is to have it inspected 
by a qualified mechanic who specializes in foreign vehicles.
At DART Auto, our main priority is quality repairs to build your trust in our craftsmanship. We are the premiere repair shop specializing in repairing your Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, BMW or Mini Cooper.
DART Auto has built a community of clientele throughout the Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, and Denver, CO areas. They trust us to keep their vehicles in the peak condition the manufacturer intended. Our experienced and certified technicians use parts approved by the vehicle’s manufacturer, which ensures the best and quickest repair for your car that lets you get back on the road. Call us today to make an appointment. We look forward to your patronage.
