80K service question. (archive)

Just brought my 92 M5 into an authorized BMW dealer for some interior door panel work, etc., and also went for the 80K service. Very friendly dealership people and I do like to keep up on maintenance. My very solicitous service rep called the next day to inform me of certain issues which they felt "needed attention" .... leaking oil pan gasket, leaking timing chain case, leaking valve cover gaskets, leaking transmission seal. Altogether about $2500 worth of assorted "leaks".

I do not profess to possess the same degree of knowledge as a factory trained service technician or, for that matter, many of the members of this forum. But I must admit that I'm a bit skeptical of this "oil leakage". I garage the car and have never detected any telltale oil spots on my garage floor; I average perhaps 2 quarts of oil consumption per 7000 miles (average annual mileage, including a lot of highway touring) over the two years I have owned the car.

I plan to get under the car when it returns to me and check for myself. To be honest, I'm thinking oil weepage rather than outright leakage. Perhaps the dealer service is being a little too enthusiastic in their maintenance recommendations, if you know what I mean.

My feeling is not to start pulling apart a hand-built motor unless there is a clear reason to do so. On the other hand, has this car perhaps reached the age (10 yrs) when BMW gaskets start to self-destruct? I will appreciate any advice or wisdom on this question.

Thanks / Byron Angel

Previous owner 68 1600
Previous owner 73 Bavaria
Current owner 87 535is
Current owner 92 M5

Follow Ups:

Re: 80K service question. Keith 23:19 4/28/2002 (0)
Re: 80K service question. Gary Derian 08:17 4/26/2002 (1)
- Re: 80K service question. Byron Angel 10:45 4/26/2002 (0)

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