BMW Z4 E85/E86 (2002–2008)Faults with oil leaks

Oil leaks of the BMW Z4 E85/E86: problems and faults

In the BMW Z4 E85/E86 there are 4 documented faults with oil leaks; the most important: oil leaks and consumption (rocker cover, vacuum pump and valve stem seals) (BMW N43/N46 engine), oil leak from the valve cover gasket (BMW M54 engine) and oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket (BMW N52 / N53 engine).

Medium severity: Oil leaks and consumption (rocker cover, vacuum pump and valve stem seals) · BMW N43/N46 engine
Medium severity: Oil leak from the valve cover gasket · BMW M54 engine
Medium severity: Oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket · BMW N52 / N53 engine
Low severity: Valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve · BMW N52 / N53 engine

Most serious fault: Medium severity

Reviewed on 5 October 20264 sources How we work

Faults by engine

From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

Z4 E85/E86 BMW N43/N46

- Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leaks and consumption (rocker cover, vacuum pump and valve stem seals)Over the years, the rocker cover gasket and the brake servo vacuum pump gasket start to seep oil on the N43 and N46; on the N46 there are also the valve stem seals, which can cause more noticeable oil consumption than on the N43.

Z4 E85/E86 BMW M54

- Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leak from the valve cover gasketThe M54's valve cover is made of plastic and, over the years, warps and stops sealing: oil leaks, a burning smell, oily spark plugs and misfires appear. It is replaced together with the gasket.

Z4 E85/E86 BMW N52 / N53

Symptoms these faults cause

How much the repair costs

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €200^[4] (valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve) to €350^[4] (valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve), including VAT. If the fault is caught in time, the repair is usually much cheaper.

Parts for the BMW Z4 E85/E86 for faults with oil leaks

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Rocker cover gasket
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Vacuum pump gasket
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Valve stem seals
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with oil leaks does the BMW Z4 E85/E86 have?

Oil leaks of the BMW Z4 E85/E86: how much does the repair cost?

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €200 (valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve) to €350 (valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve), including VAT.

Which engines of the BMW Z4 E85/E86 have faults with oil leaks?

The documented faults affect the BMW N43/N46, BMW M54 and BMW N52 / N53 engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.

Have you had a fault with oil leaks on your BMW Z4 E85/E86? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

BMW N43: Bei diesem Benziner ist Ärger vorprogrammiertGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
M54 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
BMW N52 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Problemas BMW N52Total Renting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish