S50B32 Oil Leak Driver's Side

Hi all,

Have been a member of the forum for a little while now, but first time posting and seeking some assistance.

While servicing my M3 to get it ready for the summer, I noted there was an oil leak on the driver's side of the engine. It looks to be coming from a cylindrical shaped housing of some sort on the side of the block. It's well below the vanos unit so don't believe it's related, and it's not the rocker cover gasket as I've replaced this a few weeks ago and no leaks from there.

I have a few photos saved to a Google drive folder of the location: https://drive.google.com/folderview?...T7j3nodZvdYOin

Is it ok to remove this housing? What is it part of? I suspect there's a rubber gasket behind there of some sort that's perished and is now leaking?

I tried researching but can't seem to find anything, and real OEM doesn't show what it is either.

Any assistance appreciated!

Thanks!

Sounds like the timing chain tensioner. Can’t access your photos however.

Looking at the photos that’s the timing chain tensioner. There’s a metal crush washer that can leak. I would recommend replacing the tensioner while you’re at it. I’ve done mine recently.


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Thanks for the quick response. Apologies, I had link sharing feature turned off. Perhaps you could take a look at them now? Appreciate the help!

I'll have a Google about the chain tensioner and see if that's it.

Thank you both for the suggestion. Looks like that's exactly what my issue is! Thank you again!