[Explorerlyon]

I am looking at purchasing a 06 325i with 120K miles. Before I get to a paid PPI, I have my own concerns:

1. There is an obvious leak from the valve cover gasket and there is oil on the front of the engine and left side of the engine. Right side of valve cover and engine is bone dry. CarFax shows the valve cover gasket was already replaced less than 12 months ago by an unknown shop (not a BMW specialist). Realizing the cover leak is common I would not normally be concerned. Since it was replaced recently, I am concerned. Could just have been a bad job or something more serious? Thoughts?

2. Driver seat controls do not work with weight on the seat. Controls work fine with no pressure, everything stops with just pushing down on the seat with my hand.

3. Airbag light and seat belt light is on. Research on this forms says the passenger seat sensor is a common problem or the connection under the seat. What is my worst case scenario cost wise?

[lowrydr310]

1) Left side as in driver's side? It could be that the gasket wasn't done properly. Or maybe the valveteonic motor gasket is leaking. Since you have an 06, you have a magnesium valve cover so it isnt likely that it's cracked and leaking though that's still a possibility. I replaced my VCG almost a year ago yet I still smell a faint oil burning smell. I don't see any oil on the sides or front of the valve cover, but I haven't removed the plastic engine cover to check the back of the valve cover or the valveteonic motor gasket. I remember when changing the VCG that I thought the valvetronic motor gasket seemed like it didn't seal well (07+ with the plastic VCG has a better valveteonoc gasket design that's thicker). Oil in the front of the engine could be from a leaky oil filter housing gasket, which could also leak around both sides depending on how bad it is. Either way, another valve cover gasket and valveteonic motor gasket and Oil filter housing gasket are relatively cheap and not too difficult if you take your time.

2) Sorry, manual seats here so I am not familiar with this.

3) Worst case I think it's around $120 for an occupancy sensor mat, however if you have a K+DCAN cable and the software, it can easily be coded out, bypassing the mat. Basically the airbag is always enabled, ignoring the input from the mat sensor.

[porsche959]

Those are legit concerns and warrants at least $1k less what you were planning on offering - if you can spin it.

Front oil is what concerns me the most. need to replace belts, tensioner, asap as it can be an engine killer.

[Explorerlyon]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

1) Left side as in driver's side? It could be that the gasket wasn't done properly. Or maybe the valveteonic motor gasket is leaking. Since you have an 06, you have a magnesium valve cover so it isnt likely that it's cracked and leaking though that's still a possibility. I replaced my VCG almost a year ago yet I still smell a faint oil burning smell. I don't see any oil on the sides or front of the valve cover, but I haven't removed the plastic engine cover to check the back of the valve cover or the valveteonic motor gasket. I remember when changing the VCG that I thought the valvetronic motor gasket seemed like it didn't seal well (07+ with the plastic VCG has a better valveteonoc gasket design that's thicker). Oil in the front of the engine could be from a leaky oil filter housing gasket, which could also leak around both sides depending on how bad it is. Either way, another valve cover gasket and valveteonic motor gasket and Oil filter housing gasket are relatively cheap and not too difficult if you take your time.

2) Sorry, manual seats here so I am not familiar with this.

3) Worst case I think it's around $120 for an occupancy sensor mat, however if you have a K+DCAN cable and the software, it can easily be coded out, bypassing the mat. Basically the airbag is always enabled, ignoring the input from the mat sensor.

Oil is splattered around the drivers (left) side and front. Sounds like some time and minimal cost I can reasonable solve the issues. Car is priced at $5k. If I can get if for $4,000-$4,500 I will take it. Appearance inside and out is 9+ so its worth fixing the mechanical. This is my first BMW. Been a Porsche guy before.

[Fredo]

About #3, my 2006 330i had a recall related to the occupancy sensor mat. The dealer took care of it back in 2015. Enter the VIN here to find out any open recalls for that car:

https://www.bmwusa.com/safety-and-emission-recalls.html

[ctuna]

If oil gets on the serpentine (accessory belt) you are in danger of
this.

broken belt
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1305990
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?t=1231881
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=23
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1477111

[Efthreeoh]

I'd say the oil is leaking from the oil filter housing gasket.

Like Fredo said, the airbag light could be covered by the sensor mat recall. There is also a HCAC blower motor recall out on that car, so you'll find that recall too if it wasn't taken care of.

There is no occupancy sensor on the drivers seat, so whatever electrical issue sounds like broken wires or a loose connector on the driver's seat.

I'd scan the car with a BMW scan tool (PPI should do this for you). And I'd have the driver's seat removed and the harness inspected. The seat belt light is troublesome. It could be a fired pyrotechnic device in one of the 4 seatbelt buckles.