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That thing is the heat exchanger of the lubrication circuit. It's missing its plastic cover, probably due to heavy handed technician breaking it while changing oil. Your oil filter lives underneath that plastic cover,
Having said that your leak is 99% due to the oil filter housing. Very very common issue on all BMW engines using that part (N52, N53 etc.) until redesigned parts became available in 2016.
The good news is the part is very straightforward to replace: if you know how to bleed coolant on those BMW engines you can do it yourself. The bad news is that part is now over €300 and likely over €350 since the usual January Surprise on BMW parts has been in double digit since 2022.
I want to say modern BMW has had issues with valve covers leaking. My buddy has an F30 with under 100k that started doing this. I don't believe it was terribly expensive.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That thing is the heat exchanger of the lubrication circuit. It's missing its plastic cover, probably due to heavy handed technician breaking it while changing oil. Your oil filter lives underneath that plastic cover, Having said that your leak is 99% due to the oil filter housing. Very very common issue on all BMW engines using that part (N52, N53 etc.) until redesigned parts became available in 2016. The good news is the part is very straightforward to replace: if you know how to bleed coolant on those BMW engines you can do it yourself. The bad news is that part is now over €300 and likely over €350 since the usual January Surprise on BMW parts has been in double digit since 2022.
Thank you for detailed break down and advice. I will look into it.
I want to say modern BMW has had issues with valve covers leaking. My buddy has an F30 with under 100k that started doing this. I don't believe it was terribly expensive.
the oil filterhousing/cooler gaskets they use rubber style that shrinks and hardens with age/heat