[d-robb]

We have had our X3 for about a year now. Noticed this when pulling it off the trailer. Can’t tell where it’s coming from. Any ideas?

 

[2020RR]

Looks like oil that might have leaked/spilled when the oil filter was changed. Who services it?

 

[d-robb]

Hmmmmm….. it had its first service a while ago. I’m pretty OCD, so I’m sure it wasn’t there before this last desert trip. I tried looking up in there. Really difficult to see.

 

[2020RR]

Might also be the o-ring got pinched or is missing (in goes on the cap).

Take the access cover off in between the seats (grab from the top and pull out towards you). This will give you a clear view of the oil filter housing. Take some pics and post them

 

[2020RR]

slightly different engine but it just about the same. seen here circled in RED

 

[LBR]

Ours has been doing the same for several months, and found out it was coolant..... the thermostat/coolant hoses are directly above that area. I hosed that area clean, waited for it to leak, then tasted it.... coolant, not oil. Then looking closer, I could see moisture on a hose/clamp/thermostat housing.

I still haven't ascertained if ours is an actual leak, or is from the coolant tank overflow tube that may end just above where I can see.... I'm not wanting to deal with dropping the skid to look as we live in the desert most of our time.

What I can say tho is it started when I may have overfilled that tank during my servicing it last summer. The factory coolant tank is near impossible to see the coolant level where positioned. Now that I figured out a simple way to see the level, I'm watching the leak vs. filling the tank. It has not leaked for many rides now, and no coolant has been added.

Bottomline for ours is I THINK it was overfilling the coolant tank, and a little bit comes out the overflow tube ending in that area above all the coolant hardware.

 

[Sandman_73]

That looks like oil. Pull the plastic cover between the seats and go in there with a good light and identify where it’s coming from. Check underneath the starter as I have seen leaks there where the engine cases come together.

 

[d-robb]

Thanks guys! It definitely feels like oil. More orange in color. It looks very clean also. It’s at the dealership now, but I might need to do some work if they start giving me the runaround.

 

[2020RR]

You should have spent 5 mins and checked yourself, so you know what the issue is. Might have been a simple fix. Better than letting the dealer tell you some BS, unless you have better luck with your dealer...

 

[LBR]

Thanks guys! It definitely feels like oil. More orange in color. It looks very clean also. It’s at the dealership now, but I might need to do some work if they start giving me the runaround.

Our coolant is orange.

 

[Megadesertdiesel]

Ours has been doing the same for several months, and found out it was coolant..... the thermostat/coolant hoses are directly above that area. I hosed that area clean, waited for it to leak, then tasted it.... coolant, not oil. Then looking closer, I could see moisture on a hose/clamp/thermostat housing.

I still haven't ascertained if ours is an actual leak, or is from the coolant tank overflow tube that may end just above where I can see.... I'm not wanting to deal with dropping the skid to look as we live in the desert most of our time.

What I can say tho is it started when I may have overfilled that tank during my servicing it last summer. The factory coolant tank is near impossible to see the coolant level where positioned. Now that I figured out a simple way to see the level, I'm watching the leak vs. filling the tank. It has not leaked for many rides now, and no coolant has been added.

Bottomline for ours is I THINK it was overfilling the coolant tank, and a little bit comes out the overflow tube ending in that area above all the coolant hardware.

I can see Barbra holding Lance down to test the drip and se what it is.

 

[2020RR]

 

[2020RR]

 

[d-robb]

I did spend some time looking around with my phone camera and flashlight…. Just couldn’t get a definite answer. I have a good relationship with my dealer and I think that helps the confidence level.

 

[2020RR]

Well hope it goes well and is a quick fix so you can enjoy your car!

 

[LBR]

Dad-Gum eff'rs on this site...Reported!

 

[Megadesertdiesel]

Dad-Gum eff'rs on this site...Reported!

and did she just laugh at you?

 

[BLR]

and did she just laugh at you?

Yes I did and still laughing.

Barbara

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[LBR]

and did she just laugh at you?

*ell yeah!

 

[HPnMORE4J]

Coolant can actually appear and feel like oil once it drys out a bit.
Orange does point more to coolant. As LBR stated, check those clamps.