New N54 owner turbo leaking?

[InnovativeAuto]

Hey guys, new to the N54 platform! I bought a N54 Z4 yesterday and already started modding. When I had the downpipes off I noticed some oil on the turbo. It does not look to be coming from the center cartridge and also does not appear to be coming from the valve cover. Car has 43k miles on it (2011). From these pics can anyone help me? It appears it is coming out of the discharge?

 

[R.G.]

Congrats on the Z4 and welcome

Find the highest point where oil is visible. Then clean it up, let it sit for over night, and see if you can narrow down where it’s coming from. If nothing visible warm it up and check again.

Oil filter housing has been known to leak and be near invisible from top engine view then make its way down to the turbys.
Most common culprits: OFH, valve cover

Can’t tell much from pics

 

[fmorelli]

Hey guys, new to the N54 platform! I bought a N54 Z4 yesterday ...

Welcome aboard! Sorry to hear about the oil leak.

The idea to wipe and chase down the leak is good. I have a 2011 Z4 with 30k miles and no leaks, but given age as a factor as well, consider valve cover gasket. To R.G.s point, BMW's are notorious for oil filter housing leaks and while I have not done one on the N54, they are a bit of a PITA to do on the other BMW engine. Is your car stock and untouched? Common for Z4s.

We have a few Z4 owners here, and have just begun starting to collect some folks. If you have Z4-specific questions or would post a build thread (that'd be awesome), it's here: https://bmw.spoolstreet.com/forums/bmw-z.65/

Look forward to seeing more from you! Feel free to PM if you have any specific Z4 questions (or better yet, post on the forum thread link above!)

Filippo

 

[NoQuarter]

Check that valve cover for sure. Any oil on the passenger side will get to the turbos and/or downpipes.

If the valve cover is leaking assume it is cracked is safest bet I think.