Looking at an f80 - is this engine bay pic a red flag?

[SheWentToJared]

Hey guys, tomorrow I'm going to look at a beautiful 2015 m3. Car is white w red interior, body and paint / inside all look immaculate. Car is low Miles zero accidents one owner etc, but what is going on with this engine pic? I'm not uber familiar with f80s but are these oil like stains on the valve cover a red flag for me to even go look at her tomorrow?



Thanks for your time

[raywai2]

It could just be from a messy oil change. The oil filter is just to the right below the intercooler. It's hard to guess because of some much shadow in the photo.

[chetrickerman]

It definitely looks like some oil was sprayed in the engine bay. It is a bit alerting as to what happened to cause that.

[SheWentToJared]

Originally Posted by raywai2

It could just be from a messy oil change. The oil filter is just to the right below the intercooler. It's hard to guess because of some much shadow in the photo.

yeah, that's what I was thinking but this picture looks almost like oil was sprayed or something. obviously would purchase car with a warranty but idk seems like a red flag even though the rest of the car looks great

[katchup]

If its still under warranty and not flagged, I wouldn't worry. Most likely someone didn't tighten the cap all the way for the filter.

[TurboM]

The rubber seal near the driver side strut tower is all discombobulated as well but honestly who knows what its from. I'm guessing this is not being sold directly from an enthusiast given the lack of attention to detail. Definitely have the car fully inspected before buying.

[JoeFromPA]

That doesn't look like oil spray at all to me - that is a very minor amount of oil that was left to diffuse. A messy oil change most likely, someone dropped the filter while removing it, etc.

The oil is all located nearby to the filter, it's a modest amount, and it's not grimy looking.

I wouldn't sweat it without any other flags.

[chetrickerman]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

That doesn't look like oil spray at all to me - that is a very minor amount of oil that was left to diffuse. A messy oil change most likely, someone dropped the filter while removing it, etc.

The oil is all located nearby to the filter, it's a modest amount, and it's not grimy looking.

I wouldn't sweat it without any other flags.

Not saying it's a huge deal, but your can clearly see the oil on the carbon brace and the surrounding areas which isn't super close to the filter

[domino_z]

Someone started the car without tightening the oil filter cap

I just find it strange they didn't wipe it down before taking pics

[Fast4d]

what kind of conclusion can we get from one photo from 5 feet away other than

sloppy oil change/addition job?

[espressoo]

Originally Posted by Fast4d

what kind of conclusion can we get from one photo from 5 feet away other than

sloppy oil change/addition job?

Whomever worked on that engine was munching on some really greasy food??

[shortseller]

Looks like others have been under the hood rather than BMW service, which still being under warranty would make me wonder why enough to ask?

BTW, what's a low milage 2015 M3 going for these days?

[Vectors2final]

Some people are super sloppy with oil changes, which is unfortunate. Could easily be caused by spilled oil that heated up and was blown around by air(less likely), or someone who was sloppy with the funnel(more likely).

If you're that concerned, take the car in for a look see. Maybe a compression and leak down test? Seems like a small amount of money to ensure that you're good to go.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by shortseller

BTW, what's a low milage 2015 M3 going for these days?

50-55k