BMW is perhaps one of the most widely recognized luxury cars in the world, miles ahead of its competitors due to its powerful performance and class-leading features. However, the pleasure of driving this high-end vehicle can be cut short if you start encountering oil leaks. When the oil is leaking from the alternator seal, it has the potential to lead to a complete vehicle breakdown if not tackled early on. Rather than allowing this to go unrepaired and cause further damage, it’s imperative to get ahead of it and ensure it’s properly taken care of. In this blog article, we will discuss the top signs associated with alternator seal oil leaks, which can help you identify the problem your BMW is facing and the necessary steps to take to fix it.
Signs Associated With the Problem
There are sure signs to look out for when determining if the oil is leaking from the alternator seal. Watch out for:
Visible Oil leaks
One of the most common signs of an oil leak from the alternator seal of your BMW is the visible presence of oil. Start your visual inspection by looking in the right locations, beginning with the formation of puddles under your BMW where you have parked it, and then proceed to the space beneath the alternator. Don’t forget the alternator casing! Mainly since the majority of the time, black grime accumulates on this part due to oil leaks.
Most of the time, during the initial stage of the problem, you may not notice any visible oil leaks on your driveway where you have parked your vehicle. However, you must still open your hood and look below your alternator, specifically in the driver-side section of the engine, to check for any oil leak residues in this area. Now, if you find oil or oil residues in these places, it’s a clear sign that oil is leaking from the alternator seal.
Inadequate Engine Oil Levels
Another clear sign of these leaks is the level of engine oil. It’s no secret that BMWs require a sufficient quantity of engine oil at all times for smooth operation and optimal performance. If the oil level is not correct, you will encounter a range of issues. If you frequently need to top off your motor oil under normal driving conditions, you likely have an underlying oil leak in your car.
Often, due to the presence of an inadequate level of oil in your vehicle, you might encounter a sudden drop in your performance. Besides that, you might also come across engine overheating issues due to oil leaks from the alternator seal of your car. That is why it is essential to monitor the oil level of your BMW on a regular basis.
Unusual Noises From Serpentine Belt
Generally, when driving under normal circumstances, you’re never going to hear anything unusual from your vehicle. However, an underlying oil leak from the alternator seal of your car can create unusual noises, such as squealing or chirping sounds, coming from under the hood of your vehicle. These sounds come from the serpentine belt of your car. As the leaking oil from the alternator seal accumulates on the belt, it starts to slip, producing these abnormal sounds in your vehicle. Beware, as you may also hear these sounds when the power steering pump or the AC compressor kicks into action. Unsure of the culprit? When in doubt, get it checked out!
Solo Motorsports: Go-To Auto Repair Shop For Fixing Alternator Seal Oil Leaks
Driving your BMW with an alternator 
seal oil leak problem should be the last thing you do, as it can lead to complete engine failure. At Solo Motorsports, located near you in Alpharetta, GA, we understand the gravity of this automotive problem, which is why our state-of-the-art auto repair facility is equipped with the latest factory-grade tools to address the issue.
With years of experience, our team of ASE-certified mechanics is capable of resolving any alternator issues, getting your BMW back on the road safely in no time. Call or schedule an appointment with us online at Solo Motorsports to have your alternator’s oil leaks diagnosed and repaired by our experts.