Mysterious leak, thoughts?

[acthad]

So I was waxing my e90 M3 Sedan 6 speed manual the other night, and came across some black tar like substance dripping out of where the underside cover meets the driver's rocker panel.

So I am guessing it is brake/clutch fluid. It is a good size glob of dried up fluid. I know from experience on motorcycles that when it leaks and dries up, it dries up into this tar like substance.

I am under extended warranty, but wanted to see if anyone experienced this before, so I know what to expect.

I really don't have the ability to lift the car up since it is so low and remove the underside panel and check right now.

Thanks in advance!

[roastbeef]

Maybe a dct leak?

[acthad]

Thanks

[Rajmun340]

Originally Posted by acthad

So I was waxing my e90 M3 Sedan 6 speed manual the other night, and came across some black tar like substance dripping out of where the underside cover meets the driver's rocker panel.

So I am guessing it is brake/clutch fluid. It is a good size glob of dried up fluid. I know from experience on motorcycles that when it leaks and dries up, it dries up into this tar like substance.

I am under extended warranty, but wanted to see if anyone experienced this before, so I know what to expect.

I really don't have the ability to lift the car up since it is so low and remove the underside panel and check right now.

Thanks in advance!

Just a random guess, but have you tested that all EDC modes and both Servo modes work (don't rely on the leds but on your butt impression). Servo works with an EH converter (electro-hydraulic, obviously with oil). And struts for EDC also have oil in them. If they leak or fail the system defaults to sport mode and won't change no matter the settings. Also check steering fluid level.

[JDM_CL9]

Pics would help... could be a number of things... could be under coating, maybe you drove over some tar like substance and some point?

When was the last time you serviced the vehicle? Your mechanic should have caught that if it were serious.

[EJT86]

someone posted a question like this about a year ago and it turned to be a black plastic bag that had gotten stuck and melted underneath the car

[acthad]

Well took a flashlight to the wheel well and ot looks like my strut blew and leaked and splashed the wheel house and dripped to the driver's rocker panel.

I am guessing can install a new strut and be all good. EDC still seems to be working fine right now.

Thanks to all.

[acthad]

Solved.

Dealer drove over oil puddle, and splattered fluid all over wheelhouse and rocker panel. Car is all good, but I am po'd at the dealer!

[roastbeef]

How did you figure that one out? Seems like something that would be difficult to prove and they would also deny.

[acthad]

Okay I was wrong, the leak came back. The fluid comes out in strings onto tbe car like fine frosting piping. It looks green like pentosin, so is this my power steering or edc?

See shared album for pics and vid when I thought it was from oil splash from the ground.

http://s282.photobucket.com/user/act...90%20M3%20Leak

[Biggus Dickus]

Originally Posted by acthad

Solved.

Dealer drove over oil puddle, and splattered fluid all over wheelhouse and rocker panel. Car is all good, but I am po'd at the dealer!

That means it is time for power slides to burn all the oil residue off the tires, right?

[acthad]

Lol nice not quite

So after analyzing it it appears to be axle grease but my tie rods are clean as is the whole hub assembly

I am going to check the inside of the rim for grease build up.

[acthad]

Now I think it's a leaky wheel bearing from searching non M3 posts.