Engine Coolant Leaks On 1988-90 BMW 5.0L Engines
AERA members have reported engine coolant leaks on 1988-90 BMW
5.0L engines. The coolant seems to be coming from the coolant
chamber cover on top of the engine block due to a distorted
cork gasket.
BMW now offers a new style gasket, Part # 11141736959, to
reduce the possibility of this problem. The new gasket is made
of a plastic-coated paper, which is colored green. Anytime a
repair or a replacement of a part is done, this new gasket
should be installed.
As of September 1989 production, the coolant chamber cover was
modified to improve the gasket contact surface by widening the
sealing lugs around the boltholes. When a new style cover is
installed on a vehicle prior to September 1989 production, make
sure that the wider bolt hole lugs on the cover do not contact
the engine block.
The old style cork gasket, Part #11141288979, is no longer
available individually. The old style cork gasket is included
in the engine block gasket set and must be replaced with the
new rubber gasket.
AERA is currently unaware of an aftermarket supplier for this
revised gasket. The AERA Technical Committee
from:
BMW Engine Information