Leak Coming from the Transmission

[Someone12132]

Hello everyone,
I am somewhat new to the Z Roadster forums so please bare with me. On my 1999 BMW Z3 5 speed manual with the 2.3L engine, I recently noticed that there is somewhat of a dampness near the transmission brace. The issue is, I am not sure what it is. I'm assuming it's transmission fluid as the fluid being leaked is near the transmission. However, I have not noticed the transmission grinding, having a hard time shifting, etc. The leak is not active, and I don't see any droplets in my driveway if I leave it there for days. What could it be, and where could it be coming from?

Here's an image of where it's coming from.

 

[DomiMik]

I guess this comes from one of the two rear seals on the gearbox, either the selector shaft seal or the output shaft seal. I would change both as they cost only a couple £s and you need to drop the exhaust and remove the drive shaft.

Here's what I'm talking about. Best thing would be to clean it with a pressure washer and check again after a couple of miles, then you should clearly see where it's leaking.

 

[Someone12132]

I think I found the leak. It seems to be the most wet in this area. I’m guessing this is the shifter link seal? Is there a good guide/tutorial that someone can link so I can replace it?

 

[Rudyrov]

If the seal is still in the car and the shift shaft is going through it, you need to pry the seal out without damaging the seat area nor the shift shaft.
There is no easy way to do this that I know of, there are various generic tools that can be used if you can get them within striking range.

Maybe one of the few retired BMW mechanics that frequent the site has a trick tool or method?
Otherwise the idea is to get something into the seal avoiding the before mentioned surfaces and then pry or pull the old seal out.
Depending on the severity of the leak, you may want to wait until a clutch job is called for because this would involve R&R of the transmission.
While googling I found this write up that might help.

BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i) - View Single Post - DIY Request: Shift Shaft Seal

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