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Rear Main Seal cost
Rear Main Seal on a BMW with the N52/N54/N55/S55 engine typically costs $1,700–$3,500 at an independent shop or $4,000 at a BMW dealer, based on 6 real owner-reported prices.
Last updated · Sources: 6 owner-reported prices from 6 cited threads
Leak between engine and transmission; the transmission comes out. Real prices reported by owners on Reddit and BMW forums, with a link to every one.
Limited data: Moderate data. Still no DIY parts cost we could confirm, and the dealer number is a single quote.
Typical cost
Ranges are the lowest and highest prices in the table below. They are not estimates. Shop prices include parts and labor unless noted.
Every price we found
| Price | Where | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4,000 | Dealer | BMW dealer quote, N52 at 100k+ miles | [1] |
| $1,900 | Indy | Shop bill, Z4 auto ($61.99/hr shop rate) | [2] |
| $1,700 | Indy | Paid in LA, rear main seal plus oil filter housing gasket | [2] |
| $1,800 | Indy | SoCal shop quote: rear main seal + OFHG + oil pan gasket, 2012 135i manual | [3] |
| $3,500 | Indy | Quote incl. belts/pulleys + rear main seal, 2015 M4 (S55); "still lower than dealer" | [4] |
| $2,787 | Indy | Labor quote, rear main seal + oil pan gasket, 2008 335xi, Northern VA | [5] |
- There are two seal sizes. A BMW shop foreman advises replacing with the size removed, and the old style needs BMW primer and sealant (source 6).
- On manual cars, commenters say to do the clutch at the same time since the labor overlaps.
- Double-check the diagnosis: oil from the oil filter housing, oil pan or valve cover often collects at the same spot.
How long it takes
DIY: about 9 hrs without a lift on a 335xi auto; about 5 hrs with a lift and transmission jack on a 335i (source 6).
Which cars are affected
Most inline-6 BMWs (N52/N54/N55); early N55s are most often mentioned. Data includes Z4, 135i, 335i and one M4 (S55).
Symptoms
- Oil dripping where the engine meets the transmission
- Oil on the bellhousing or under-tray
- Burning smell if oil reaches the exhaust
Parts list
| Crankshaft rear main seal | ECS TuningPelican PartsAmazon |
| Transmission bellhousing bolts (aluminum) | ECS TuningPelican PartsAmazon |
| Clutch kit (manual cars, while the trans is out) | ECS TuningPelican PartsAmazon |
Check fitment for your exact car (VIN) before ordering. Links may become affiliate links in the future.
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Common questions
How much does Rear Main Seal cost?
Rear Main Seal on a BMW with the N52/N54/N55/S55 engine typically costs $1,700–$3,500 at an independent shop or $4,000 at a BMW dealer, based on 6 real owner-reported prices.
How much does Rear Main Seal cost at a BMW dealer?
Real dealer prices we found ranged $4,000 (1 data point, median $4,000).
How much does an independent shop charge for Rear Main Seal?
Independent shop prices ranged $1,700 to $3,500 (5 data points, median $1,900).
Can I do Rear Main Seal myself?
We have not found a DIY parts cost for this job yet.
How long does Rear Main Seal take?
DIY: about 9 hrs without a lift on a 335xi auto; about 5 hrs with a lift and transmission jack on a 335i (source 6).
Which BMWs are affected?
Most inline-6 BMWs (N52/N54/N55); early N55s are most often mentioned. Data includes Z4, 135i, 335i and one M4 (S55).
Related repairs
Sources
- Rear seal replacement cost (Reddit r/BMWZ4)
- So In conclusion‼️ (Reddit r/BMWZ4)
- Need your opinion on maintenance issues (n55) (1Addicts)
- Fair price (Reddit r/BmwTech)
- 2008 335xi Oil pan and Rear Main Seal replacement (BimmerFest)
- In need of a Rear Main seal diy (E90post)
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