Took a trip just yesterday to purchase a low millage 07 flying spur. Beautiful vehicle, absolutely flawless interior with a close 2nd exterior. Underneath shows that driving in the rain was most likely not an option, however nothing is perfect. Just looking for some opinions on a couple of issues, we will go minor to major. First up was the infotainment screen. Anyone remember the flicker you would get with an old computer monitor when you would first turn it on? The screen almost acted as if it had to warm up if that makes sense? It was not a long process at all it just seemed odd. There were no signs of burned out pixels of dimmed sections just an odd old school tube tv vibe for a second. There is an aftermarket rearview license plate bracket camera added and that could be the culprit. The second issue was while inspecting the paint and body work I couldn’t help but notice that the outline of hoods structure or bracing can be seen on the exterior of the hood near the center. I dug pretty deep and saw no evidence of paint work. Unfortunately I’ve never inspected an flying spur this closely so I have no memory if this is common and it stuck me as being odd for a vehicle with such an astronomical original msrp. Now for the underneath panels removed dirty stuff. Driver side leaking oil from what I believe is possibly part of the wastegate components. Are there common issues with turbo components leaking oil? If you look towards the rear of the car in between the sway bar and the subframe there is a circular grayish component that looks plastic with a hose connected in the center. There are obvious signs of seepage that is turning into a slow but small leak. It isn’t the leak that scares me it’s more of the can a mechanic get to it kind of thing. Engine out services are my only internal big worry. The last thing that surprised me is the oil pan gasket, are you able to see it? Looked similar to a liquid gasket that was white in color again I was just not expecting to see that. The car was sent to a mechanic with w12 experience to inspect the leak. Thanks any opinions on the issues are greatly appreciated.

 

Solved my own question on the oil pan, that issue is no longer a concern.

 

I believe this is the source of the leak.

 

Hello,

That is the dump valve [diverter valve] for the turbo. The line going into the white beige plastic is a a vacuum pipe. Anything is possible, though doubtful oil is from there.

 

Thanks , it was plastered with oil and dirt so the source must be close. Thanks for the answer.

 

Valve cover gasket leak is suspect.🤔👍

 

thanks, I was planning on a spark plug change so if that is the culprit I guess there would be no better time for valve cover gaskets. The car is an 07 with 24k I was expecting leaks to be a negative aspect of the car.

 

It’s hard to gauge risk because the repairs that seem simple can be drastically expensive. There has been many times where the leak would not have worried as much and I would have taken the car. Ive found myself being very cautious with this purchase, I just don’t want to get to deep into the faults and lose a good car

 

It’s been stood a long time with infrequent usage .Gaskets dry up particularly the rocker s as oil seeps down .Seals distort , rubber perishes .
You will have your hands full with this .

 

Spoke to the shop manager and he explained the the leak is coming from the turbo housing and a replacement will be needed. I assumed that it was an engine out procedure and he said not necessarily. Is that possible?

 

I’m in the same camp as you on this one. Secondly a blown turbo at 24,000 miles??

 

Have the oil changes been done annually ? Oil degrades with time as well as usage .
It also settles out in the sump if left un disturbed for long periods .So on a re start after a long lay up crap gets sucked up and circulated for a bit until it been around a few times and really mixes.Turbo bearings take a hit .
Oil channels gum up if left , as I said seals dry out and even metal bearings dry up .

On boat engines big boats with 15-24 Litres when you turn the key a electric pump circulates and mixes the oil before the motor fires up .Needs to see a certain oil pressure before the fuel solenoids open . ​​​​​​

 

Repair shop is saying the leak isn’t an emergency and that it can be put off and monitored. Hummmm

 

Maybe it’s just best to pass on this one, beautiful car with 24,000 miles nicely optioned. I was very surprised to see any leaking underneath. The shop claims that they brake cleaned all the residue and noticeable seapage then let it run for a while along with a drive and the no new oil is present. Idk all seems kind of odd to me. Am I being to critical? To me any type of oil seeping from a turbo isn’t a run it until it gets bad situation.

 

If it’s the same side , bank of the filler cap ? Then maybe some oil got split at the last change and with time spread out as it descended.

I once knocked the funnel out doing a oil change and lost maybe 1/2 to 1/4 cup full down the side .Obviously tried to mop up what I could get at there and then .How ever over the coming months oil dampness started to emerge lower down in all sorts of places .This mimics leaks .

A pre purchase inspection would have been grim reading .