Oil Filter Housing Gasket - How Critical - If Leak Small

I as well had the same problem, I didnt change it cause of the price and the leak just kept getting worse and worse till I finaly had to have it changed it went on for a couple years so I dont think its that critical. you know how mechanics are everything's a big deal cause they want your money! and no you dont need an authorised mechanic just a compitant one, cause they have to take the top half of the motor off, it is a pain in the rear end though, but my guy charged me $150 for that you can do it yourself but it would probably take all day

i had a similar leak on this car myself i use a stop leak and it worked fine after a couple of thousand miles the leak when away.

i know some place downtown that will do it for 60 and they know bmw