Hi Otto,
Disconnect the battery and pull the alternator out it is only three bolts to remove it and take a look. Leaks from the engine into the space occupied by the alternator are relatively rare.
Regards,
K-BIKE

I'll do that as soon as weather permits. -30 outside now, heater in shed not quite enough at the moment. Thanks.

That is fingers like sticks of wood territory!
Regards,
K-BIKE

otto59 wrote:I'll do that as soon as weather permits. -30 outside now, heater in shed not quite enough at the moment. Thanks.

So much for global warming. +3* here today...

Never was a truer word spoken club_c
Regards,
K-Bike

I wouldn't call this a global warming, but a climate change. Look at Europe last month.... People felt the chill in the air rather than a heat wave.

That's because we are in a global cooling phase at the moment.
Regards,
K-BIKE

or global averaging

it got wet and warm here

Has anyone else experienced oil leaking from here and/or what are other possibilities (for the leak, not global warming)? There must be engine oil in there to keep the gears for the starter, etc. well lubed.

Hi Otto,
The starter and alternator don't share the same access hole. The starter gear and its infamous sprag clutch, that barometer of oil quality that owners have been using, are indeed immersed in oil but the alternator drives through a cush drive assembly often called "monkey nuts" from a slightly different location so the end of the alternator is not in an oil bath.
Regards,
K-BIKE

But is there any oil in there that could possibly leak out? From the photos in the Haynes manual the sprag clutch and "monkey nuts" appear to share the same chamber at the top of the bellhousing? If not, what else could cause an oil leak up there?

Hi Otto,
Let us know what you find when you pull it out.
Regards,
K-BIKE

Are you sure its oil, not dirty water/fuel? You're directly below the two little pipes coming through the fuel tank, the breather liner and the drain from the cap recess.

Smells and feels like oil.

There is a seal on the back of the driving dog. The only problem is that you have to remove the clutch and the bell housing to access it. Check seal #6 on the picture

I still say let's not get too concerned until the alternator is out and you can see what the situation really is inside, until you get it out and find there is or isn't a problem you may be worrying over some spilled oil which has worked its way down over the outside of the engine.
Regards,
K-BIKE

don't have to remove the clutch or bell housing. once the alternator is off, remove the alternator drive shaft end (dog shaft) with the single center bolt and just pull it off. the seal is on the outside of the bell housing and can be swapped out with no more removal of big parts. also there is a o-ring that goes in before putting the dog shaft back on. this o-ring never made it to any BMW parts lists, so gotta find a replacement on your own (14.5mm ID, 1.6mm thick).