Original BMW Rear Crankshaft Seal Kit BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, Z3, and Z4 (1997–2006)

Original BMW crankshaft seal kit 11-14-1-438-274 contains the rear main seal, gasket, and mounting hardware needed to seal the back of the crankshaft on M52 and M54 six-cylinder engines in the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, Z3, and Z4 from 1997–2006. A rear main seal sits where the crankshaft leaves the back of the block. It holds engine oil inside while the crank spins against it. When this seal leaks, oil collects between the engine and the transmission. You may also notice a burning oil smell if the oil reaches hot exhaust parts. This kit is made in Austria. BMW's parts data shows production starting in January 1998.

Original BMW Parts carry a 24-month parts warranty.

BMW's name for this assembly is Set of covers. It replaces the earlier kit 11-14-1-433-897, and BMW rates the replacement as exchangeable retrospectively, so the new kit fits cars originally built with the old number. The cross-reference 11-14-1-744-158 also points to this kit. The right time to fit it is during a clutch or transmission job. At that point the extra labor is small.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer: BMW (Original BMW Parts)
• Part number: 11-14-1-438-274
• BMW part name: Set of covers
• Contents: rear main seal, gasket, and mounting hardware
• Replaces: 11-14-1-433-897 (exchangeable retrospectively)
• Also cross-referenced as: 11-14-1-744-158
• Production start: January 1998
• Country of manufacture: Austria
• Sold as: one kit
• Warranty: 24-month parts warranty

Installation & Tuning Notes

Plan the seal replacement for when the transmission and clutch are already out. The kit includes the gasket and hardware.

Common Questions

What comes in the kit?
The rear main seal, the gasket, and the mounting hardware.

Does it replace the older kit 11-14-1-433-897?
Yes. BMW supersedes the older kit with this number and rates it as exchangeable retrospectively.

When should I fit it?
During a clutch or transmission job, when the back of the engine is already exposed.

Fit this kit during your next clutch job and the back of the engine stays dry.

Fitment & Compatibility

Check the table below for the exact year, model, submodel, and any listed notes. Send your VIN and PMB Performance will confirm the fit, drawing on more than 20 years in the trade.