Cars House

So my '00 323 (e46) automatic has developed a drip. I'm going to prop it up tonight, but I thought I'd get your input before-hand.

Here's what I do know:

-The drip hits the pavement directly in from the center of the front wheels, just to the left of what would be exactly inbetween the wheels. See picture below

-The fluid is petroleum based, and is quite clear. It almost looks like fuel on the cement, but not quite.

-It will still drip even if the car hasn't been driving for a day.



I wanted to check a couple of the fluids first to see if they were low.

ATF: This is red. Don't think it's this.
Oil: Could be? I've never seen synthetic oil on a driveway.
Coolant: Not petroleum based.
Brake fluid: ??
Power steering: ??
Fuel line: ??

Is there anything else I could look for? Any help is appreciated,

http://staff.weber.edu/bbarraza/drip.jpg

When you say clear do you mean colorless or just see-through? Why do you think it's petroleum based? What does it smell like, feel like?

It's colorless, I share the driveway so I put some cardboard underneath my car to make sure it was me that was leaking. It left a spot on the cardboard and the cardboard just looked darker/wet. But nothing like the blatent oil drips from my old truck. Since it stains the cement, I'm pretty sure it's not water-based.

I guess I shouldn't say that I'm positive that it is petroleum based. But it is a slow drip, and it sticks around on the cement.

I hate to try and guess on the smell. Thanks for your help.

oil filter housing?

didn't get a chance to put it up last night, will try to tonight. I'll let you know what I find...

If it doesn't smell like gasoline and isn't red, then it could be brake fluid coming either from the master cylinder or one of the driver's side brake line fittings. IIRC, your car uses ATF as power steering fluid.