Brown stains on the engine - non-SC

[J.D.]

I'd like to know what caused the brown stains (burnt engine oil?) and whether it would imply possible engine damage.

[Dahoopd]

Thats definately burnt oil. I had a 325i convertible and it leaked everything all the time everywhere.

The valve covers were brown like that.

[7birdslater]

That first one looks exactly like the aftermath of the last clogged heater core I blew out. Rusty nasty brownish stains everywhere. If they wipe off with cleaner and dont feel oily, it could be something similar. If not then its probably oil.

[rbrown]

Starbucks?

Seriously. I would guess water on the first. Up in the air on the second.