I have some serious oil leaks. One is where the hoses from the oil cooler connect back at the engine but it is not gear box oil I am loosing. Anyone know what else is in that area that leaks?

I read on a forum that the PCV on top of the engine has a felt filter in it that should be last the life of the car (how long is that anyway?) but BMW say to replace it as it gets clogged and the oil will be forces out all over the shop. Is this the case? Is that why I am leaking? Only done 240K - will those leaks stop of I clean the PCV filter?

The other spot I see oil is on the front (right) behind the serpentine drive belt. In fact there is a lot of oil around here covering the alternator and the compressor. Cant see any oil coming from up high so I am guessing a front crank seal or similar. Any ideas? Is this a straight forward fix? Do I just pull-off the belt and the big pulley on the bottom? Is that easy to get off? How best to lock the engine - jam the starter? Are there other special tools needed?

Thanks, Demi