macfly
August 24th 2004, 16:35
The problem with the oil pan is that it is not the same as the one used on the majority of the S62 motors (i.e. M5s) as it is much shallower. The thread depth is only two deep, so it is very easily stripped. Over time I suspect that this will be a problem on a lot of our cars. the good news is that there is an easy & cheap permanent fix. Since it is not factory authorized a BMW dealer will not do it to a car under warranty, but will wait for a new oil pan....
The FIX:
Have the stripped oil pan resleeved with a stainless sleeve (interior crimp) and retap with deeper threads. The Service Manager at my dealership, trained over 40 years ago by MB to "repair" cars, not just replace parts, claims that properly done, it will never fail again and the whole process is less than $100. Something to keep in mind as the car ages.
The Alternative:
Another approach to avoid the problem altogether is to use Griot's Garage vacuum fluid extractor which allows you to change your oil without removing the drain plug (or even getting under the car!).
A flexible suction tube is inserted into the oil pan via the dipstick holder and then the oil is sucked out. They offer a hand pumped model and one you can hook up to an air hose. I noticed the short thread problem the first time I changed the oil in my Z8 and immediately began using the Griot's fluid extractor to avoid potential problems. It really does work and since the oil filter is located at the top of the engine compartment, changing oil and filter becomes a very simple, above the car procedure.
For the skeptics among us, an independent lab did a comparison test between the Griots suction system and removing the drain plug and found that the Griots method removed more oil than draining the pan from below.
Griots Garage 800-345-5789 www.griotsgarage.com
The FIX:
Have the stripped oil pan resleeved with a stainless sleeve (interior crimp) and retap with deeper threads. The Service Manager at my dealership, trained over 40 years ago by MB to "repair" cars, not just replace parts, claims that properly done, it will never fail again and the whole process is less than $100. Something to keep in mind as the car ages.
The Alternative:
Another approach to avoid the problem altogether is to use Griot's Garage vacuum fluid extractor which allows you to change your oil without removing the drain plug (or even getting under the car!).
A flexible suction tube is inserted into the oil pan via the dipstick holder and then the oil is sucked out. They offer a hand pumped model and one you can hook up to an air hose. I noticed the short thread problem the first time I changed the oil in my Z8 and immediately began using the Griot's fluid extractor to avoid potential problems. It really does work and since the oil filter is located at the top of the engine compartment, changing oil and filter becomes a very simple, above the car procedure.
For the skeptics among us, an independent lab did a comparison test between the Griots suction system and removing the drain plug and found that the Griots method removed more oil than draining the pan from below.
Griots Garage 800-345-5789 www.griotsgarage.com