[BimmerNugget]

Anyone done it yet?

Instead of replacing the oil pan gasket, is it possible to just seal the perimeter around the outside of the oil pan with some kind of industrial sealant?

My oil pan gasket isn't leaking yet, but I'm just preparing for the day lol.

[Meeni]

Yes it is, and do not do it. There's a full story on the DIY section of the forum on how to do it properly. Not doing the subframe takes more time and leads to more frustration.

[RocketSurgeon]

You can't do it right becuase the oil pump hangs down into the pan pretty far. Some guys have cut one side off the oil pan gasket, slid it into place in 2 pieces, and hit it with RTV silicone. Don't do it that way!
It's a PITA to drop the subframe, but I did it on jack stands with pretty basic tools. If you do it right, it should be good for the life of the car.

[Riceball777]

You need to drop the subframe to do the oil pan gasket. It’s ready not that hard to drop the subframe.

[ChuckThomas]

If you have a 335 the job will take a little more effort, if not it's pretty much a cake walk.

engine support bar from harbor freight.
low profile ramps from harbor freight. (rear)
12 ton jack stands from northern tools. (front)

You'd be surprised how easy it is to drop the subframe (from setup above). Literally only 6 subframe bolts, 6 reinforcement bracket bolts, and 4 engine mount bolts.

Also need to disconnect two transmission lines running from transmission to intercooler (1 bolt), and bracket guarding the gas lines (3 screws). Unscrew the coolant hose running across the subframe. (3 screws)

This job will will be made even easier if you have a impact drill or driver (harbor freight) to take off the subframe and reinforcement bracket bolts AFTER you loosened them by hand. If you don't use drill when taking the bolts off, there will be a lot of wrench turning. You don't want to use a drill when reinstalling bolts because you may strip the threads if it's not seated correctly.

From this point, all you will need is a set of good extensions with swivel connection (harbor freight)

This job would also be a good time to address water pump and thermostat if you haven't in a while.

[slupie]

Just having done the OPG last weekend I don't see how it can be properly done without dropping the sub-frame. I think it is easier to drop the sub frame then wrestle the gasket in very confined space. Picture of the oil pickup tube that the gasket and pan has to be navigated around.

The gasket on my oil pan hardened to a hard plastic and did not want to come off. I had to use a gasket scraper to get it off and it literally broke into hundreds of pieces. Good luck getting it done and pan cleaned out without dropping the cross member.



OPG diy from another forum member


http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1180020
To gain more access and freedom of movement in the sub frame unbolt the coolant tube seen in #14. Two bolts in the front and one on the driver side, T30 torx.

[BravoJohny33]

Yes you can do it without dropping the subframe. You need to cut the gasket then use RTV once you slide it in. Tons of people have said this method works.

[hassmaschine]

Just use JB weld. I have it on a good source it works just fine.














(but, really, don't do that!)

[Whinodez]

You need to drop the subframe and do it correctly
Chris Rock said "you can drive your car with your feet, it doesn't make it a good f****n idea"