In need of a Rear Main seal diy

Shane335 · 12-13-2017, 08:59 PM

I have searched and searched for a rear main seal diy in the DIY section and google to no avail. Any help would be super appreciated.

ChuckThomas · 12-13-2017, 09:46 PM

Bentley manual. It's a fairly similar process on e46 which there's a YouTube video on. Start with those two options.

Cruiser124 · 12-13-2017, 10:26 PM

Im currently in the process of replacing the rear main on my 335xi. So far I've removed exhaust, heat shields, front and rear driveshafts, and trans fluid. From there it's just a matter of removing wires and connectors from transmission, followed by the torque converter/bell-housing bolts, and a few other things lol. I'm doing this on some cribbing blocks I made out of 2x4 for extra height. I may have to drop the subframe for clearance, not sure yet. I'll post back.

There are two different rear main seal sizes, and a lot of confusion on which one to use. I spoke with the shop Forman at my local BMW, his recommendation is to replace with the same size removed. You also need a special primer and sealant from the dealer.

Shane335 · 12-19-2017, 10:47 PM

I got the primer and seal. I know how to do it in a general way . It's just nice to have a guide on hand

Cruiser124 · 12-20-2017, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane335

I got the primer and seal. I know how to do it in a general way . It's just nice to have a guide on hand

Yeah, it was very straightforward. Took me about 9 hours removal and install without a lift. 335xi AT

Few things to note:

-You'll need a 50mm wrench to remove rear driveshaft
- All bell housing bolts are accessible from underneath the car. You will need about 3ft of extensions.
- Bolts with blue paint should be replaced, but I did not.
- The seal install tool is probably worth the money. I did not use it, but you really have to beat on it to get it to seat. (Risk of damaging seal)
- No specified install depth (Because you're suppose to use tool), I installed flush with the block as recommended by others on the forum.
- Exhaust downpipe bolts may be very rusty (climate depending) I had to cut off 3 and drill them out.
- MAKE SURE torque converter is fully seated when reinstalling. Mine was actually stuck to flex pate upon removal.
- I had to drop the subframe a couple inches to get the transmission to clear the tunnel.

Shane335 · 12-20-2017, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiser124

Yeah, it was very straightforward. Took me about 9 hours removal and install without a lift. 335xi AT

Few things to note:

-You'll need a 50mm wrench to remove rear driveshaft
- All bell housing bolts are accessible from underneath the car. You will need about 3ft of extensions.
- Bolts with blue paint should be replaced, but I did not.
- The seal install tool is probably worth the money. I did not use it, but you really have to beat on it to get it to seat. (Risk of damaging seal)
- No specified install depth (Because you're suppose to use tool), I installed flush with the block as recommended by others on the forum.
- Exhaust downpipe bolts may be very rusty (climate depending) I had to cut off 3 and drill them out.
- MAKE SURE torque converter is fully seated when reinstalling. Mine was actually stuck to flex pate upon removal.
- I had to drop the subframe a couple inches to get the transmission to clear the tunnel.

Thanks for all the info. I went ahead ad bought the tool. I'm hoping to knock it out saturday

Cruiser124 · 12-21-2017, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane335

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiser124

Yeah, it was very straightforward. Took me about 9 hours removal and install without a lift. 335xi AT

Few things to note:

-You'll need a 50mm wrench to remove rear driveshaft
- All bell housing bolts are accessible from underneath the car. You will need about 3ft of extensions.
- Bolts with blue paint should be replaced, but I did not.
- The seal install tool is probably worth the money. I did not use it, but you really have to beat on it to get it to seat. (Risk of damaging seal)
- No specified install depth (Because you're suppose to use tool), I installed flush with the block as recommended by others on the forum.
- Exhaust downpipe bolts may be very rusty (climate depending) I had to cut off 3 and drill them out.
- MAKE SURE torque converter is fully seated when reinstalling. Mine was actually stuck to flex pate upon removal.
- I had to drop the subframe a couple inches to get the transmission to clear the tunnel.

Thanks for all the info. I went ahead ad bought the tool. I'm hoping to knock it out saturday

No problem, definitely doable in one day!

ChuckThomas · 12-22-2017, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane335

Thanks for all the info. I went ahead ad bought the tool. I'm hoping to knock it out saturday

Shane I'm willing to buy it off of you after you complete!!

jwalker87 · 12-22-2017, 12:15 PM

As far as DIYs go, if you can find a DIY for clutch and flywheel replacement, that will get you 90% there I would imagine.

Shane335 · 12-23-2017, 07:43 PM

I did the job today. took about 5 hours. having a lift and trans jack helped. I may write up a diy. thanks for all the advice

iBryan · 04-13-2021, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane335

I did the job today. took about 5 hours. having a lift and trans jack helped. I may write up a diy. thanks for all the advice

Hey sorry to resurrect a thread, did you ever write the diy?

bshambam · 04-13-2021, 07:51 PM

Please take a look @ my thread for the rear main seal installation.

iBryan · 04-13-2021, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bshambam

Please take a look @ my thread for the rear main seal installation.

Cant seem to find it? Can you link it please?

12-13-2017, 08:59 PM	#1
Shane335 Banned 64 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 07 335i E90, E36 M3 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Warrenton Va iTrader: (0)	In need of a Rear Main seal diy I have searched and searched for a rear main seal diy in the DIY section and google to no avail. Any help would be super appreciated.
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12-13-2017, 09:46 PM	#2
ChuckThomas Dealer Speed 64 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 07 328 E90 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Bentley manual. It's a fairly similar process on e46 which there's a YouTube video on. Start with those two options.
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12-13-2017, 10:26 PM	#3
Cruiser124 Second Lieutenant 119 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330xi 6MT Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	Im currently in the process of replacing the rear main on my 335xi. So far I've removed exhaust, heat shields, front and rear driveshafts, and trans fluid. From there it's just a matter of removing wires and connectors from transmission, followed by the torque converter/bell-housing bolts, and a few other things lol. I'm doing this on some cribbing blocks I made out of 2x4 for extra height. I may have to drop the subframe for clearance, not sure yet. I'll post back. There are two different rear main seal sizes, and a lot of confusion on which one to use. I spoke with the shop Forman at my local BMW, his recommendation is to replace with the same size removed. You also need a special primer and sealant from the dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2017, 10:47 PM	#4
Shane335 Banned 64 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 07 335i E90, E36 M3 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Warrenton Va iTrader: (0)	I got the primer and seal. I know how to do it in a general way . It's just nice to have a guide on hand
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2017, 12:15 PM	#9
jwalker87 Major 318 Rep 1,021 Posts Drives: '08 335i, '11 335xi, '01 Z3M Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (2)	As far as DIYs go, if you can find a DIY for clutch and flywheel replacement, that will get you 90% there I would imagine. __________________ 2001 e36/7 M Roadster 5spd 2008 e90 335i 6spd 2011 e90 335xi 6spd 2011 e70 x5 diesel 2010 Ducati Monster 696
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12-23-2017, 07:43 PM	#10
Shane335 Banned 64 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 07 335i E90, E36 M3 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Warrenton Va iTrader: (0)	I did the job today. took about 5 hours. having a lift and trans jack helped. I may write up a diy. thanks for all the advice
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2021, 07:51 PM	#12
bshambam Second Lieutenant 196 Rep 262 Posts Drives: bmw e91 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	Please take a look @ my thread for the rear main seal installation. __________________ William Mackenzie IG: Shambam_makes Twitter: B_Shambam
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