Sump gasket oil leak

Phil325i · 08-01-2020, 10:37 AM

After 110K I wasn't surpised to see a few drips of oil from the sump gasket (steel sump pan, not alloy). Knowing it's not the easiest job (drop subframe) I thought I'd check the tightness of the sump pan bolts.

To my amazement, five or six of the bolts were either loose or at best finger tight. Nipped the loose bolts back up and the oil leak has virtually disappeared.

I'm sure it's not a long-term solution, but should keep me going a while longer before the gasket has to be changed. Just saying...

QA51M · 08-06-2020, 02:48 PM

As i am on 107k with my 325i i think i should go outside and give mine a good looking at!

YuvinW · 08-10-2020, 06:43 PM

Be careful though.

I was trying to check for the source of a leak there (turned out to be my oil level sensor) and while I was cleaning the area up with some brake clean and a rag, one of the heads of the oil pan bolts fell off. Thankfully the rest seem to be alright but these aluminium bolts are pretty weak and are only supposed to be tightened to 8 Nm.

Phil325i · 08-11-2020, 04:02 AM

Fair comment. I used 10Nm. I think when new, the torque is 8Nm + 90degrees, but there may be different torque values depending of whether the sump is alloy or steel construction. Maybe someone out there knows the correct BMW spec figures..?

08-01-2020, 10:37 AM	#1
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Sump gasket oil leak - try this first... After 110K I wasn't surpised to see a few drips of oil from the sump gasket (steel sump pan, not alloy). Knowing it's not the easiest job (drop subframe) I thought I'd check the tightness of the sump pan bolts. To my amazement, five or six of the bolts were either loose or at best finger tight. Nipped the loose bolts back up and the oil leak has virtually disappeared. I'm sure it's not a long-term solution, but should keep me going a while longer before the gasket has to be changed. Just saying... __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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08-06-2020, 02:48 PM	#2
QA51M New Member 7 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW 325i 3.0l N53 6MT Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	As i am on 107k with my 325i i think i should go outside and give mine a good looking at!
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08-10-2020, 06:43 PM	#3
YuvinW New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: E70 x35i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Be careful though. I was trying to check for the source of a leak there (turned out to be my oil level sensor) and while I was cleaning the area up with some brake clean and a rag, one of the heads of the oil pan bolts fell off. Thankfully the rest seem to be alright but these aluminium bolts are pretty weak and are only supposed to be tightened to 8 Nm.
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08-11-2020, 04:02 AM	#4
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Fair comment. I used 10Nm. I think when new, the torque is 8Nm + 90degrees, but there may be different torque values depending of whether the sump is alloy or steel construction. Maybe someone out there knows the correct BMW spec figures..? __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front Last edited by Phil325i; 08-11-2020 at 05:58 AM..
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