BMW 330i 325i E46 Oil Pan Gasket Replacement DIY

Victor Reinz Oil Pan Gasket: amzn.to/2ndNHSW
Yay, it's finally here! I know you've all been waiting a long time for this video so Merry Christmas, lol!
Make sure you check out the E46 Common Repair Steps video before you proceed with this one: • BMW 330i 325i E46 Comm...
Anyway, in this video I show you how to replace the oil pan gasket on an E46 BMW. You will need an engine support bar to do this job, such as this one:
amzn.to/2i1Q9vr
Here are the important things to know:
* If you have an automatic transmission, there are ATF cooler lines running from the trans up to the ATF cooler which is underneath the expansion tank. These lines are held to the oil pan with a bracket, but they are also held to the transmission with a bracket. You should unscrew both brackets to make it easier to get them out of the way.
There are 21 short bolts, 2 medium bolts, 2 long bolts, and 3 e-torx bolts holding the oil pan on. Make sure you get them all out before you start banging or prying on the oil pan.
Other than that, it's not too difficult.
One other thing you might want to install while you have the oil pan off is this:
rallyroad.net/products/secure...
It prevents your oil pump nut from loosening and coming off. This is really only a problem for the 3.0 engine and mostly for racers who spend a large amount of time at the upper RPM range (nobody knows exactly what speed) where a sympathetic vibration develops and causes the nut to loosen.

[@emmachan00]

I'm a BMW dealership tech and came across your video. I have to say, I've seen my share of BMW diy videos posted by clueless people but your video is very on point and you are very charismatic. I actually chuckled out loud to myself at your jokes. Very good video. Keep up the great work!

[@50sKid]

Thanks very much!

[@toniocastro5426]

Emma Sait

[@ukae4131]

Emma Saito hi I'm trying to determine what engines are compatible with my vehicle 2006 BMW X5 M54B30 E53 3.0i SAV AWD automatic. I am going to be looking at a engine soon an would like to know the above imposed question, and if that's case upon getting it in mounted down connectors plugged in etc the vehicle should start right up correct? Or will I need to change or re program computer so that it does start? Thank you. My email address is: [e-mail]

[@stevegoosney676]

Hi 50skid, couldn't you support the engine via a floor jack off the transmission? Or perhaps too much weight so far in front? Thanks!

[@josec301]

Hello how do you prime the oil pump after you put everything together. 07 335i thanks

[@kkampy4052]

Wow, it's like BMW never thought the oil pan gasket would leak.

[@50sKid]

+K Kampy Yeah they could have engineered that better.

[@fakiirification]

sadly, many modern rear wheel drive cars engineered similarly. Its hard to fit all the steering and suspension parts in otherwise. Good news for us grease monkeys is it makes perfectly good cars go to auction because the cost to do some basic repair like this gets deemed too high vs the value of the car if you have to pay for labor. If your not paying for labor, this is like a $30 job and a few hours of your time.

[@SydeshowMO]

@Dominick Canaan did you find a bunch of dick pics?

[@joshuatran3667]

Seeing you struggling with the gasket when putting up the pan, I would like to offer a tip if it has not been mentioned by others already. I did the transmission filter a while ago and yes it was the same challenge. I used wire ties (the ones they have at the grocery stores to tie up bags) to hold the gasket in place and after I got a few bolts in loosely, I removed the ties. Made the job easier.

[@darrylford6844]

Brilliant! My 525i is up on stands for this job as I write. Your tip has solved an upcoming problem!

[@brenttheby6471]

That is a great idea!

[@jongabrielminney2440]

Boom

[@darrylford6844]

Job done. It worked beautifully

[@nicklievore1739]

Used this concept! Worked great! Thank you!

[@wjohnsonism]

Like a well educated surgeon explaining a procedure. Brilliant.

[@50sKid]

thx!

[@bigmwwe]

hej , would that be the same process for an e39 530i 2001 ?

[@sBigBear]

Yes pretty much the same.

[@caseypyle532]

Can't thank you enough for this video! Thanks to you, I was able to swap out the old crusty oil pan gasket in about 6ish hours. No more leaks! To anyone hesitating to do this themselves - it is not difficult, just tedious. If you have the tools and watch this video, you can do this job.

[@timjohnson3913]

I just have an impact driver (I have no torque wrenches, likely none of the sockets, no jack, and definitely don’t have the large tool that the engine hangs on). I’ve never done any work on a car. It would be absurd for me to try to do this myself, right?

[@caseypyle532]

@@timjohnson3913 yes. You can't do this job without the engine support brace and other correct tools.

[@caseypyle532]

@@_lmagine I bought a 2005 330i with 160k miles that wasn't well cared for previously. So yes, there were other leaks to address. Oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket, o-ring for cam sensor. All easy fixes and worth it if you're doing it yourself.

[@vogeltron9816]

As someone who has done a good amount of work on their E46 thanks to videos like this over the past 5 or so years. WOW, this is the most labor intensive and challenging repair I have seen!!!

[@Dmxravin]

you havent changed your clutch yet have you? ^^

[@edgarsantos8030]

@@Dmxravinthat’s easy lol

[@ianshingleton8150]

I’ve worked on many cars and in the grand scheme of things doing oil pan / clutch on these is actually not bad when you understand your car and take your time.

[@Steff320i]

You go through so much pain and hassle, for us to enjoy these DIY videos. Thanks so much.

[@Kaizengaragewerke]

I'm going to have to do my oil pan gasket too. This tutorial is so helpful!

[@pauledwards2990]

Another tip; once you take any component off during the disassembly process, screw the bolts back into the holes. That way you won’t lose the bolts or get confused later on as to which one goes where. It will save you a lot of time in the long run.

[@khestehave]

Finally did this job after living with a “sweaty” oil pan for almost 10 years 😄 SUCH a great walk through of the whole process! Thanks again!

[@WilliamBurdine]

I remember doing this on my 5.0 mustang... an all day job on your back. 50sKid makes it look like a fraction of the time. Just called my mechanic and they quoted $750 for this job. Love the idea of replacing the Opportunity parts. I have learned so much from your videos, I appreciate you!

[@DanielHernandez-lo8ge]

50skid you're the man you're one of the best on KZbin I have learned so much from you every video that you make has educated me so much brother thank you I appreciate you keep up the good work

[@tobyboyea1796]

Your videos helped me save tons of money from the dealership. Very informative, always! Gave my well maintained E 46 to my daughter so she could escape the VW lease. I'm now in an E 90 and really love the way this car handles with the sports package. I will still continue to watch your videos, many of the applications carry over. Headed to Florida soon, looking for an M3 next. Thanks for your knowledge!!!

[@richardvargas9224]

I recently bought my first e46 and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you videos, thank you

[@Plakue1]

Just did this repair using this video, thanks a lot for making it! I always watch your videos before doing repairs on my car. Worst part in the job for me was stripping one of the bolts from the oil pan when installing it back. Drilling it out was pain in the ass.. so anyone trying this please use torque wrench or use very little force when torquing the bolts.

[@FAIRBOY11]

Excellent video, when disconnecting flexible steering joint on my car it was just enough to remove the upper E10 bolt only, it had enough play to go up, you just need to yanked it up hard enough it actually comes out of the slot without removing the lower E10 bolt and worrying about installing it back correctly. Also I would highly recommend replacing the oil dipstick housing o-ring since you have to take it out anyway. And yes, safety glasses all the time when working under the car. This one is one of the best DYI's , cheers to BMW enthusiasts.

[@therealjpow]

By far the best e46 oil pan gasket video on KZbin. New sub, but thank you for the amount of quality in all of your videos. If I need anything for my e46, this is where I'll be. Keep up the amazing work.

[@deathdealerhype7819]

man 3 years later and im still amazed at your skill. I really wish i had the tools and confidence to do this to my car.

[@franciscovazquez3448]

I must say I have watch numerous videos about replacing the oil pan gasket on my BMW., and I must say by far this is the best one of the all., to point, simple to follow. Great job, and thanks

[@LochyP]

There is no way I could have changed my oil pump without this video. Thank you

[@CoandaImageServices]

Hey man, thanks for making such an informative and helpful video. I just replaced my pan gasket yesterday thanks to your DIY and it went flawlessly. Keep up the great work!

[@stevegoosney676]

Well I've got to say it, Jason thank you! When I bought our 2002 325i for our kids, it looked nice, but I didn't realize that the second owner didn't look after it very well... I replaced the oil housing side gasket, whatever it's called, but then realized it was still leaking oil... realized it was either the oil pan gasket, the rear main seal or the transmision pump.... last week I changed the oil pan gasket, issue solved, no more leaking oil. I guess I would have eventually figured it out, but you're videos have made it much easier. I hope you make lots of money because these videos are here, however it works. Thanks again! Steve

[@thamotoweasel6269]

planning on replacing my pan gasket here soon just replaced my entire cooling system and radiator watching your videos has really helped me alot but im up for any work i need to do on my e46 it seeems like its never ending but i know it will all be worth it thanks again for making very clear and in depth videos saved me thousands of dollars of work

[@MrRick1303]

friendly tip use zip ties to hold your oil pan gasket

[@turbostitchcw]

MrRick1303 i was gonna say the same, but figured I'd go through the comments to see if anyone else had. The skinnier, medium length zip ties work best. One on each corner and snip them off as you go around installing bolts.

[@SpArTaNmAnR]

wow thanks for the tip ill this

[@4WheelBuilds]

Excellent tip. Thank you.

[@moisture106]

:( I snapped a bolt

[@MrRick1303]

@@moisture106 yeah I like to chase the threads with a thread chaser to clean out any burs or damage to the threads also don't tighten the bolts with an impact

[@arturmirzoyan4744]

Hi, thanks for very helpful series of E46 videos. Just changed the oil pan gasket and in process of changing few other things while at it. Just want to add that I went ahead and removed the whole sway bar completely as it was only left hanging from the links and also disconnected left side tie rod end from the knuckle and the lower control arm ball joint from the knuckle and was able to move the whole steering rack and the sub frame away and that game me a lot more access to the oil pan. Thanks for the amazing job you are doing on your videos. Next is heater inlet line.

[@cngzsn]

Thanks for the many memories. That's one thing I don't miss about my e46 330i. I had to finish this job with front jacked up (started on ramps), and ended up removing stuff that I shouldn't have, while not removing a few things that could have made my life easier. Wish this video was around back then. And I still can't pronounce "guibo" lol!

[@50sKid]

+cngzsn lol, thanks

[@jasa198]

Thank You for making all your videos . You have saved me a lot of money and at the same time have given me confidence to tackle some of the issues which i wouldn't have on my E46. These cars are not as bad to work on and if you have the right tools at hand it's quiet enjoyable.

[@CompCrasher86]

As expected, best video on youtube for this Job. Gives me the confidence to tackle it in the spring, thanks.

[@50sKid]

+CompCrasher86 Thank you!

[@MetroRatRace]

Thanks so much for uploading this video. I was at the car shop today and was shown the oil leak but I'm not very car savvy and you've helped me understand it so much better.

[@christopherldavid]

Your DIYs are better than the Bentley Manual! Doing job this now, I’m so thankful these videos are around.

[@matreyia]

Tip for gasket placement: use a small tie wrap on couple of strategic bolt holes to hold the gasket in place while re-installing the pan and cut and remove after pan is roughly in place with loose bolts lightly screwed on.

[@myxipitlik2]

Thanks for making this video Jason, nicely done and very informative which made me realize that this DIY is way out of my league.

[@gehmirnichtaufdienuesse6820]

Bang on, mate, no questions left unanswered. Thank you for the usual pedantic approach, well worth the wait. Cheers.

[@barryboycerollsroyce]

Great!. Thanks to this video It looks a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Worth 5 or 6 hours to save the car.. I love my 330i by far the best car I have owned

[@DMUVanz]

This dude is the real MVP! Thanks for the awesome knowledge

[@djcoolkid100]

You've earned my subscription. You're the man. I'll be buying a second e46 can't wait too see whats wrong.

[@jungness]

So patient and so positive. You didn't even cuss once!

[@SuperiorVideos12]

I just ordered a gasket, didn't realize this was such a Job 😟! Glad I have your video for reference! Thanks

[@fahmiahmed1269]

So easy to follow, everything explained well, thanks a lot sir! ✊🏾

[@seanscott7120]

Thanks for the videos 50sKid. I have both a 330i and x5 3.0 manual with about 120k on each. Needless to say I have used many of your videos to fix various things. Thank you for taking the time to put these up. I hope I never have to do the oil pan gasket again though.

[@209xKiiNG]

The long awaited video! Great job!

[@jctyoga]

Excellent video, thank you! I did this repair last night. I was able to leave the fan and shroud on, the engine covers, and belts. I used a medium-deep 16mm socket to de-tension the inner belt and just loosen it from the P/S pump. I did have the benefit of a lift, though.

[@jefftc14]

great video man, wish you had these a year or two back when I did my VANOS and other repairs but I still need to do my oil pan gasket so thanks a lot!

[@TheFern17]

Looks like this video helped me diagnose my leak. Awesome video! I will take my e46 to a professional I personally know to determine the issue in its entirety. New sub! Looking forward to seeing future videos.

[@RaphaelKepinski]

Man I live these videos, they've saved me so much money.

[@baxtermason6909]

Greetings 50s Kid, or should I say my hero, the "Renaissance Man": had one heck of a time trying to put back the subframe...it's hard enough as it is for one person...I finally used a transmission jack, which has a larger cradle and put some square plywood in it...it balanced the frame much better so I could align it, and made the job a lot easier...thanks again, man...;-)

[@ThomasLenguini]

Going to tackle this beast of a job today thank you for your thorough dissection

[@gbalstad]

Excellent, I'll use this for my 04 M3, thanks!

[@gschlos08]

Thank you for your detailed and clear video on how to replace the oil pan.

[@50sKid]

+gschlos08 You're welcome

[@joenelson4832]

You Sir, are a technician. Great work. Thank you.

[@japerezo75]

Your video was awesome. It helped me a lot while I performed the same job on a X3. Took me a total of 20 hours. Leak is gone and no trace of oil from the RMS.

[@wickedmtb5998]

Dude, you are the only reason me and a lot of other people own e46s

[@brandonloveland4855]

people like you keep the car community moving :)

[@Harry244ful]

I just did this in my 2003 330ci and so glad I did it, leaks far more oil thank you think! Makesure you get a ramp to do this 👍🏼

[@HamidRHariri]

Nicely done. Thanks for putting this DIY together.

[@charlesberry4958]

Nice job Jason - this is exactly how we did it.

[@ctoensing1]

Thank you, sir! I'll now wrench with confidence.

[@louisgroenewald9927]

joh man your videos are dope bru - i must admit they help a lot!!!! keep it up

[@nwarcangel13]

awesome video gonna do this job along with changing my steering rack. i opened the tie rod boot and found a mix of grease and brownish goo.

[@mwredfern]

For anyone wanting an easy way to keep the gasket in place, while sliding the pan back in; use some needle thread to tie the gasket to the pan. Just run the thread through a few holes. Once you have the pan up and lightly secured in place with a couple bolts, then pull the string out. Done! 😁

[@michor10]

I love your videos. Very helpful and also entertaining. Thanks!

[@ToughShiftGarage]

excellent video! need to do that this week and it seems pretty straight forward, thanks!!

[@slavyanskiyrusich3368]

Thank you ! Very clear ! Smartest video I have seen!

[@Alteisen_]

Just as written before below the engine mounts video: Thanks for all the effort and patience filming and commenting what you are doing, whilie I 'd only be able to curse and shout... :-)

[@johnycage5990]

dude that's like $1000 work right there...

[@ismailm970]

550

[@jt1231313]

@@ismailm970 ive been quoted 700

[@Werewolfmage]

700 isn't bad. since my mom has a 09 535xi and was quoted 1000 to do the valve cover gasket. i ended up doing it myself in a few hours. thank goodness i work at a garage lol

[@DanT0007]

Just got a quote from bmw for $2025

[@3ManFunny]

@@DanT0007 150$ in 3rd world country

[@mule666]

Youre video helped me allot ..i was able to do the job on my e39 myself ..subframe is somewhat different but tnks sir

[@KKE1978]

You rock. Your explanation and videos are excellent.

[@trakhun8637]

bravo- best bmw 50s kid youtube video professional BWM technology repair and repair specialist

[@sydneyNemesis101]

Big and professional job

[@zeograz1]

Fantastic video and contribution. Thank you! I'm about to undertake this on my 2008 335i N54. I hope I can use much of this in that work but I think I will have to combine it with the couple other videos out there from Vehicular DIY and one other. Only thing I wanted to say is that I just received the Engine Support Bar and it specifically says in the instructions *not* to support the engine with only the hook, but to use the chains to support the engine from the mounting points for safety. So I'm planning to use both through the loop of the tow hook just to be safe.

[@50sKid]

Yeahhhhh these engines aren't really that heavy dude

[@forskinnet]

Great videos man! i have the exact same problem with my e39 530i so i am about to do the same procedure this weekend! :)

[@sweeny2669]

Fantastic video. Learned a lot. Thank you for your experience! Happy subscriber.

[@JJ-ff5hp]

and here i was thinking that a pan gasket on a 4wd ram was a pain in the ass, got my own gasket for my e46 on order and your video has really let me know what im looking forward to :P

[@Andrewlone174]

Have to do it myself in nearest time, thanks for vid.

[@bensonchi4536]

love your videos, they are so useful!! Thank you

[@myxipitlik2]

I think this is way out of league for a DIY project but you've provided great information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and for making this video.

[@fakiirification]

as long as your not careless and easily distracted, you can DIY This. Tip for newbies is to put bolts back where they go after you take parts off, so you dont end up with a bucket of bolts and no clue where they go when you start to put it back together.

[@timboyle3114]

Do the little jobs first and you will soon get the confidence to be graduating to the bigger ones! DIY project is just what he's doing, and these videos are great as he explains his pitfalls and what to avoid. Get the Bentley manual it provides an awesome wealth of information.

[@ghiaswyne9337]

Nice video and good combination tech and camera work good time and perfect job absolutely you are genius Thanks for great video

[@TheNoobComment]

Looks like its going to be a nice project over the winter for me...

[@50sKid]

oooph, the perfect time to do it lol

[@MrGibratan]

Really good job i really appreciate this videos and thank u for ur advice i replace my front wheel bearings on my 2004 e60 due a highway vibration and my car drives nice and smoth thanks

[@stonesthrow420]

Im replacing my steering rack, PS Pump, PS lines, and motor mounts....also my oil pan is leaking pretty bad....might as well do it all at once...thanks again for another very informative video to help make the process streamlined!

[@negritorican]

great video...Might have to take on this task soon. Going to clean up the bottom one more time to confirm it is the pan gasket cause oil is all over the place.

[@HV71851]

I finally got around to tacking this project on my wife’s 325CI. I must say, your step by step process, and torque specifications has made this job much easier to accomplish. Thanks again Jasón!

[@KingfieldLee]

Really good instructions on details. But it's still hard for me to do this kind of Job.

[@tahirrana6875]

as always another excellent video with lot of tips... very impress with detail work and video...

[@50sKid]

+Tahir Rana Thanks!

[@tyler951]

I'm working on getting my 06 ZHP coupe engine sorted again after my old engine died after ingesting some water in Sept 2014. Didn't have a single leak and have had to do valve cover, ofhg, thermostat + waterpump and pulley, various pulleys (all had been done on the previous engine since 09/2012 when i got my car). Frustrating with the retreading of work but I'm getting it there. Just have this stupid oil pan gasket to deal with now. It seems like such a bear so I'm letting it go for a bit (3-4 drops reach the ground over 12 hrs time). I'm not looking forward to it but this video will be my template to success. Thanks for creating such a great video.

[@50sKid]

+tyler951 Thanks. Good luck!

[@HUSHPUPPY-ys5gm]

just did this to my car helped a lot thanks no more leaks :)

[@lutimletap648]

Great Video. Hope the xi is some what similar. I know the subframe needs to be loosened. This will be my next big project. Thank fully the four post lift I have should be helpful.

[@fernandoescobar5236]

best video to help me achieve this job thanks so much

[@HV71851]

Great Job Jason!

[@mattwoodcraft474]

Hi I enjoy watching the vids you have put together, a huge thank you for all the work you have done on all your vids I have a question I will be tackling my sump gasket this week when my support bar arrives Why does the resonance valve need to come off when doing the sump gasket ? Cheers mate

[@vallejokid1968]

Man, great video and very clear explanation. Thanks.

[@50sKid]

+Alex Gordon Thanks!

[@josepeixoto3715]

VERY GOOD showing of what needs tro be done; **Thank you** edit--- in some cars,especially on older ones without overtightning prevention, you can just retighten the oil pan bolts a bit to re-seal, but with this kind of gasket it's not likely.

[@lefty7109]

Great job I need to do mine also.

[@toyotoe3732]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@mr.a5147]

Great video mate, Thanks for taking the time.

[@willypp13]

Really appreciate it the video, good work man

[@FoxFaderWorld]

I just did this yesterday. All you need to remove to get at the oil dipstick is the engine air filter box. My PS pump had a bolt on front and one going through from the rear, still super easy to remove. The steering shaft telescopes up though not enough to get it back in when the k-member is all the way up. Also keep in mind there is a small void in the shaft where the e10 bolt goes in. This helps the shaft lock in and helps you get the shaft in the right position, not too high up or too deep down. Also add a bit of red thread lock on that e10 bolt. FF🌎 Good job my friend! BTW, us manual guys have it made on this one 😄😎

[@zlabfab487]

yes, the steering coupler doesn't slide up to its original spot where I marked it. I have the k-member all bolted up but I still need to get the coupler to go up like 1/2 but it does not want to.

[@ahokie]

Awesome vid, thank you!

[@92BGLancer]

I know I’m years late, but for those doing it now or in the future a little trick to keep the gasket in place is to zip tie it to the pan in 6 places or how ever many you want then partially screw in some bolts and cut the zip ties off to finish off the rest.

[@christopherldavid]

Just about to remove - thank you for the tip!

[@philmoore6501]

A) I wish I had separated the vertical aim headlight switch, mine broke. B) I wish I had tried to put the dipstick tube back in before I mounted k member. It would avoided removing disa, heat shield and all that adds 2hours to job. Great video! Couldn't have gotten it done with out you!

[@DemonSlayer-eg3ul]

Your videos are clutch!!

[@markcasey9517]

Excellent video thanks!