Why Your BMW Keeps Leaking OIL & How To Fix It - Oil Pan Gasket on my $500 E46

[@ricardogomez9712]

Yo the jump in the level of production is awesome. Keep it up bro

[@DayOffDIY]

thank you!

[@bogusienombre355]

Hi Alec, I , like the others instantly noticed the editing quality got taken to the next level. Also the production level as well. Fast cuts to more camera angle, without sacrifice of detailed into. Background music at the perfect sound level. You must be editing on headphones not. It helps tremendously. Your intro and exit and promo spots are a nice touch. Your body stance and sunday clean crisp appearance and casual communications are spot on (charming). It's the facual expression of casual confidence. It's all at such a professional level. Damn good job. Join your airlines discount programs buddy, your going places! Bravo! BRAVO! BRAVO!

[@DayOffDIY]

my favorite comment so far! thanks so much Bogs. Always a treat to hear your feedback

[@ddbbuilds]

Thanks for these vids, my e46 is leaving marks on the floor as we speak

[@azurelopez8772]

I’ve been following the $500 E46 series and the editing and lighting on this video is incredible!! The videos were already great before, but this one has a professional touch to it and the little add ins made me laugh. TYVM for the content!!

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m working on making the editing better and better.

[@JohnLampson]

If Alec doesn't get you with the "soothing sound of his voice", Sage is the not-so-secret subscription getter as well. Also, this is a great walkthrough with loads of little nuggets of wisdom. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@DayOffDIY]

Always appreciative of your feedback John! Thanks a ton. I think imma do a live later today working on the truck!

[@oncall3570]

A really useful and succinct go-to video for any M54 e46, e39 or e83 owner; for sure! A job everyone has to do at least once(?!) yet which is not available ***anywhere else*** So good, so good it's Internet gold. Add this to all the easier oil-leak fixes... and your m54 is sealed, done! Loved all the pro-tips, and that squeaky clean PS pump, and your old oil budget and underside are now clean!. Thanks, D Ninja! Best quote: 'Not haemorrhaging oil. Yet!'

[@DayOffDIY]

hahahah super appreciate the comment! wanted to go for a step by step guide on the oil pan job. hopefully i achieved my goal!

[@robsweekendgarage]

I think this is one of your best vids yet Alec. So many great tips and tricks! Gotta love FCP Euro - hands down the best place to get your BMW parts and maintenance items.

[@DayOffDIY]

really appreciate it Rob!

[@thorpejsf]

Great video, Alec! You're really taking it to the next level with the production quality! It's great to have tutorials like this where the guy doing the wrenching isn't using a real lift and has to get down on his back like the rest of us 🙂. One request, tho -- always give the torque spec for the bolt you're tightening.

[@DayOffDIY]

great tip! ill add in some editing for the torque specs in the future

[@KhaoticKrozier]

The production quality of your videos are getting better & better, amazing video as always! I just did the oil pan gasket on my 07 530i with the N52 engine.

[@DayOffDIY]

Yooo Andy! Good on you for knocking it out! I enjoy the N52 oil pans actually, just about as easy as the M54 2wd. Appreciate the feedback

[@WilliamBurdine]

Left out 1) the side jacks 2) the parts counter new oil pan bolts, don't reuse the bolts, these are suppose to be a one time use as they are aluminum 3) Inspect and check the Oil Pump gear nut, especially on over 150k miles. - BEST PART of the Video... EDITING, Well Done, only other places that are good are FCP EURO's Videos and 50sKid. Probably should have done a "WHILE YOUR IN THERE LIST", 1) Engine Mounts (good job on this one), 2) Oil Pump Sprocket nut, safety wire, 3) Replace Dip Stick O-Ring (good job on this one) 4) Replace Oil level sensor O-Ring or sensor (good job on this one) 5) Inspect and replace Lower Control arms as the bushings are DONE at 150+k miles, 6) inspect sway bar bushings, again at 150+k miles, these are probably done especially if you had other leads, 7) Steering Pump Lines, 8) Inspect Steering Pump and Pulleys, 9) Look for other Leaks, especially coolant. Something else I learned when having a SHOP do this $800 - $1200 Repair (Majority of this is TIME Labor), is DISCONNECT the Air Intake, many shops, even BMW Specific ones like mine, SCREW THIS UP and cause Cracks in the Intake boots by moving the engine too far, which led to Vacuum leaks, which eventually lead to a CCV system failure and Valve Cover Gasket failure as the engine wasn't properly running.... it took a while, but it will happen. FYI, if the Car is Burning a Lot of oil, 1qt per 1000miles or more, you need to SMOKE the entire Vacuum system AND CCV system. What happens is people use CHEAP and I mean CHEAP CCV parts, that do NOT contain O-Rings and they FAIL causing the car to Burn oil like crazy. When Replacing, do it RIGHT and remove the entire INTAKE System and inspect EVERYTHING and at 150+k miles, Replace all the Sensors and the Heater Core Pipes while your in there. I just recently did this on my 275+k 2002, 330i and car is back to 30+mpg on the freeway over all 24+mpg (combined) and 1 qt of oil at 2500miles... so without preforming a Leak Down or Pressure test, I suspect either the Vanos system (time for a rebuild) and/or the Valve Stem guides. BOTH are EXPERT DIY level jobs, but a Valve Stem replacement seal job at the shop for this age of car, pretty much renders it a cost prohibitive repair.... so weigh options carefully on this one (burn a 8-10 qts of oil per oil change OR several thousand $$$ job on Oil seals as most shops will say you need to pull the Head)

[@hustlemechampion5778]

What the heck is up with you dude, you definitely can use oil pan bolts again aluminum or not, they not torqued down a lot, it recommended because of the thermal expansion and contraction. Secondly maybe you should open your own KZbin channel seeing you have so much to say. We got love for Alec and his work.

[@rickyrodriguez7819]

No ones reading all that bro

[@LeverPhile]

Dude, chill ... fasteners on the e46 are all zinc coated steel. Re-useable if not rusted. Not reading the rest of it. The e90 & later screws you over with the aluminum magnesium alloy bolts.

[@genepenna8549]

Hey @williamburdine - can you please explain “inspect and check the oil pump gear nut“ - also “Oil pump sprocket nut, safety wire“…where are these found, and what are we looking for? Thanks!

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks for the feedback! the oil pan bolts on this car are steel so no need to replace, the aluminum one time use bolts begin with the N52 and onwards from there, any M series engine use steel bolts. I do need to start checking the oil pump nut on my vehicles as well. for people asking, the nut has a tendency to back off at higher RPMs, people like to check the torque of the nut where the sprocket bolts to the oil pump for the timing chain, and then use safety wire to secure the nut onto the pump to prevent it from backing off while the pan is back on. The CABs were replaced in previous videos, although theyre getting a little soft, and the CCV/ Intake was completely rebuilt in past videos, including new CCV and new intake hoses/vacuum lines. appreciate the feedback!

[@danielgalvan8537]

Clean ass edit in the intro😮‍💨🤝

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks daniel!!!

[@Binghatz]

Another solid video Alec

[@georgisizgin2280]

Great video bro! Love to watch your channel, too bad you dont post so often

[@DayOffDIY]

im working on increasing my posting frequency, just been working on content for other brands and doing bigger jobs that require longer editing turnaround times

[@SDE90]

How funny - I'm literally tackling this same job on this same exact car - 02 JapanRot E46 330i Tuesday lol! Will be my 5th or so E46 oil pan job, but watching your video just refreshed my brain and it's greatly appreciated. Doing the oil pan, motor and trans mounts, all power steering lines, belts and pulleys, entire cooling system with e-fan upgrade, hard lines under the manifold, valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, vanos line, plugs and coils, transmission service, rear diff fluid, as many o-rings and associated gaskets as possible under the hood - THE WORKS! He will be a happy E46 owner like you are 🤌

[@mohamedamineziani1478]

Such an honest and great mechanic! god bless you man!

[@DayOffDIY]

thank you mohamed!

[@Insane98]

I had to do this job a couple months ago, because the previous owner let a shop do it, but they forgot the sealant you did at 18:20.. wasnt too bad of a oil leak, but still a messy one

[@DayOffDIY]

Some people do it dry, I like to use a little sealant for reassurance. To each their own I guess

[@csreel-v1]

My n52 oil pan started leaking because PCV / CCV system was completely clogged with sludge. Good video, thanks!

[@DayOffDIY]

maybe its a 2 part issue? longer oil change intervals causing sludge and the pan is just naturally leaking on its own?

[@RATADATUAVELHA]

Hey man, my favorite part of the video was...the entire video :D keep it like this! cheers from Portugal 💪

[@FreeKanal]

Agree :) also from country starting with PO.

[@misterbrister]

More e46 content! Woot woot

[@VladimirPrsic]

Great video and job man! It feels like it was time-consuming with all the angles, nuts, bolts, and oil leaking! Your dog is super nice! Cheers 🍻

[@DayOffDIY]

It can be a little tedious but always worth it for a dry undercarriage! Thanks for the support Vlad

[@Frankysbeemer]

Another great video my man and my favorite part of the video was the editing! I can see your getting better with it so keep it up and don’t be afraid of trying out new things 👍🤟✌️

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Frankie! Super happy with the new editing style as well. glad you enjoyed my friend

[@ozzi-3366]

Wow you’ve come along way with your content creation skill so happy I got to see it improve, much love thank you for everything

[@DayOffDIY]

That’s awesome to hear! Thank you!

[@lildiamondboyy]

i love you for this thank you, so clear and informational, ive been looking for someone that makes videos like this about e46s

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for the support!!!

[@phgodts]

There is a vacuum adaptor for the oil filler to keep oil inside the engine while you remove the drain plug. Very useful for people who makes multiple oil changes at home

[@DayOffDIY]

ive seen that before! tempted to try it with my shopvac one day!

[@thomasstiglich3484]

Great video. FCPEuro is the only way to go. I have been using them for years.

[@beaugotti]

Glad to see another upload keep it up! You’ve helped me tremendously with my 335i!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks! I appreciate it. It's super rewarding seeing this stuff help others out

[@beaugotti]

@@DayOffDIYdo you have any plans for merch?

[@DayOffDIY]

I do! just havent gotten around to designing it yet. I need to!

[@bavariansleeper]

Great job and love the new format. Really miss wrenching on my E46. Hours of fun. More so than golf!

[@ivorvanwerven6210]

Great work, keep it coming! Just fired up my x5 e53 after vanos & ccv job. Will share some pics when the sun is out in the discord.

[@tonys4751]

Nice job on oil pan. I enjoy your videos.

[@grantschmidt8662]

Great work Alec!

[@revive_moto]

Dude I love your channel. Keep the awesome content coming!

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate it man!!!

[@ozzyfreeman2619]

Nice job mate, thank you for good content

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks for the support!!!

[@TheXCobra11]

Love your videos man keep it up!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks, will do!

[@utube4greenfuture]

That is a sh*t ton to do just to replace oil pan gasket. I felt exhausted by the 10 minute mark. Love your videos. Much respect.

[@LeverPhile]

The steps are all easy, but they are many.

[@DayOffDIY]

appreciate that my friend!

[@craigjohnston1194]

Very helpful video, my 330 is leaking oil too but it looks like it’s the rear oil seal so I’ll need to remove the auto box 😢

[@DayOffDIY]

dang thats too bad, luckily its not tooo too bad to pull the transmission, i believe in you!!! If its an automatic trans you can use my torque converter video as a guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKC2q6qvYpisiZY

[@craigjohnston1194]

@@DayOffDIY thanks, I’ll be giving it a go in the spring.

[@Juxtrem]

Hello, In France the E46 sell a fortune, in the state with a pack m it is 8000€ It’s just crazy Good job 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

wow thats crazy value! I love me a sub $1000 BMW lol

[@fjc1861]

Awesome content man👍

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate it!

[@chrisb.6616]

I Ninja yanked my oil drain plug and ended up Karate Chopping my crossmember! Learned some great self-defense techniques here. Thanks Alec!! 😁

[@jame358]

Also a note on oil burning with the m54, The lower oil control ring is a wierd unconventional Single peice ring in the shape of a U on its side. These only last around 50k Miles and then they will leak oil into the cylinders past that. Thats why so many M54's burn oil. and thats what stuff like the 02 pilot mod try to fix by adding vaccume inside the crank case to try and stop oil getting past the rings. the only real way to fix them is to rebuild the engine with conventional 3 piece rings, I belive theres a set from m52/m52TU that fit.

[@DayOffDIY]

great info! I need to try that pilot mod. The CCV has been replaced so I doubt its from that, I think its just worn oil control rings...

[@jame358]

Ripping the kidney grill out got a good cackle out of me.

[@DayOffDIY]

had to lol they wanna fall out already

[@TrickiHunter]

ur awesome. sage is awesome and i dont even own a bmw just here for vibes

[@DayOffDIY]

really appreciate that, thats what i hope for!

[@jorgerea939]

Great video, you have a new subscriber 👋

[@gerardoperez9071]

Thank you thank you thank you.

[@DayOffDIY]

youre welcome!!!

[@olegsukhotskiy7761]

Hi Alec, All sounds and looks good in your DIY videos... However, it would be even better, when you start using torque specs for all fasteners, bolts, nuts etc. That will make you a professional mechanic. Great job 👍

[@wishfulbuy]

did the oil pan gasket on my 2009 335i, all went well until I over tightened a bolt at the front upper corner , and snapped it. I panicked a scrambled to extract it out of the hole, and damaged the threads in the hole. Attempted to rethread the hole but unfortunately the threading tools can't fit in there because there is an obstacle blocked me. Finally I gave up just leave the bolt absent, no leading at the oil pan felt lucky. I have another e90 xDrive also due for oil pan gasket job, oh hell that's AWD car , there is a front diff mounted at the oil pan, won't do it until oil is poring from the gasket ...

[@DayOffDIY]

yeah the AWD options arent nearly as fun, you gotta pull the CV axles, drop the front diff and driveshaft, but it is a rewarding job to finally finish and gives you a good opportunity to service the front differential and replace seals which is nice

[@dkrongel]

Is it possible the failed oil filter was causing the steady oil pressure light, rather than the sensor?

[@bogusienombre355]

I change my oil at 3k or it's visited a shop and I have not had a oil filter (mann) collapse yet. Still not sure, but it's sucking oil harder than it should. Maybe oil pan internal pump tube is clogged? Not sure it all, but my senerio should be thrown in for eliminating a cause.

[@DayOffDIY]

not a bad thought but this oil light has been a constant problem prior to the last oil service. I see it a lot, happened on Erik's 325 that i fixed up a few videos back too. I think I went too long on this oil service interval and used a cheap filter

[@DayOffDIY]

yeah i think using a cheaper filter didnt help, plus this engine is a little tired.

[@josephpacelli3691]

Which is more of a pain taking everything apart or the reassemably

[@DayOffDIY]

id say assembly goes a lot smoother since you know where everything goes!

[@josephpacelli3691]

@DayOffDIY kind of like a jigsaw puzzle

[@Sifsarmonikas]

Great video! Most of it is applicable to M52 engines right? Might need to do it on my E39 soon! Thanks for the detailed information Alec

[@DayOffDIY]

100% applicable to the M52, almost the same exact process!!!

[@cculty]

i love your videos man. just got my first home with a garage, any good tips and purchase recommendations for a nice little diy shop?

[@DayOffDIY]

Congratulations!!! That’s huge! I’d say lighting would be my first purchase. I bought some barrina LEDs for my shop, I made a video on them actually! Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4DakoqCaamBfMUsi=aZLSja9p6pr0ooCG

[@LoraBlakesleeAtkinson]

Hi Alec - You asked about the torque on the oil pan bolts. According to the service manual it is possible that you have an M6 8.8 grade bolt or an M6 10.9 grade. The torque is different for each. 8.8 grade = 10 Nm. 10.9 = 12 Nm. (Mine are 8.8 grade.) Two questions for you: (1) You put the gasket sealer all the way around on the oil pan gasket. The service manual only calls for putting the sealer on at the joints of the cylinder block. Does it help to put the sealer around the entire oil pan as you show in the video? (2) You mention tightening the bell housing bolts first; however, the service manual says to tighten oil pan bolts to cylinder block evenly all around and then tighten transmission bellhousing bolts last. Your explanation made sense on why to do the bellhousing bolts first. Why would the service manual have the reverse steps? Brian

[@tahirneamd5424]

Do you leave your lift under tension or do you let it rest on the lock?

[@census3370]

I have F series BMWs, just a question. I’d like to buy a mechanics set so I can work on my own cars, do you recommend 6point or 12point sockets for working on BMWs? Is there a video of your tool arsenal that are essential for working on BMWs?

[@DayOffDIY]

hey census! I prefer to have both, although 6 point come in handy much more often. heres a link to my toolbox video, i think its exactly what youre looking for kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGWcooiEhJeIbtE

[@census3370]

@ thanks!

[@LoraBlakesleeAtkinson]

I have removed the E10 bolt on the steering column, but it is not separating like you show in your video. Even shaking gets no separation. Am I OK to still proceed with dropping the subframe. If not, any tips on the steering column? Brian

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey Brian, take a pry bar and lever up on the shaft a little bit, or put the tip of your pry bar/screwdriver on the shaft and tap the handle of your tool with a hammer to dislodge it and assist it with separating, sometimes they get a little stuck. Hope that helps.m

[@LoraBlakesleeAtkinson]

@@DayOffDIY Thank you, Alec. Success! Now onto the oil pan. Brian

[@marvinfrancis8837]

Hi I need to do the same job soon but I have the e60 model a 525i model to be exact and the problem is the engine support brace don’t fit the mounting surface on my car. It sits on the headlights not the car. What should I do???

[@FreeKanal]

Thanks again :)

[@gustavopeiterbatschauer5835]

This curil t2 seems thinner than the regular rtv. What'a your thoghts ? I don't like to use rtv on gaskets unless necessary cause it's kinda thick.

[@genepenna8549]

Another great video, man! What’s the name of the sealant used on the gasket? And, it looks like you just used a thin coating of it to keep the gasket in place (except in the ‘joint’ areas) - correct? Also, what’s that brand of degreaser you’re using, please? Many thanks!

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey Gene! the sealant is Curil T by Elring, its linked in the description, and the degreaser is Purple Power purchased from my local Oreilly

[@SuperTap007]

Nice 😎

[@farbmw]

Can you fine a F80/82 to do some maintance on? Just asking. :)

[@DayOffDIY]

If I can afford one someday absolutely

[@farbmw]

@DayOffDIY Yeah, no doubt, but maybe a local viewer has one you can work on because I know if you were local to me, I would let you work on mine anytime!

[@st.st.performance]

Also worth replacing: Rubber gasket between engine and oil-filter housing :) they don't last half as long as the oil pan gasket

[@SDE90]

pro-tip - coat the gasket with a little bit of clean oil on install. I've had my replacement oil filter housing gaskets last over 70,000 miles on BMW's and Mercedes that I've done with this method.

[@st.st.performance]

@@SDE90 yup, always lube up rubber :D

[@therandomnessofitall1707]

sage!

[@vollidioten-hauptquatier2781]

Well, what els should I say except I subscribed. ❤ Thanken you for this! Maybe can you do an Video how you upgrade your oil pump. Commen failure point.😅

[@davidhidalgo4450]

Hi! Question? On a 2008 335i , if in the valve cover inside ccv is damaged, can that lead to a oil consumption and some smoke , I have no codes for the turbos , I change to index 12 injectors , the car runs fine have bust, the only thing is the smoke, check the sparks no oil on it no carbon, or gas, When driving at speed no smoke only when stopping and little at addle, Please let me know if any ideas, thanks,

[@wozmac771]

Can i use silicone and seal it from the outside, to avoid taking down the subframe. ??

[@DayOffDIY]

No sadly it’ll never work, it’ll leak right through it. Gotta do it the right way

[@wozmac771]

@@DayOffDIY aha! thx. how much would you charge to get mine done.

[@30guarino]

If you start a golf channel... I will NOT be a subscriber to that channel lol ...loathe golf...but BMW and Sage videos I'm in!!

[@DayOffDIY]

hahahahah appreciate it!

[@diWHY_Jake]

Coulda used this when I still had my e46 touring. I don’t have a flat driveway or garage, wanna help me replace my grounding strap on my e91? 😅

[@brezel53]

Great!❤ Greetings from Munich, Germany. Home of oiling BMWs...😂

[@paulnoakes7435]

Just to correct you on this, the oil light staying on for 7 or 8 seconds when you start the car is nothing to do with the oil level sensor. This is a failure of the return valve in the oil filter housing. The oil has dropped to the sump whereas a correctly functioning valve would keep oil that's in the oil filter housing at the top of the engine. The oil light stays on as it's taking a few seconds to get oil and pressure into the top of the engine. If the valve was functioning correctly the oil would already be there in the oil filter so the oil light would go off within a second or so. BMW don't sell the return valve as a stand alone item but the aftermarket does them and I recommend the red one from klifex. If it's the oil level sensor that's failed then when you turn the vehicle off the oil light stays on for a few seconds.

[@heyimadrian.4546]

Why wouldn't you do the rod bearings if you dropped the oil pan, at those miles it would be worth it regardless of their condition

[@DayOffDIY]

replacing the rod bearings is still more labor to go in, cost on materials for the bearings + the rod bearings in the M54 are quite stout, never ran into issues in the past. if it was a N55, N20, or S65/S85 id think about it

[@chrispirrone7798]

My oil pan gasket is leaking in my e46 but no one will touch it

[@jth1987leb]

You own BMWs. You have to golf

[@DayOffDIY]

im new to the game but just placed 3rd in a local scramble tournament yesterday with my buddies!

[@TheHunterHofman]

I play golf (and also make BMW KZbin videos haha), are we best friends?!

[@DayOffDIY]

I just checked out your channel! so awesome! where you from?

[@JDM-75]

If nothing leaks out of BMW then it's not a BMW