The N55 in my 2014 BMW F30 335i M Sport has 128,000 miles on it, and like most BMWs of this age, the bottom of the engine was absolutely covered in oil. In this video, we’re tackling one of the biggest jobs on the car so far: replacing the oil pan gasket and rod bearings, along with everything else that makes sense to inspect or replace while the front subframe and oil pan are out of the way.
Replacing an oil pan gasket on an F30 335i isn’t exactly a quick job. The engine has to be supported from above with an engine support bar before the front subframe can be lowered and removed to gain access to the oil pan. Once we’re in there, though, there’s a TON of stuff that becomes accessible.
With the oil pan removed, I pull the oil pickup tube and oil pump, inspect the pickup screen, oil pump, oil pump drive chain and sprocket, and get the windage tray/oil deflector out of the way to access all six connecting rods. From there, we replace all six N55 rod bearings and rod bolts while inspecting the crankshaft journals and checking the condition of the original bearings.
Since the subframe is already out of the car, I’m also replacing both worn engine mounts with new Corteco mounts and installing a new oil level sensor before cleaning everything up, resealing the oil pan with a new gasket and hardware, reinstalling the subframe, and putting the car back together.
This is a complete step-by-step DIY guide, including all torque specs, procedures, inspections, and the little things you need to know if you’re planning to tackle an N55 oil pan gasket or rod bearing job yourself.
Huge thanks to FCP Euro for supporting this build and helping make this F30 335i series possible. All the parts for this repair came from @fcpeuro making it easy to address everything at once while the car is this far apart. If you need parts or specialty tools for your European car, they will be your one stop shop for everything you need.
If you have an F30 335i, F32 435i, F22 M235i or another BMW powered by the N55 and you’re dealing with a leaking oil pan gasket—or you’re considering replacing your rod bearings—this video should give you a good idea of exactly what you’re getting yourself into, and give you the guide you need to get this job done yourself.
PARTS USED:
Engine Oil and Filter Kit
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-change-kit-5w40-e60-e90-e82-f30-11427566327kt-lm
Oil Pan Gasket
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-pan-gasket-11137600482
Oil Pan Bolt Set
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-pan-bolt-set-aluminum-11132210959
Engine Oil Pump
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-oil-pump-11417613549
Oil Pump Sprocket
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-oil-pump-11417613549
Oil Pump Sprocket Bolt
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-torx-screw-m8x20-11417520144
Oil Pump Pickup Tube
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-suction-pipe-11417590736
Oil Pump & Pickup Tube Hardware Set
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-set-of-aluminium-screws-oil-pump-11412165397
Oil Pickup Tube O Ring (If reusing pickup tube)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-oil-pump-pickup-tube-gasket-11417527092
Oil Level Sensor
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-oil-level-sensor-hella-12617638341
ACL Connecting Rod Bearings
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-connecting-rod-bearing-set-acl-6b1584h-std
Connecting Rod Bolts (12)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-connecting-rod-bolt-11247589671
Engine Mount Kit
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-mount-kit-corteco-22116855460kt
Front Subframe Bolts (2)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-torx-screw-m12x16510-9-31106793893
Front Subframe Bolts (2)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-torx-screw-m12x15x4510-9-31106793894
Front Subframe Bolts (2)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-subframe-bolt-genuine-bmw-07119907452
Steering Shaft Bolt
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-steering-torx-bolt-32306778609
Sway Bar Link Nut
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-hexagon-nut-with-collar-m810-zns3-31306798572
Specialty Tools Needed:
Oil Pump Sprocket Counter Hold
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-brace-83302303793
Engine Lift Support Hook
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-lift-support-hook-genuine-bmw-72157203519-kit-72157203519kt
1/2″ Torque Wrench
https://amzn.to/4hl4ajZ
3/8″ Torque Wrench w/ Angle Torque
https://amzn.to/4hE0ybT
1/4″ Torque Wrench
https://amzn.to/4rHr34P
Engine Support Bar
https://amzn.to/4z6K9Uh
Wobble E Torx Socket Set
https://amzn.to/4rEYTaw
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC900dqzoDD9ZK98F9639muw/join
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https://www.Patreon.com/DayOffDIY
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https://account.venmo.com/u/dayoffdiy
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https://cash.app/$DayOffDIY
DAY OFF DIY Discord Link!
https://discord.gg/2XHfgmMpSU
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This is for everyone who uses cheap gas. When you use cheap gas without injector cleaning additive like Poly Ether Amin. Its just important as your oil. When your injectors get dirty that don't atomize the fuel properly which means the fuel that doesn't burn because its still in liquid form instead of a super fine mist its runs down into your engine and you get fuel dilution in your oil. Now where no gas is a cleaner that blows right thru oil so instead of having oil lubricating your cylinders you have gas mixed in there which cuts down on your oil performance drastically. The Motor Oil Geek on YouTube knows his shit. His saying is Science not Speculation. He runs very expensive tests to get all his results. Use Exxon or Shell premium. Youll notice a difference after the first tank full. Ive only ever used Shell V Nitro premium unleaded. My X5 is immaculate. I change my oil every 3000 with Liqui Molly Special Tec 5w30 along with MANN oil filters. Another very important part a QUALITY OIL FILTER. Watch him youll learn everything you need to know about oil and gas. He formulated DRIVEN oil. Killer oil. He tests all the oils and additives and fuels and fuel additives and tells you what you should be doing to get the best out of your engine. He also owns Speed Diagnostics. Oil test facility like Blackstone. Its not just dude in his garage making shit up because he uses it. This is the best source to get the best info on automobile fluids.
Thank you for doing this I have an n55 in my 2012 X5 M sport. So the engine mount only needs the heat shield if it has the upgraded brakes my M sport doesn't have the upgraded calipers I know the brakes are standard cuz I just did them l. You guys researching all the correct Parts is going to save me a ton of work thanks again. I don't know if I would attempt this without the lift, I have a full lift I'm able to use. I remember watching M5 39s channel as he was dropping a sub frame on a E70 chassis like mine but a 8 cylinder. I thought he had to deal with the axles? Is that because he didn't disconnect the ball joints and control arms like you did? I recently replaced those with Lemforder from FCP EURO. I live 20 minutes from the Connecticut branch.
Great job Alec. Thanks for sharing. Regards Nico.
There is absolutely 0 reason to pressurize the oiling system. None. BMW doesn't do it from the factory. It's all BS, stop spreading BS. Your story is either a lie, or an incorrect assessment of what happened. And your examples are completely incorrect.
I've been following you for many years; you're very experienced with N54 engines. My car is a 2011 BMW F01 with an N54B30A engine. I bought it in 2021 and I use Mobil 3000 fully synthetic oil. The mileage is currently 377,000 km. What oil would you recommend for these engines? They tend to overheat. I eagerly await your reply.
Glad you posted this. I was waiting for the weather to cool off and am about to do it myself.
I’ve been a long time FCP Euro customer. I want support companies that support you but the prices at FCP Euro has been going up every week. I’m starting to think they have dynamic pricing and charge loyal customers more because they know I will buy from them.
Alec, try the reverse drill bits from Harbor Freight for removing broken bolts. After using your center punch using a reverse drill bit will grab the broken bolt and spin it right out.
I don’t even have a n55 but to support Alec I’ll gladly watch anyways! Appreciate all the information brother
Don't know why I'm watching because I don't have a bmw to work on, but I do appreciate your meticulous work.
You will be one of the best BMW DIYers of all time with videos like these bro, I personally enjoy watching these over any other DIYers videos.
Great job and excellent patience. That’s a big job and you killed it
Amazing job! Could you show us how a healthy N55 sounds like?