A big thank you to FCP Euro for sponsoring todays video!
Head over to https://www.fcpeuro.com/ for all of your BMW parts needs!
This is my $500 BMW E46, its a 2002 with a 5 speed manual transmission and it has the M54 engine.
In todays video I am going to give you a step by step guide on how to fix and replace the MOST COMMON BMW Oil leak. THE OIL PAN GASKET! This happens on EVERY BMW engine, and im going to teach you how to fix yours at home with basic tools!
Were going to drop the subframe, remove the oil pan, clean the surfaces, replace the gasket, replace the engine mounts while the subframe is down, renew the dipstick tube O ring, replace the oil level sensor, and top it off with a fresh oil service. Im going to link all the parts I used down below along with any other tools I mentioned.
I hope you enjoy!
If youd like to support the channel, consider becoming a member!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC900dqzoDD9ZK98F9639muw/join
Or if Patreon is more your speed, we have one of those too!
https://www.Patreon.com/DayOffDIY
DAY OFF DIY Discord Link!
https://discord.gg/2XHfgmMpSU
Parts Used:
Oil Pan Gasket
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-pan-gasket-corteco-11131437237
Engine Mount Kit
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-mounts-set-of-2-e46-22111095444×2
Dipstick Tube O-Ring
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-dipstick-seal-11431740045
Oil Level Sensor
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-level-sender-12617508003-1
Engine Oil and Filter
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-oil-change-kit-5w40-e46-3-series-liqui-moly-11427512300kt-lm
Curil T Sealant
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/sealing-compound-curil-t-elring-911-580
Tools Used:
5K lb. Car Lift System
https://amzn.to/3W8J6SW
Engine Support Bar
https://amzn.to/3PqyQkZ
Hood Lock Tool
https://amzn.to/3DFC29K
1/4″ Torque Wrench
https://amzn.to/3DIghGh
3/8″ Torque Wrench
https://amzn.to/4260L1c
Die Grinder w/ Attachments
https://amzn.to/4h8tDu5
Tire Plug Set
https://amzn.to/407LMRL
Vulcanizing Tire Cement
https://amzn.to/404XJYA
Wobble E Torx Sockets
https://amzn.to/4g4AVy9
Drill Brush Kit
https://amzn.to/4j7Fnyx
){kind=link}
Such an honest and great mechanic! god bless you man!
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.
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!!
My n52 oil pan started leaking because PCV / CCV system was completely clogged with sludge. Good video, thanks!
More e46 content! Woot woot
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!'
Is it possible the failed oil filter was causing the steady oil pressure light, rather than the sensor?
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 …
Yo the jump in the level of production is awesome. Keep it up bro
You own BMWs. You have to golf
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.
Nice job mate, thank you for good content
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)
Great video bro! Love to watch your channel, too bad you dont post so often
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.
ur awesome. sage is awesome and i dont even own a bmw just here for vibes
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
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
Dude I love your channel. Keep the awesome content coming!
Love your videos man keep it up!