Oil Pan Gasket - E85 N52

[alexrives1995]

Hi All,

Has anyone done the oil pan gasket for the Z4 with the N52 engine? I am planning on taking this on this week. I've seen a video of this being done on the m54 and it doesn't seem complicated. It seems like it is going to be very similar but I'm sure there are a couple differences that would be good to be aware of. Maybe different bolts, specs, etc..

 

[lucasxdiniz]

Doing the same this week. Watch a E46 video so you have an idea of the subframe removal, then watch a E9x video so you know how to tackle the oil pan.

Good luck to us!

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e86-z4-3.0si-cou/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-13-oil-sump/

 

[mr.tourette]

meh.. just the words "dropping the subframe" made me not want to tackle it on the drive good luck gents

 

[alexrives1995]

meh.. just the words "dropping the subframe" made me not want to tackle it on the drive good luck gents

It was actually very straight forward! Luckily these cars are really easy to work with.

 

[nick_l]

I’ve heard you can do the gasket without dropping the subframe. When you remove the sump bolts the sump drops enough to get the old gasket off and new one on. Personally I can’t see how you can clean the surface if done this way.

I’m having my sump replaced on Wednesday following a big leak from a corroded sump

Remember that the bolts that secure the sump are single use and should be replaced.

 

[alexrives1995]

If it is an old gasket there is a good chance that it gets stuck unto the mating surface. Without having the clearance for the leverage needed to remove the old gasket I cannot imagine doing this. Maybe if the gasket is newer this can be done.

 

[mr nurburgring]

I’ve heard you can do the gasket without dropping the subframe. When you remove the sump bolts the sump drops enough to get the old gasket off and new one on. Personally I can’t see how you can clean the surface if done this way.

I’m having my sump replaced on Wednesday following a big leak from a corroded sump

Remember that the bolts that secure the sump are single use and should be replaced.

Is yours a steel sump? Has it gone rusty around the oil sensor.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I’m having my sump replaced on Wednesday following a big leak from a corroded sump

I'm sorry to hear that Nick, but it was quite a leak you had!

If Ross is doing it he's not far from me so if you want to pass some time talking Z4s PM me.

 

[nick_l]

I’ve heard you can do the gasket without dropping the subframe. When you remove the sump bolts the sump drops enough to get the old gasket off and new one on. Personally I can’t see how you can clean the surface if done this way.

I’m having my sump replaced on Wednesday following a big leak from a corroded sump

Remember that the bolts that secure the sump are single use and should be replaced.

Is yours a steel sump? Has it gone rusty around the oil sensor.

Yeah steel sump. It was rusty around the oil sensor and there was several spots of rust all over the sump. A few of them had pin holes right through. My car doesn’t have the undertray on so I’m guessing years of road rash has taken it’s toll.

 

[nick_l]

I’m having my sump replaced on Wednesday following a big leak from a corroded sump

I'm sorry to hear that Nick, but it was quite a leak you had!

If Ross is doing it he's not far from me so if you want to pass some time talking Z4s PM me.

I did want to take it to Ross as I don’t really trust others....but it’s leaking oil at quite an alarming rate so I didn’t want to risk the drive to his. I’m in Essex so it’s a good 80 mile trip.

I’ve just dropped it off to a local bmw specialist

 

[mr nurburgring]

I’ve heard you can do the gasket without dropping the subframe. When you remove the sump bolts the sump drops enough to get the old gasket off and new one on. Personally I can’t see how you can clean the surface if done this way.

I’m having my sump replaced on Wednesday following a big leak from a corroded sump

Remember that the bolts that secure the sump are single use and should be replaced.

Is yours a steel sump? Has it gone rusty around the oil sensor.

Yeah steel sump. It was rusty around the oil sensor and there was several spots of rust all over the sump. A few of them had pin holes right through. My car doesn’t have the undertray on so I’m guessing years of road rash has taken it’s toll.

Yes, having no under tray would cause stone chips leading to corrosion i guess.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I did want to take it to Ross as I don’t really trust others....but it’s leaking oil at quite an alarming rate so I didn’t want to risk the drive to his. I’m in Essex so it’s a good 80 mile trip.

I’ve just dropped it off to a local bmw specialist

No, it was leaking pretty badly so 80 miles probably wouldn't have been a god idea.

Hopefully the local specialist will get it sorted for you.

 

[mr nurburgring]

Did you sort it? I have a friend which I believe to have a similar problem.

 

[nick_l]

Did you sort it? I have a friend which I believe to have a similar problem.

Unfortunately not. Need to order a oil return pipe which will take a week from BMW.

 

[Z4Mariner]

I'm adding links to YouTube videos which cover replacing the oil pan gasket on E85 / E86 chassis. The first one is a very short, to-the-point video on a 2006 E85 with N52 (Silver Top). The author does not give a lot of detail (you'll still want TIS or a Bentley shop manual for N52). He uses a monster engine support I will never afford, but there are two videos I've found using a simple engine support bar run "North-South" from the firewall to the front crossmember at the radiator.

E85 with N52 engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyFbNMUVFCU

Engine support bar North-South (2 videos, both E85's with M54): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYw8zq85-J8 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RHvQJZNvqc

I've got a very slight seep at the gasket, thus my interest.

Please share your opinions on using the engine support bar "North-South".