Oil Pan Drain Plug Socket

Slammer2013 · 05-23-2020, 02:50 PM

Doing an oil change & discovered that the pan threads (for eeh drain plug bolt) are stripped. The drain plug bolt gets snug but does not get tight and just keeps turning. Which explains why it did not take much to loosen it.
Does anyone know if there is a fix for this?

Bmwdoubles_ · 05-23-2020, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slammer2013

Doing an oil change & discovered that the pan threads (for eeh drain plug bolt) are stripped. The drain plug bolt gets snug but does not get tight and just keeps turning. Which explains why it did not take much to loosen it.
Does anyone know if there is a fix for this?

Do you have the washer on?

95blkmax · 05-23-2020, 07:03 PM

Also, what engine do you have? N55/ N63/ N20/ N57??

Bmwdoubles_ · 05-23-2020, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95blkmax

Also, what engine do you have? N55/ N63/ N20/ N57??

N55

95blkmax · 05-23-2020, 08:42 PM

With an N55, if the crush washer is in place like Bmwdoubles is asking, and you're still having issues torquing it down... you may have to put in a heli-coil to save the oil pan. Forcing a larger bolt MAY yield a one-time fix lol... but for the next oil change you'll have to be ready to replace the pan if you do this. Heli-coil is the better way to fix this.

The drain plug threads right into the aluminum oil pan (no steel insert there) so it threads on very soft metal. It doesn't take much to over-tighten and strip threads there.

BurrNinja · 05-23-2020, 09:14 PM

You will need to either retap the threads, or replace oil pan. It happens a lot on Honda drain pans they are very fragile if any bit is over torqued.

SWFLf10 · 05-24-2020, 05:50 AM

I had this issue recently, and ended up using a Timesert insert kit for it. Took my time and made sure to use grease on the drill bit and tap to help remove and metal shavings. Also did it all by hand, without power tools. Turned out working exactly as it should.

Bmwdoubles_ · 05-24-2020, 12:00 PM

If it needs to be retapped. I would take it off, clean it, tap it, clean again, new seal and bolts.

https://bimmercat.com/bmw/en/search/...5i/ECE/11_4448

Look what I found in mine

05-23-2020, 02:50 PM	#1
Slammer2013 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 535i Join Date: May 2020 Location: Sacramento, Ca iTrader: (0)	Oil Pan Drain Plug Socket Doing an oil change & discovered that the pan threads (for eeh drain plug bolt) are stripped. The drain plug bolt gets snug but does not get tight and just keeps turning. Which explains why it did not take much to loosen it. Does anyone know if there is a fix for this?
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05-23-2020, 07:03 PM	#3
95blkmax Captain 213 Rep 658 Posts Drives: '11 535 M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Oklahoma City iTrader: (0)	Also, what engine do you have? N55/ N63/ N20/ N57?? __________________ I'm on the YouTubez now!! Check it out -> https://www.youtube.com/@turbospool 11' M-sport- 371WHP - 478WTQ on stock PWG E50 TunedbyShoup // 386WHP - 429WTQ on Shuenk N55+ with ultra-conservative 91 Octane tune // Starting full-range flexfuel tuning in Spring '24
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05-23-2020, 08:42 PM	#5
95blkmax Captain 213 Rep 658 Posts Drives: '11 535 M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Oklahoma City iTrader: (0)	With an N55, if the crush washer is in place like Bmwdoubles is asking, and you're still having issues torquing it down... you may have to put in a heli-coil to save the oil pan. Forcing a larger bolt MAY yield a one-time fix lol... but for the next oil change you'll have to be ready to replace the pan if you do this. Heli-coil is the better way to fix this. The drain plug threads right into the aluminum oil pan (no steel insert there) so it threads on very soft metal. It doesn't take much to over-tighten and strip threads there. __________________ I'm on the YouTubez now!! Check it out -> https://www.youtube.com/@turbospool 11' M-sport- 371WHP - 478WTQ on stock PWG E50 TunedbyShoup // 386WHP - 429WTQ on Shuenk N55+ with ultra-conservative 91 Octane tune // Starting full-range flexfuel tuning in Spring '24
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05-23-2020, 09:14 PM	#6
BurrNinja Captain 431 Rep 915 Posts Drives: 2017 540i Bluestone Metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 535i xdrive [0.00]	You will need to either retap the threads, or replace oil pan. It happens a lot on Honda drain pans they are very fragile if any bit is over torqued. __________________ Instgram @burninja
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05-24-2020, 05:50 AM	#7
SWFLf10 Captain 374 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 2016 Alpina B6, 2015 535i Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW Alpina B6 ... [10.00] 2015 BMW 535i [8.83]	I had this issue recently, and ended up using a Timesert insert kit for it. Took my time and made sure to use grease on the drill bit and tap to help remove and metal shavings. Also did it all by hand, without power tools. Turned out working exactly as it should.
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05-24-2020, 12:00 PM	#8
Bmwdoubles_ Lieutenant 194 Rep 517 Posts Drives: BMW F10 535 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1) Garage List [0.00]	If it needs to be retapped. I would take it off, clean it, tap it, clean again, new seal and bolts. https://bimmercat.com/bmw/en/search/...5i/ECE/11_4448 Look what I found in mine __________________ BPM Tuned, Advanced Fuel Dynamics, Paddoq Valved Exhaust, Paddoq Magnetic Paddles, EDC dampers, Dinan Springs, H&R Sway. DCT all day long. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFu...fWjCtOz49FDMlg
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