[gasto83]

So, I did a stupid thing. I'm not a mechanic, but I tend to do a lot of work on all my cars, and oil changes are probably one of the most basic things. Changing the oil on my 2021 X3m was a stupid decision.

I cannot say for sure that it was me or if this happened during the last oil change at the dealer (bought it used with 1k miles), but as I'm installing the drain plug, I noticed that it was threading far too many turns. I used a torque wench at 25nm. I cannot remove the plug with the wrench, but I have yet to try any other options. I'm assuming I should be able to remove it with a vice-grip wrench.

I believe that the oil pan threads are most likely stripped. I was quoted over the phone $4k from the dealer.

I have read a lot of success stories using TimeSert on older bimmers including M cars, but I have not found any "thread" on the newer ones. It seems that I'm the first idiot to do this to an S58.

Maybe a more technical person can help me out, what would you do? Timesert or fork over $4k to change the oil pan?

[Dawgz]

Originally Posted by gasto83

So, I did a stupid thing. I'm not a mechanic, but I tend to do a lot of work on all my cars, and oil changes are probably one of the most basic things. Changing the oil on my 2021 X3m was a stupid decision.

I cannot say for sure that it was me or if this happened during the last oil change at the dealer (bought it used with 1k miles), but as I'm installing the drain plug, I noticed that it was threading far too many turns. I used a torque wench at 25nm. I cannot remove the plug with the wrench, but I have yet to try any other options. I'm assuming I should be able to remove it with a vice-grip wrench.

I believe that the oil pan threads are most likely stripped. I was quoted over the phone $4k from the dealer.

I have read a lot of success stories using TimeSert on older bimmers including M cars, but I have not found any "thread" on the newer ones. It seems that I'm the first idiot to do this to an S58.

Maybe a more technical person can help me out, what would you do? Timesert or fork over $4k to change the oil pan?

Timesert or helicoil will be sufficient. If it's done right.

Otherwise the 4k is valid, a LOT of prep work has to be done before you can even get to the pan. If you go that route make sure you go to a GOOD dealer that has a master tech that knows what he's doing.

[PNTDG42]

Can you post a picture of the drain plug on the oil pan? I have only seen it one time so far, so I dont have a good visual in my head of the space you are working with. Personally, as a machinist, if there is adequate space to work with, I would rethread the pan a size up, and get a matching upsized drain plug. Somewhat similar as doing a thread insert... only I would skip the insert and just use a plug for the upsized thread rather than using the insert to bring the thread size back down.

[gasto83]

Before forking $4k to a dealer, I'm going to try rethreading a size up, just discovered a tool made by AGA tools (one that they actually sell to BMW) and report back next week!

[dmanb2b]

Originally Posted by PNTDG42

Can you post a picture of the drain plug on the oil pan? I have only seen it one time so far, so I dont have a good visual in my head of the space you are working with. Personally, as a machinist, if there is adequate space to work with, I would rethread the pan a size up, and get a matching upsized drain plug. Somewhat similar as doing a thread insert... only I would skip the insert and just use a plug for the upsized thread rather than using the insert to bring the thread size back down.

this is generally the way to go. save your drained oil and pour it through once more to flush any residual out, before wrapping up any refilling with fresh oil.

[KodiakEd]

Not to ask a stupid question, but since this is a 2021 model, wouldn't this be covered under warranty?

[maxima8295]

Originally Posted by KodiakEd

Not to ask a stupid question, but since this is a 2021 model, wouldn't this be covered under warranty?

Not if he caused it.

[gasto83]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

this is generally the way to go. save your drained oil and pour it through once more to flush any residual out, before wrapping up any refilling with fresh oil.

Yea, I agree! I'm going to be trying this soon. Will also be adding what's called a "clean oil plug" so that I won't have to remove the plug in the future. Simply plug in an oil vacuum to remove the oil!

[R BMW]

I like that.
Only issue is, how much does it stick up inside the oil pan and not allow the very bottom to be sucked out?

Now after posting I see how it has a place to allow oil to be sucked thru. Boy are they proud of their product when they price it.