ECS oil change kit drain plugs

[ghostofsenna]

I'm curious if anyone on the forum has purchased this ECS oil change kit for their e9x m3?

I had an issue with the front oil drain plug. The front drain plug would not fit in my 2011.75 e90 oil pan due to clearance issues with the oil pan above the undercarriage. In terms of fit, it had to do with not being able to get a socket in the area the plug screws into. Has anyone else experienced that issue? As a result, I was only able to use one of the two provided ECS oil drain plugs and utilized the used OEM plug in the front.

Here is the kit for reference and detailed pictures of the plugs.

https://www.ecstuning.com/ES3031702/

[roastbeef]

i'm interested in hearing more. i haven't used this kit yet, but i have the same kit sitting in my garage (with the magnetic plugs). i'm in a 2011.5 e92.

[Move Over]

I have used it 2-3 times. I'm confused on what the problem is...can you take a pic of the problem?

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by Move Over

I have used it 2-3 times. I'm confused on what the problem is...can you take a pic of the problem?

I am bad at articulating the issue.

The OEM plugs use the hex wrench to install and the ECS plugs use a socket wrench. The socket will not fit in the space allowed for front drainage plug. The hex fits in that space. The socket doesn't fix because it obvious wraps around the head of the plug as the hex is basically an allen wrench that fits in the center of the plug. Does that make sense?

I can take pictures... next time I do an oil change haha

[White 13]

It looks like you got the kit with a magnetic drain plug. I have gotten the one with the regular style and uses an allen head socket or wrench.

This:https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-M3...ice/ES2578578/

[roastbeef]

maybe use a open end closed end wrench?

[nyfg56]

I got the Oem oil service kit from Ecs for the second time today and it was a breeze. Plugs were exactly the same and came in a BMW branded bag

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

maybe use a open end closed end wrench?

can't fit that in there either.

I used an old OEM plug for the front drain. I just think it's bizarre that they would have this oversight on plug fitment in the kit.

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by nyfg56

I got the Oem oil service kit from Ecs for the second time today and it was a breeze. Plugs were exactly the same and came in a BMW branded bag

same as OEM? or the same ECS branded black plugs with magnetic tips?

[nyfg56]

Originally Posted by ghostofsenna

same as OEM? or the same ECS branded black plugs with magnetic tips?

Oem but purchased from Ecs

[roastbeef]

i think i see what you're talking about. i found this pic online and it doesn't quite look flush, like there is a second skid plate with only clearance for the hex head plug...

yea, now you got me worried... unless you have a paper thin-walled socket, this isn't happening.

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

i think i see what you're talking about. i found this pic online and it doesn't quite look flush, like there is a second skid plate with only clearance for the hex head plug...

yea, now you got me worried... unless you have a paper thin-walled socket, this isn't happening.

YES. This is the issue. Clearance is too tight. I even made my old man get under the car to look and make sure I wasn't being dumb.

How could ECS over look this? I do prefer the ECS plug over OEM; magnetic tip and socket wrench applicable.

[atruelunatic]

Crap. I just ordered one of their drain plugs.

[RoundelObsession]

You probably only need one, just sell the other one or have it clean and ready to go on your next oil change.

[M3amigos]

You should call ecs and make sure they are aware of the issue. If they stand behind their product, they should overnight you a new plug.

I've always purchased the non-oem ecs kit for my oil changes that comes with the standard hex head plug. I could see how this is a problem and maybe an oversight on their part.

[dbyrd]

I've been using the ECS kit for years and it comes with two OEM drain plugs with hex fit and crush washers. Call them.

[pbonsalb]

Do you guys really change your drain plugs every time you change your oil? I can see installing a magnetic plug -- I use them when I can find ones that fit.

[roastbeef]

op, what was the outcome from contacting ecs?

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by M3amigos

You should call ecs and make sure they are aware of the issue. If they stand behind their product, they should overnight you a new plug.

I've always purchased the non-oem ecs kit for my oil changes that comes with the standard hex head plug. I could see how this is a problem and maybe an oversight on their part.

Originally Posted by dbyrd

I've been using the ECS kit for years and it comes with two OEM drain plugs with hex fit and crush washers. Call them.

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Do you guys really change your drain plugs every time you change your oil? I can see installing a magnetic plug -- I use them when I can find ones that fit.

I did since they are included in the kit. Well, in this case, only one plug was changed.

Originally Posted by roastbeef

op, what was the outcome from contacting ecs?

I'll call today and report back.

[ghostofsenna]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

op, what was the outcome from contacting ecs?

UPDATE:

I spoke with customer service regarding the plug. They have not received any complaints about the the ECS style plug from other customers.

They issued me a refund of $8.61 for my troubles.

For future orders, I'd be sure to call and inform them to send 1 OEM plug and 1 ECS style plug. The ECS plug is better than OEM in my opinion as it has a magnetic end.

[roastbeef]

i just used my kit yesterday. same issue. plug head is way too big to get a socket on it. they need to remove that plug from their site for the m3, there is no way it works.

[atruelunatic]

I finally did my oil change and found a different issue... The plug wouldn't screw in all the way. There was roughly 0.2" of exposed threads. Not sure what that was about, but sticking with OEM for now.