The Infamous Oil Pan Drain Bolt Spinning

[TrueToBMW]

Good Day All,

I've done some searching but haven't been able to find anything in particular on the forum regarding my issue (not the most electronically savvy person though)

Anyway, quick history, when I bought my 2011 E92 M3 Coupe a few years back and did the first oil change, I noticed the rearmost oil drain bolt wouldn't torque down properly, so rather than risking it I tightened it up and then I safety wired both plugs (motorcycle track day habit).

So today I wanted to do a last oil change before I store the beast for the winter and now the rear most drain plug won't come out, just spins in place, so I'm here now inquiring my fellow 'M' car enthusiasts minds.

Is there anyway to fix this issue without having to replace the entire pan? If I replace the pan, it is one unit correct (with 2 drain plugs)? I've been sending my oil off to Blackstone for years now and haven't had any rod bearing concerns, but from what I gather, if I did replace the pan, the rod bearings will be staring me in the face.....soo.....might as well do those while I'm in there I presume?

Anyway, just wondering what my options were, has anyone ever ran into this issue, thanks for reading and any and all help, opinions, guidance would be much appreciated.

[Dpc2u]

Most common repair is a time sert. I haven't had to use it personally yet, but there is a lot of folks that have.

https://www.amazon.com/TIME-SERT-1-5...86937873&psc=1

Do a search, lots of good DIY's.

[roastbeef]

How did you safety wire the flush drain bolt?

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by Dpc2u

Most common repair is a time sert. I haven't had to use it personally yet, but there is a lot of folks that have.

https://www.amazon.com/TIME-SERT-1-5...86937873&psc=1

Do a search, lots of good DIY's.

I've heard/read about them, I'll have to revise my search and see if I can find some good results from it, I definitely don't want a 'band-aid' fix, or something that's inferior to the original.

Originally Posted by roastbeef

How did you safety wire the flush drain bolt?

I run dimple magnets on all my drain plugs, and you can get them pre-drilled, and then I drilled two small holes in the plastic lift point in the center of the front end to which I then safety wire each drain plug.

[amrazM]

It’s possible to fix it with a helicoil. You have to remove the pan and fix someone who can repair aluminum.

[spammysammich]

Time serts and BMW go together like Forest and Jenny, peanut butter and jelly, Mix-a-lot and big butts.

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by spammysammich

Time serts and BMW go together like Forest and Jenny, peanut butter and jelly, Mix-a-lot and big butts.

HAHA, hadn't really realized that a time-sert could be a feasible option. I'd heard of them before but after doing some research, if done properly, could be a permanent repair.

Now I just need to find a set, unfortunately only Amazon sells them (that I've found), but without the handle.

[DirtyM3]

+1

I have done the time-sert for my rear oil drain plug. Very easy steps to do.

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by DirtyM3

+1

I have done the time-sert for my rear oil drain plug. Very easy steps to do.

I think it was your posts I was reading about, makes me want to look into it and maybe give it a shot.

The link you posted isn't working anymore, is this similar to what you'd purchased;

TIME-SERT M12 X 1.50 Metric Drain Plug Repair Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SER3PA...HY9QBCKJ99M49Y

[DirtyM3]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

I think it was your posts I was reading about, makes me want to look into it and maybe give it a shot.

The link you posted isn't working anymore, is this similar to what you'd purchased;

TIME-SERT M12 X 1.50 Metric Drain Plug Repair Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SER3PA...HY9QBCKJ99M49Y

That is the one.

[tdott]

I had the same issue on my e90 when I first bought it.

A BMW dealer had done an oil change a month before. Since I was doing rod bearings at the same time, I had the pan off to do the fix. I used the time sert from Amazon posted above.

1.5yrs later and 3 oil changes it seems to be holding up pretty well. The sert does seem to be in there pretty well. I let it dry for more than 24hrs before putting it back together. Hopefully all that extra care helped.

[drrust]

Timesert or helicoils can have install issues. It is critical that they are installed plumb, so that the crush washer stays flat. Deansbimmer can refurbish pans. He will install timeserts using a milling machine so that they are installed properly.

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by DirtyM3

That is the one.

Did the one you purchase come with a handle, or did you purchase that separately? I looked at time-serts website to try and get some answers and I don't think that place has been updated since the beginning of the internet.

[DirtyM3]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

Did the one you purchase come with a handle, or did you purchase that separately? I looked at time-serts website to try and get some answers and I don't think that place has been updated since the beginning of the internet.

The tool does not come with it. I had a tap and die set kit that I used to do mine.

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by DirtyM3

The tool does not come with it. I had a tap and die set kit that I used to do mine.

Rock & Roll!

I found this website that sells the same kit from amazon, but you can also buy a 'size 6' tap wrench from their site.

https://www.threaddoctor.com/time-se...epair-kit.html

I read that they recommend red loctite on the time-sert fitting? Also, 9.2mm seems fairly short, I can't recall how long the M3's drain plugs are, is that the size you used on your repair? M12x1.5x9.2mm?

Thanks for the help, invaluable info.

[DirtyM3]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

Rock & Roll!

I found this website that sells the same kit from amazon, but you can also buy a 'size 6' tap wrench from their site.

https://www.threaddoctor.com/time-se...epair-kit.html

I read that they recommend red loctite on the time-sert fitting? Also, 9.2mm seems fairly short, I can't recall how long the M3's drain plugs are, is that the size you used on your repair? M12x1.5x9.2mm?

Thanks for the help, invaluable info.

The time sert fittings are small, the fitting has a lip at the end that is meant to straighten out once you tighten the oil drain plug.

[Scharbag]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

Rock & Roll!

I found this website that sells the same kit from amazon, but you can also buy a 'size 6' tap wrench from their site.

https://www.threaddoctor.com/time-se...epair-kit.html

I read that they recommend red loctite on the time-sert fitting? Also, 9.2mm seems fairly short, I can't recall how long the M3's drain plugs are, is that the size you used on your repair? M12x1.5x9.2mm?

Thanks for the help, invaluable info.

You do not want the timesert to sit proud as oil will not drain.

And yes, red loctite is recommended when you install the timesert as you will never want it to come out.

Cheers,

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by DirtyM3

The time sert fittings are small, the fitting has a lip at the end that is meant to straighten out once you tighten the oil drain plug.

Ah okay, I'm sure it'll make more sense once I purchase the set.

Originally Posted by Scharbag

You do not want the timesert to sit proud as oil will not drain.

And yes, red loctite is recommended when you install the timesert as you will never want it to come out.

Cheers,

That makes sense, if you create a lip in the pan then you'll always have old residual oil left that can't drain.

Red loctite it is

Anything else you guys can recommend? Was going to buy;
- Amazon M12X1.5 time-sert set
- tap handle
- red loctite
- grease to catch shavings
- a lot of patience.

[TrueToBMW]

Has anyone ever tried scoping the rear drain hole via the front most drain? To get eyes on any shavings that might have been left behind?

[drrust]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

Has anyone ever tried scoping the rear drain hole via the front most drain? To get eyes on any shavings that might have been left behind?

There are baffles that would obstruct the view. I recall the mention of flushing with oil. Also one could consider a shorter oil change interval to replace the oil filter.

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by drrust

There are baffles that would obstruct the view. I recall the mention of flushing with oil. Also one could consider a shorter oil change interval to replace the oil filter.

I was trying to avoid the entire flushing with 'old' oil procedure and just take an actual 'visual' look into the pan via the secondary drain hole.

I might still give it a shot and see if I can't snake it through (unless someone can positively verify it can't be done)

[tdott]

Originally Posted by TrueToBMW

I read that they recommend red loctite on the time-sert fitting? Also, 9.2mm seems fairly short, I can't recall how long the M3's drain plugs are, is that the size you used on your repair? M12x1.5x9.2mm?

9.2mm is the size you want, They have 12mm, 24mm, 30mm I believe, but it will be too long and not allow alot of oil out.

This is what it looks like installed. It will let less oil out, because the sert doesn't have reliefs cut in the thread like the original thread does.