Alternative/Cheaper DCT Pan Gasket at RockAuto!

[GORDON.M3]

My M3 being the second DCT car I've owned, I knew exactly what was to be expected from the DCT.
Previously my 135i also had a DCT leakage issue which was out of warranty and replaced with factory parts.
This time around I wanted to look to see if there were any alternatives that were more affordable/cheaper.

Cheaper doesn't always necessarily mean lower quality.

After looking on RockAuto, I was able to find a replacement gasket and filter kit from Beck/Arnley (one of the brands Rockauto stocks).

Rockauto has the oil pan gasket and filter for $35.79.
The cartridge filter for $27.79.
Pentosin DCT FLUID FFL4 - $25.79 / 1L

So I thought to myself, why not try it...



Upon receiving my order, I have to say, I am impressed with the aftermarket parts. It's listed that it's from Taiwan. The gasket looks and feels like its made of a very high-quality rubber, probably Vitton. The filters are just like OEM, the plastic does not feel cheap like most Chinese parts I've seen on the market.

Anyways, thought this write up could help some of you guys if you are wanting to fix your DCT leak.

[///Mobbin]

Check out this thread and post regarding refilling the DCT fluid, slightly complicated procedure to get enough fluid in it seems, though I doubt precision matters as long as you get a good amount back in.

DCT Fluid Flush Service Bulletin

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Check out this thread and post regarding refilling the DCT fluid, slightly complicated procedure to get enough fluid in it seems, though I doubt precision matters as long as you get a good amount back in.

DCT Fluid Flush Service Bulletin

Yup that's the bulletin I referred to when my shop was doing the flush on my 135i before also.

[KawBoy]

I did mine today and the whole thing was rather easy. Took out 6 liters (mechatronics, both filters and oil pan), put 6 liters back in.

[GORDON.M3]

Just wanted to bump this thread, and all is well.
All the parts on RockAuto fit perfectly and the pan is not leaking! Yay.

[dparm]

Beck-Arnley is a relabeling/rebranding company -- you'll see their name on tons of popular service parts. I've bought BA parts like oil filters and they're still stamped with names like Mahle or Mann, just in a different box.

I'll bet that gasket is made by the OEM supplier but it just doesn't have the BMW box.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Just wanted to bump this thread, and all is well.
All the parts on RockAuto fit perfectly and the pan is not leaking! Yay.

I bought same exact parts from rock auto.

How many bottles of DCT fluid did you end up re-filling?

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by Honda

I bought same exact parts from rock auto.

How many bottles of DCT fluid did you end up re-filling?

6 and a half bottles after the DCT software oil balancing procedure on the ISTA-D.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

8.8 after the DCT software oil balancing procedure on the ISTA-D.

8.8? That seems way too high. The dry fill requirement is something like 9, the service drain/fill is usually in the neighborhood of 5.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by dparm

8.8? That seems way too high. The dry fill requirement is something like 9, the service drain/fill is usually in the neighborhood of 5.

From what I remember 9.5 liter complete system. Incl cooler and lines though.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

8.8 after the DCT software oil balancing procedure on the ISTA-D.

are you sure it is 8.8 ?? That's too high. I have heard the max you need is 6 bottles but 8.8 is unheard of

according to ECS Service kit, they provide 5 quarts of DCT Pentosin for complete change

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...3220440214kt1/

[GORDON.M3]

Oops sorry, 8.8L is how much engine oil I change my car with.
For the ISTA-D DCT I used 7 bottles. And that's with removing the mechatronics unit gasket.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Oops sorry, 8.8L is how much engine oil I change my car with.
For the ISTA-D DCT I used 7 bottles. And that's with removing the mechatronics unit gasket.

that makes more sense. Rockauto does not sell the mechatronics unit gasket. Did you source it from other place and how easy is it to replace it?

[wyatth]

^ Ditto. I know I have a slow leak on the bottom, not too worried, but I am bracing for what seems like the inevitable side leak as well which is the bigger PITA.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Honda

that makes more sense. Rockauto does not sell the mechatronics unit gasket. Did you source it from other place and how easy is it to replace it?

Not sure if the gasket is sold separately. It's not really a service part -- if the mechatronics unit is removed, it is typically replaced, and I assume it includes the gasket.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by dparm

Not sure if the gasket is sold separately. It's not really a service part -- if the mechatronics unit is removed, it is typically replaced, and I assume it includes the gasket.

Wrong, the cover comes out by removing the bolts on the side. You don't pull the unit out its just a little cover.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/28607842856/
I bought mine from BMW directly.

Originally Posted by Honda

that makes more sense. Rockauto does not sell the mechatronics unit gasket. Did you source it from other place and how easy is it to replace it?

Drop the exhaust and the shield, use a small little torx wrench to remove the bolts and then slowly re-install and torque it in an X-pattern.

[aswy6]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Wrong, the cover comes out by removing the bolts on the side. You don't pull the unit out its just a little cover.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/28607842856/
I bought mine from BMW directly.

Drop the exhaust and the shield, use a small little torx wrench to remove the bolts and then slowly re-install and torque it in an X-pattern.

did you have to lower the transmission? What about the BMW software to ensure the proper rpms and temp when refilling it?

[dparm]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Wrong, the cover comes out by removing the bolts on the side. You don't pull the unit out its just a little cover.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/28607842856/
I bought mine from BMW directly.



Drop the exhaust and the shield, use a small little torx wrench to remove the bolts and then slowly re-install and torque it in an X-pattern.

That's good to hear. Sometimes they don't sell stuff like that separately since it's considered 'non-serviceable'.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by aswy6

did you have to lower the transmission? What about the BMW software to ensure the proper rpms and temp when refilling it?

No you don't need to lower the transmission, you only need to if you have a hard time with getting the top bolts.
Yes in previous posts on top I did run the ISTA-D Oil Balancing procedure to refill more fluid. At first, it took only 5 and a half bottles, after the procedure I could fill in another bottle.

Originally Posted by dparm

That's good to hear. Sometimes they don't sell stuff like that separately since it's considered 'non-serviceable'.

Yeah... this transmission is serviceable. I think its supposed to be serviced at least once every 50,000 miles.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

Wrong, the cover comes out by removing the bolts on the side. You don't pull the unit out its just a little cover.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/28607842856/
I bought mine from BMW directly.



Drop the exhaust and the shield, use a small little torx wrench to remove the bolts and then slowly re-install and torque it in an X-pattern.

Thanks for the tips. Can you share a link to torx wrench you used to get the top bolts out?

[aswy6]

Originally Posted by GORDON.M3

No you don't need to lower the transmission, you only need to if you have a hard time with getting the top bolts.
Yes in previous posts on top I did run the ISTA-D Oil Balancing procedure to refill more fluid. At first, it took only 5 and a half bottles, after the procedure I could fill in another bottle.

Yeah... this transmission is serviceable. I think its supposed to be serviced at least once every 50,000 miles.

How can i get that software?

[Honda]

Originally Posted by aswy6

How can i get that software?

How about google search how to download it? Instructions is all over the web