There are a number of ways the plug can be held in securely including using the plate or melting the edges, hose clamp, pin, grinding a bit of a groove into the pipe for the JB weld to lock into, etc. I don't see how the plate was even a problem or how it's weird that they only used 1/2 of the automatic one instead of making a different part. If it was me I would have went with cutting pipe threads but I have the taps and dies handy. Waaay too much drama for what it is.

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1988 325is (purchased new) sold
2004 X5 3.0 2005 X3 2.5
2008 X5 3.0 (new to me)