X5 oil pan gasket , is there a better way ?

[BMWX54.4I]

07 3.0 n52 , almost half of the oil pan bolts are broken , had to drill out more than 10 bolts. Have new set of bolts and new gasket but thinking is it worth it to follow ridiculous German “engineering” or put pan back without gasket and use let say epoxy, gasket maker , side bolts may not align .... any idea ? Anyone done it better than it was slapped together at the factory ?
Anyone used regular bolts instead of aluminum? Thanks

[Zulu95]

You can expect the BMW purists to throw their hand in the air and protest loudly BUT I would put gasket cement on both sides of the new gasket and install it. Given the nature of the rubbish BMW OE gaskets it cannot do much harm. When you consider the oil pan has the front diff and driveshafts to contend with you would think the powers that be would have come up with a super gasket design to cope with the extra stresses involved.
But then that is only MHO

[crystalworks]

I agree with Zulu. I mean doing it by the book might be okay for a bit, but it's so much work... I'd want added insurance of a lasting repair. Especially in the area mentioned. So many joints that the pan has to deal with.

[Zulu95]

FWIW:
Someone posted a quickie gasket change idea some time ago. Basically, because the engine is on a slant, he cut the new gasket at the upper corners and made it two piece. He then cleaned off all the old gasket after dropping the pan just enough to get access. NOT the full drop the front end job! He then used gasket cement at the corner joins but I would do it for the full gasket and a little extra for the joins. Then button it up. Had been holding for a couple of years without a leak when posted.