Originally Posted by vegasX5 (Post 859133)

Wow that's insane! It almost makes me want to add that to the checklist of stuff you look at before buying a car!

Originally Posted by FSETH (Post 859079)

I went to perform the first oil change on my M3 the other day and and found out the previous owner over tightened the drain plug which in turn stripped my oil pan. I can say that I was completely off the mark in my prior post where I said the oil pan should be cheaper than the filter housing. I was quoted from about $500-$650 for the pan itself and $1,200-$1,700 for parts and labor! Needless to say I am going to have my shop try the Timesert first. At $175, it seems like a no-brainer. FWIW, all of the indy-BMW shops I spoke with recommend the Timesert over the Helicoil.

Originally Posted by ECS Tuning (Post 859290)

On the M3 I would DIY the oil pan and reuse as many old parts as a can. HERE is a link to a new oil pan for the E46 M3 and HERE is a link to a selection of oil pan gaskets for the M3.


ECS Tuning

Originally Posted by David.X5 (Post 1086811)

The threaded part is in the very lower section. Not a bad DIY. It does not require removing/replacing the upper section of the pan. Worst part is probably removing the big metal stiffening plate to get access. You will need a new gasket.

Originally Posted by JAXX5 (Post 1086806)

Noticed after taking delivery of a dealer maintained X that the oil drain plug was tight when removing. After resnugging, I bought a fluid extractor and that is how ive been draining my oil for the passed few years. Well I took a chance on replacing the plug this weekend and now of course it wont tighten. Question is what kind of an effort is it to remove the oil pan to do a timesert repair? Or is the recommendation to do with the pan still on the car.