I have this link saved for when I tackle the job. Hope it helps. My '03 4.4 still sounds good at 140k, but I'm going to get on it in the next couple of months.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/876903

Thanks for the write up!

I want to make sure all contributors thus far know how pleased I am with all the input. Many many thanks!

Each post has added important information to the project. I welcome more input.

It sounds like it is easy to tear the upper oil pan gasket. I have not read anything about how to prevent that from happening. Some say to cut a new piece to repair that area of the gasket if it tears and some say it is necessary to drop the suspension and replace the gasket. I would like more information about that issue. I would like to avoid tearing the gasket if possible.