Dealer stripped oil drain plug

[Slalom]

Dealer stripped the thread. He proposes to use a nutsert or time-sert. I feel that he should replace the oil pan. I know that this is a $1,000 part but I go to the dealer and pay $$$ for parts and labour so I expect that the job will be done correctly.

Am I being unreasonable?

[RoundelObsession]

No you are not being unreasonable. Also you chance getting metal shavings into the engine.

[nholmes]

Fuck that. New pan IMO.

[roastbeef]

i'd be polite, but firm on getting a new pan. i expect the car to be returned in the condition i brought it in. no bandaids. what do you think the dealer would do if you stripped the pan of one of their loaner cars?

[pbonsalb]

While the pan is off, maybe pay the dealer to change the rod bearings. Might add 3 hours of labor and $500 in parts. Most of the labor is that needed to get the pan on and off.

[Slalom]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

While the pan is off, maybe pay the dealer to change the rod bearings. Might add 3 hours of labor and $500 in parts. Most of the labor is that needed to get the pan on and off.

That is good advice, thank you

[Slalom]

Apparently, there is a hidden warranty that addresses this. I will post when I get more information.

[m3toboot]

Originally Posted by Slalom

That is good advice, thank you

I would NOT be trusting a dealer to do my rod bearings if they cannot change oil :-)

Assuming the lowest form would be changing oil but not game to take a chance for sure.

[Slalom]

Originally Posted by m3toboot

I would NOT be trusting a dealer to do my rod bearings if they cannot change oil :-)

Assuming the lowest form would be changing oil but not game to take a chance for sure.

Not so much an issue of the dealer, as one of the person who does the work. Most dealerships give oil changes to apprentices or to "lube techs". Since the hourly rate to the customer does not change, in future, I will insist that an experienced mechanic do all work on the car.

I drove the car in Europe for three years before bringing it home. Despite the reputation for accuracy in Switzerland, the dealer there over-filled the oil. The correct amount was added, but the apprentice failed to drain both sumps. Since BMW provides a kit for oil changes, including 2 replacement drain plugs, there is no excuse. The fault was remedied the next day.

On the question of stripped threads in oil pans. BMW has issued a technical service bulletin on this. Apparently a lot were being replaced under warranty and goodwill. The problem is that the drain plug is steel and the pan is aluminum. Unless the plug is inserted very carefully and no power tools are used it will strip. On this forum there is no need to go into the process for avoiding cross threading, but there is with the technicians. I will ensure that future oil changes, a copy of the SIB will be included with the work order.

BMW is covering most of the cost. I feel that they should cover 100% but it is better than nothing.

As for the bearings, I will inspect them myself at the shop. Generally, customers are not allowed in but I will be wearing my safety boots and glasses. Apparently all bearings are on backorder, so if they do need to be replaced than I will be waiting a while. Not a big deal since I do not drive the car in winter here so I can wait.

Thanks to all for the advice.