Oil pan gasket replacement write up/how to?

[Kristopher]

I have an oil leak and it appears to be coming from the oil pan gasket does anyone have a guide I can follow on how to replace it? Also is it a difficult job and would I be better off biting the bullet and leaving it to a professional? I have pretty limited knowledge working on cars. Btw its a 2012 135i manual transmission

[Thunderguts]

This is NOT something you want to tackle with limited knowledge. It can certainly be done in your garage, but not unless you are really confident/experienced. Your front subframe needs to come out, which means you need to support the engine from above. You'll also need quite a few tools that your average mechanic won't have in the garage. I've been stocking up on tools for this eventual replacement myself and I practiced by helping my step-son replace the clutch in his Civic which also required subframe removal. I feel confident to attempt the oil pan gasket now, but it doesn't sound like you are ready.

The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is gain experience. Help a buddy do a complicated repair on a car that's not yours. There's no pressure on you and you'll learn how to cope with problems as they arise. We spent about 1.5 hours trying to align his Civic's output shaft with the transmission. We didn't lose our cool and eventually found a way to get the right angle on it. That kind of experience is what you need to feel confident tackling something like the oil pan gasket replacement.

[Kristopher]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

This is NOT something you want to tackle with limited knowledge. It can certainly be done in your garage, but not unless you are really confident/experienced. Your front subframe needs to come out, which means you need to support the engine from above. You'll also need quite a few tools that your average mechanic won't have in the garage. I've been stocking up on tools for this eventual replacement myself and I practiced by helping my step-son replace the clutch in his Civic which also required subframe removal. I feel confident to attempt the oil pan gasket now, but it doesn't sound like you are ready.

The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is gain experience. Help a buddy do a complicated repair on a car that's not yours. There's no pressure on you and you'll learn how to cope with problems as they arise. We spent about 1.5 hours trying to align his Civic's output shaft with the transmission. We didn't lose our cool and eventually found a way to get the right angle on it. That kind of experience is what you need to feel confident tackling something like the oil pan gasket replacement.

Gotcha I didn't realize it was that much work, I'll heed Your advice and just take it to a professional.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

This is NOT something you want to tackle with limited knowledge. It can certainly be done in your garage, but not unless you are really confident/experienced. Your front subframe needs to come out, which means you need to support the engine from above. You'll also need quite a few tools that your average mechanic won't have in the garage. I've been stocking up on tools for this eventual replacement myself and I practiced by helping my step-son replace the clutch in his Civic which also required subframe removal. I feel confident to attempt the oil pan gasket now, but it doesn't sound like you are ready.

The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is gain experience. Help a buddy do a complicated repair on a car that's not yours. There's no pressure on you and you'll learn how to cope with problems as they arise.

I'm actually pondering this repair myself. I feel experienced enough to at least attempt it. What sort of special tools are required that you're talking about? I mean, I know you need an engine support bar, But anything else?

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I'm actually pondering this repair myself. I feel experienced enough to at least attempt it. What sort of special tools are required that you're talking about? I mean, I know you need an engine support bar, But anything else?

I guess it depends on your garage. I had 20 years of accumulated tools before I got my first BMW and realized that I had almost nothing required for this car. I had to start over again. My most recent purchase is a super-precise Gedore torque wrench for the pan bolts. Given how easily they strip, I don't want to take any chances. I think this is like my 5th torque wrench, but none of my others would work. Oh, and definitely a stout impact driver! I just picked up a kickass DeWalt driver that made the clutch job 10x easier. You'll definitely appreciate one on those subframe bolts. It's little things like that, rather than a specific specialty tool.

I miss the old days when I could switch out the oil pan and gasket in my 280z in about 30 minutes!

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

I guess it depends on your garage. I had 20 years of accumulated tools before I got my first BMW and realized that I had almost nothing required for this car. I had to start over again. My most recent purchase is a super-precise Gedore torque wrench for the pan bolts. Given how easily they strip, I don't want to take any chances. I think this is like my 5th torque wrench, but none of my others would work. Oh, and definitely a stout impact driver! I just picked up a kickass DeWalt driver that made the clutch job 10x easier. You'll definitely appreciate one on those subframe bolts. It's little things like that, rather than a specific specialty tool.

I miss the old days when I could switch out the oil pan and gasket in my 280z in about 30 minutes!

Man, I hear you. Dropping an oil pan or removing a valve cover should not be major surgery.

I've got several torque wrenches as well, including an inch-pound wrench, so I should be good to go. I've got a battery-powered impact wrench, but might pick up a pneumatic one since I picked up an air compressor a couple of years ago. It's pretty small, though, so I need to check and see if the CFM rating is high enough to warrant switching tools.

[SamelCamel]

Be careful of "appears to be" on this car. Everything appears to be leaking pan because of oil blowback. I would get under it and completely degrease everything first. Once everything is clean you will have a clearer picture of where the oil is coming from. Doesn't cost a lot, easy to do, and gives you back some piece of mind.

-Sam

[Kristopher]

Originally Posted by SamelCamel

Be careful of "appears to be" on this car. Everything appears to be leaking pan because of oil blowback. I would get under it and completely degrease everything first. Once everything is clean you will have a clearer picture of where the oil is coming from. Doesn't cost a lot, easy to do, and gives you back some piece of mind.

-Sam

Agreed. I posted a response to another reply already that I've decided to just take it to a certified repair shop and have them diagnose and repair it properly rather then I possibly make something worse out of it, I'll just stick to oil changes and brake replacement