Oil pan gasket

Yurick · 04-18-2006, 07:35 AM

Has anyone had the "pleasure" of changing the oil pan gasket on an E30 325i. I've got a 1990 325iC with a leaking gasket.

I realize that the engine will need to be hoisted, but I do not believe that it could be raised high enough to allow the oil pan cover to clear the oil pump in order to come out.

Any thoughts?
Thanks.

DinFtown · 04-19-2006, 06:59 PM

Doing it right now. i have two E30's one of which I purchased at a auction, and was the subject of a bottle jax under the oil pan by the previous owner. It went straight threw the pan and broke the pump in half.

Just take the two nuts off for the engine mounts and use the front hook on the engine, pop off the plastic shroud on the ratiator, and let it hang on the fan, then lift the front of the motor up about 6 inches, and it gives you plenty of room... This project reminbed me of why I hate water pumpers..... I can have the whole engine and tranny out of the 911 in half the time it took to take this pan off...

Good luck. Let me know if you need any pictures, I might be able to hook you up..

Yurick · 04-20-2006, 04:57 AM

Thanks for the reply.
Pictures would be most welcome. Is there really enough room in the engine bay to hoist the engine as high as 6 inches?
Thanks again.

DinFtown · 04-20-2006, 04:11 PM

The only thing I had to do was unclip the plastic shroud around the fan, and the two bolts on the air box, to allow it to slide up. And don't forget the mounts...

I'm in a delema with mine... i purchased this car with a hole in the pan, and the pump was cracked in half, so I have it apart, and can't decied weather to get the pump and pan replaced, and see if she runs at all, or if the damage has been done.. Or I have a second e30 eta with a great running motor and tranny... I'm thinking pay the $200 for the new stuff and see it she runs, or the pain in the ass it will be to swap setups.

Anyone have a M20 oil pump i can use??? Or buy cheep?? I would test the motor with my other pump... but to get that car where the first one is, and pop the motor to get that pump out, to just go do it all over again....

Any sugestions

jase007 · jase007's Garage

David:

Don't have a spare oil pump 4 u but if you want to demo a BBK for my E30iX I'd be happy to offer it up ... LOL

Let me know if you are R&R'ing motors ... could lend a hand.

Jase

DinFtown · 11:58 PM

its a straight swap..2.7 w/manual. for a 2.7 w/manual same car same year, just one is in good condition, and the other has been beat up, the PO cut the springs, and had some god awfull body kit on it. That is why I want to see if the motor I have in the "good car with bad motor" is any good. I have a big six out of a 533I we have also, but we are putting that bad boy in a Lotus Super 7 we are building.... big tourquey motor, little ass car, it should be fun.

Jase, you doing the drive up to Hershey Sat morning?? I can't decide, I think the rain might keep me away, although I do want to start meeting the whole Dorki crowd... I'll have to convince the women that getting up at 5am for a car thing is going to be time well spent... humm?? not sure how I'm going to do that.

Yurick.... I'll snap a picture or two today

jase007 · jase007's Garage

Quote:

Jase, you doing the drive up to Hershey

Nope.

Will be wrenching on my 356.

Jase

Yurick · 04-26-2006, 05:08 AM

Well,
I've done it; the oil pan is off. I wound up taking out two bolts securing the steering rack to the sub-frame, pushing the steering rack forward and down some. That still did not give me enough room to work with, so on top of that I also hoisted the engine about 3 inches. I was still not able to clear the oil pump, so I unbolted it and dropped it into the oil pan. Then everything came out.
I can now truly see why most places want to charge you $350 - $400 for this job; what a pain in the rear. Hope to be able to clean up and finish by this weekend.

Bijan · 04-27-2006, 12:24 AM

I've had this done on my 1988 E30 and they didn't have to hoist the engine

DinFtown · 04-27-2006, 12:08 PM

was it a m20 motor, or is your car a 318? I have two 87 325e and without a dout you have to pull the motor up, or I guess you can hole the motor in place and drop the whole crossmember down with the steering rack and all.

Yurick · 04-27-2006, 12:26 PM

Din,
It is with an M20 engine. 1990 325iC, 2.5 liter, inline six, 5-speed manual.

DinFtown · 04-28-2006, 09:51 AM

wonder why... same block, same pan, same cross member, same oilpump...

Yurick · 04-28-2006, 10:24 AM

Din,
I am guessing that perhaps there are subtle differences in a convertible (that's what I have).
When I started hoisting the engine up, after about 2 to 3 inches, the back of the valve cover started pushing hard against the firewall. From that point on I had to work underneath. It's a bear to say the least.

DinFtown · 04-29-2006, 03:11 PM

aww... bet the convertible has a differant frame, and the fire wall might be thicker to reenforce the car. A roof is a big part of the structure of any car.