1997 328I Automatic Flywheel

[jcain]

1997 328I Automatic Flywheel.

When I removed the flywheel (flexplate) engine oil started pouring out from the bolt holes.

Is this normal?

Also is there any difference in crankshafts or rear oil seal assembly in the automatic vs manual transmission equipped engine?

The original engine is shot and I have a chance to get a low mileage 45K M52 engine at a really good price that came out of a same year (1997) 328I, but was equipped with an automatic engine.

I was just wondering if this is a direct swap or would I be better off rebuilding the engine I have. T

[green92]

How many miles does the car have, I just changed my flexplate on my 92 325i auto with 160000 miles and there was no oil coming out , I think from what I know there shouldn't be a difference between a manual and automatic engine as far as the flywheel/flexplate goes, if I was you I would bring a picture with you to look the engine or just have them send you a picture of the rear oil seal/six bolt holes and compare

[Manolito]

You can check the part numbers on RealOEM, but I would expect that the engine/seal would be the same for both engines. The difference would start at the crankshaft end bolts (flex plate vs flywheel). The engine control computer will be different, and this one does not have a removable chip, so you want to bring the whole computer with the engine. It is in the firewall, passenger side.

As for oil coming out of the bolt holes, that does not surprise me because they are not blind holes. At least, the M3 crank holes go clear through, I presume the 328 is the same.

[jcain]

On most of the engines (non-BMW) I have worked on the bolts on the crankshaft are not drilled completely though the flange. It turns out that this is not the case on the BMW and that the bolt holes pass completely through into the crankcase. That is why I was seeing oil come out.

It makes trying to put thread locker on the bolts when re-installing a challenge as you have to clean the holes of all oil residue.

Live and learn.

Thanks for the replies.

[Manolito]

What worries me is your statement that the oil poured out through the holes. Was the engine level? The oil level should never be that high, so I worry that it is overfull because there is water in the pan beneath the oil. Possible?