2006 550i trans fill plug problem.

dalboa · 07-15-2016, 07:20 PM

Hi all,
I hope someone can help me with this question. I have a 2006 550i which has 86k miles. I just received the transmission pan from Pelican Parts and planning to install with Pentosin ATF 1 oil. I drained the old oil and dropped the pan.
My problem is that I've installed a 8mm. allen wrench and it fits but not tight into the oil fill plug. I've tried several different 8mm wrenches and all are mildly loose. I've tried a couple torx bits too and the T50 goes in but not tight either and the T55 won't go at all. I've taken pictures with my cell phone and can't tell for sure whether it's a allen fit or torx as it's a tight area and my pics aren't great. I spoke with Pelican Parts today and wasn't given any help there. I've looked on the forum and unless I'm missing it, not finding anything about the proper tool for the fill plug on a E60 trans. I've searched the parts and can't find the fill plug for order either.
I don't want to chance stripping the interior of the plug by just going crazy on it with a 8mm. allen wrench. Damage to the plug would likely require the transmission as a whole be dropped to repair the plug as there is no room for drilling and extracting in place.
So....am I just being a wus about the mild slop when the 8mm. allen is in place? Keep in mind that all of the allen wrenches I've shopped have been made in China. Don't have a lot of faith in that metal not rounding out either. Help me out here, please.

dalboa · 07-17-2016, 09:41 AM

Turns out to be a 8mm allen. I had to use a socket 8mm. and cut it down to allow room for a slim ratchet. It broke loose with the ratchet breaker but previously I used a 8mm. allen wrench (standard type) and it just twisted. Anyway, happy to have gotten that off as I dropped the pan before doing so and now I know why they say not to do that!