2006 Oil pan stripped drain plug

[Rubatoguy]

The local dealer reported that our 2006 Mini Cooper S has a stripped oil pan drain plug and wants $1,200 to replace the oil pan. [which is amusing since they were the last people to change the oil.] I am curious why they want to replace the pan rather than just installing a time-sert. I am guessing that they figure they would have to remove the pan to install the insert to guarantee that no shavings get in the engine, and at that point, they might as well just put in a new pan.

Does anyone have any experience with using Time-Sert for a stripped oil drain plug hole?

Todd

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I believe you are correct in the "why". It's pretty big liability if they get it wrong, so to be safe they just replace the pan.

I do not have direct experience with the Time-Sert for something as thin as an oil drain, but I would be surprised if it would not work. There may be some issue with the thickness of the Time-Sert and/or the space available for installation, so double check all of the measurements you can. (E.g., is there enough meat around the drain hole to properly hold the time-sert, is there a straight enough shot to properly do the prep and to properly get it in place, is there anything on the inside of the pan that might foul on the Time-Sert, etc.)

--DD

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Are they the only ones that change the engine oil? Did they report an issue with it the last time you were in for an oil change? I'd bring that up, if they didn't say anything at the last service. I'd tell them it was serviced with the last time and that the technician/service advisor did not say anything about the plug being damaged at that service. The dealer will not install anything that isn't a factory replacement part. They only replace parts, they don't do a quick fix/repair for them.

I have seen MINI owners us Fumoto valves/thread insert/Helicoil when their plug is stripped. You can look into those options. However, you could tackle the oil pan replacement yourself as well. While doing the oil pan, you can replace the gasket as it will start leaking at some point.

What I would first do is suggest they may be at fault for the stripped oil pan and then go from there.