Removing The Oil Pan From Your E34 M50: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the E34 M50 oil pan can be a challenging task, as evident by the numerous forum posts seeking advice and assistance on the matter. One of the most common issues encountered is the difficulty in removing the bolts, with some reporting that even after removing all visible bolts, the oil pan remains stuck. It is important to note that there are two additional bolts located at the very back of the pan between the pan and transmission that are often missed. These bolts are accessed through the two holes at the front of the transmission bell housing. In some cases, even after removing all bolts, the oil pan may still require some prying or the use of a rubber mallet to break it free from the block. It is also recommended to check for any hidden bolts inside the bell housing. When removing the oil pan, it is crucial to raise the car, drain the oil, remove the oil filter, and unbolt the dipstick tube.

The oil pan might be stuck, try hitting it with a rubber mallet

Removing an oil pan can be a tricky process, and sometimes the pan can get stuck. If you're having trouble removing the E34 M50 oil pan, try hitting it with a rubber mallet. This technique can help break the seal between the oil pan and the engine block, making it easier to remove the pan.

• Make sure you have removed all the bolts securing the oil pan. This includes any hidden bolts that may be recessed in the bell housing.
• If the oil pan is still stuck, place a bottle jack or a car jack underneath the pan. Apply slight pressure to the pan by jacking it up just enough to create pressure between the pan and the engine block.
• Leave the jack in place for a few hours or even overnight. This will help to break the seal caused by old gasket material or oil residue.
• After the waiting period, slowly release the pressure by lowering the jack.
• Now, use a rubber mallet to gently hit the oil pan, focusing on the rounded edges where the bottom of the pan curves up to the sides. These areas are typically the strongest parts of the pan.
• Strike the oil pan with the rubber mallet several times. You may need to strike it repeatedly and with some force to break the seal.
• As you continue to hit the oil pan with the rubber mallet, listen for a change in sound. The impact will initially produce a solid sound, but as the seal begins to break, the sound will become more hollow.
• Once you hear the hollow sound and feel the oil pan moving more freely, you can stop hitting it with the mallet.

By following these steps and using a combination of applied pressure and gentle force with the rubber mallet, you should be able to successfully remove the stuck E34 M50 oil pan without causing any damage to the pan or the engine block.

It is important to note that this process may take some time and patience. Do not be tempted to use excessive force or a metal hammer, as this could damage the oil pan or the engine.

There are two hidden bolts at the back of the pan

Removing the oil pan from an E34 M50 can be a challenging task, and one that requires careful attention to detail. It is important to note that there are two hidden bolts at the back of the pan, which can be a challenge to locate and remove. These bolts are recessed in the bell housing and can be difficult to access.

To begin the process of removing the oil pan, it is necessary to raise the car and drain the oil. The oil filter, dipstick tube, and oil pan gasket should also be removed. Once these components are out of the way, the oil pickup tube can be unbolted and removed. It is then possible to clean the contact surfaces between the engine block and the oil pan.

The next step is to focus on the hidden bolts. These bolts are located at the rear of the oil pan, recessed in the bell housing. To access them, you may need to use a ratchet and extension, or even a rubber mallet to gently tap the oil pan and help release it. Be sure to have a clear workspace and, if necessary, move the front clip forward for better access.

Once you have located the hidden bolts, use the appropriate socket size to loosen and remove them. Be careful not to strip the bolts, as this will make the process more difficult. With these bolts removed, the oil pan should now be free, and you can carefully lift it away from the engine.

It is worth noting that some people have shared their experiences of struggling to remove the oil pan, even after removing all the bolts. In some cases, it may be necessary to loosen the transmission or even jack up the engine to gain the necessary clearance. However, it is important to proceed with caution to avoid causing any damage.

Drain the oil and remove the oil filter

To drain the oil and remove the oil filter from your E34 M50, follow these steps:

First, raise the car to gain access to the underside of the engine. Locate the oil drain plug, which is typically found at the lowest point of the oil pan. Place a suitable container underneath the drain plug to catch the drained oil. Using the appropriate tool, loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.

Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug. Ensure that it is tightened securely, as an improperly tightened drain plug can result in oil leakage.

Now, locate the oil filter. The oil filter is typically found near the engine and is usually cylindrical in shape. Place a container underneath the oil filter to catch any remaining oil. Using an oil filter wrench or a similar tool, loosen and remove the oil filter. Be careful, as the filter may still contain some oil. Allow any remaining oil to drain into the container.

Inspect the oil filter housing and ensure that the O-ring or gasket is in good condition. If it is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.

Now that the oil has been drained and the oil filter removed, you can proceed to the next steps of removing the E34 M50 oil pan, which typically involve unbolting various components and carefully prying the oil pan away from the engine.

Remove the dipstick tube

To remove the dipstick tube, you must first raise the car and drain the oil. Once the oil is drained, remove the oil filter. Then, you can begin to unbolt the dipstick tube. It's important to note that the oil dipstick tube has an O-ring, so you may want to replace the oil level sender O-ring as well. After unbolting the dipstick tube, you can remove it from the E34 M50 oil pan.

When removing the dipstick tube, it is also recommended to check the oil pump bolts. If they are not secure, you should remove, clean, and replace them with thread lock. Additionally, consider replacing the upper oil pan gasket, which is believed to be a gasket for the oil pump.

Before reassembling, it is important to clean the contact surfaces between the engine block and oil pan. This ensures a proper seal when the new gasket is installed.

Finally, when installing the new gasket, it is recommended to use a rubber-coated metal gasket and install it dry. Do not use RTV silicone.

Remove the oil pickup tube

Removing the oil pickup tube is a crucial step in oil pan maintenance for your E34 M50 engine. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Begin by raising your car and draining the oil. This will ensure a mess-free workspace and give you access to the undercarriage. Once the oil is drained, remove the oil filter.

The next step is to unbolt and remove the dipstick tube. This will give you more room to manoeuvre and access the oil pan. With the dipstick tube out of the way, you can now focus on the oil pan itself.

Locate the oil pan gasket and unbolt it. You may need to break the gasket free from the pan, but be careful not to damage the surrounding components. Once the gasket is removed, you will have better access to the oil pickup tube.

Now, it's time to remove the oil pickup tube. This step can be tricky, as you'll need to access the bolt that holds the tube in place. In some cases, you may need to loosen or remove the oil pan slightly to reach the bolt. Use the appropriate tools to loosen and remove the bolt, taking care not to strip the threads. With the bolt removed, you can now carefully lift the oil pickup tube out.

It is important to inspect the oil pickup tube for any signs of damage or wear. If the tube is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced. Additionally, cleaning the tube and the surrounding area can help ensure that your engine runs smoothly.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully remove the oil pickup tube from your E34 M50 oil pan. Remember to work carefully and consult a professional if you have any doubts or concerns.

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