Removing A Bmw Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

The BMW 535i is a popular car, but it has some common issues that owners need to be aware of. One of the most well-known problems is oil leaks, which can be caused by a faulty oil pan gasket. This can be a challenging repair, as it requires dropping the subframe of the car to access the oil pan. Some people choose to separate the engine and transmission, while others attempt to remove them as one piece. In addition to oil pan gasket leaks, the BMW 535i is also known for issues with the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and other oil leaks.

How to drop the subframe

To drop the subframe of a 2008 535i BMW, you will need an engine support bar and a screw-style jack to place under the subframe centre point. You will also need to have the car on jack stands, with the rear wheels on the ground.

Firstly, disconnect the suspension components and drop the subframe directly. There are six main bolts to remove. This will give you about three inches of clearance.

Next, take out the three bolts at the top of each strut tower. Use some wire to hold up the top of the struts to prevent them from flopping out of the wheel wells. Then, carefully lower the subframe another four inches or so. Ensure you do not pull on the coolant or brake lines as the subframe comes down. You can use the screw jack to control this process.

At this point, you should have plenty of clearance to access the oil pan and perform any necessary maintenance.

When raising the subframe back into position, be sure to reconnect the steering rack. Turn the key to position one so you can access the bolt bed, and then turn the key off so the ignition lock is on.

Removing the engine and transmission

The first step in removing the engine and transmission of a 2008 BMW 535i is to gather the necessary tools and equipment. You will need an engine hoist, two hydraulic jacks, jack stands, and two 12,000-pound ramps. It is also recommended to have a load leveller bar and wooden blocks to place under the jack stands for extra height.

Next, you will need to raise the car and place it securely on jack stands. Once the car is safely supported, you can begin the process of removing the engine and transmission. Start by disconnecting the battery and removing the front end components, including the bumper, radiator, condenser, and crash bar. If possible, it is also recommended to discharge the AC system.

The next step is to remove the entire exhaust system and driveshaft. This will involve a number of bolts and components, so take your time and work carefully. Once the exhaust and driveshaft are removed, you can move on to undoing the torque converter bolts.

At this point, you will be working towards taking out the engine and transmission as one complete assembly. To do this, you will need to disconnect various components and drain all the fluids. It is important to be patient and methodical during this process, ensuring that you don't miss any steps or leave any fluids behind.

When everything is disconnected and drained, you can use a moving dolly to rest the subframe on and slide it forward. This will make it easier to manoeuvre the engine and transmission out of the car. With the subframe moved forward, you can now use your engine hoist to carefully lift and remove the engine and transmission assembly from the car.

If you prefer, it is also possible to separate the engine and transmission before removal. This will require additional tools, such as a 36" 1/2-drive extension, a borescope, a transmission jack, and an impact wrench. However, with the right tools and careful manoeuvring, it is possible to separate the two and remove them individually.

Removing the oil pan

This is a step-by-step guide on how to remove the oil pan from a 2008 BMW 535i. This process will require some specialised tools and mechanical knowledge, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended that you seek professional assistance.

Step 1: Prepare your car and work area

Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks around the tyres to prevent the car from moving. Gather all the tools and materials you will need, including a floor jack, jack stands, a new oil pan, a new oil pan gasket, engine oil, an oil filter, and any other necessary auto parts. It is also recommended that you wear safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when working on your car.

Step 2: Lift the car and drain the oil

Use the floor jack to lift the car and place jack stands underneath for support. Consult your car's manual to locate the jacking points and ensure that the car is secure and will not shift or move during the repair process. Place a drain pan underneath the vehicle, then gently undo the oil filter and oil drain plug to allow the old oil to drain out completely.

Step 3: Remove the oil pan

To access the oil pan, you may need to remove the air conditioning bracketry and the exhaust manifold. Once you have a clear path to the oil pan, carefully identify the bolt locations and remove them one by one, ensuring that you do not damage the oil pick-up located inside the oil pan. With all the bolts removed, carefully remove the oil pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Clean and prepare the mounting surface

Use a clean rag to wipe down the lower engine block, the oil pan, and the engine mount, removing any metal debris or residue. Allow the surfaces to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Install the new oil pan gasket

Apply a thin film of RTV (a type of silicone rubber) to the mounting surface of the engine block. Position the replacement oil pan gasket correctly, ensuring that the holes for the bolts in the gasket and pan match each other. You can use wire strands to keep the gasket in place while you work.

Step 6: Reinstall the oil pan and bolt it into place

With the gasket in position, carefully lower the new oil pan into place and line up the bolt holes. Start tightening the bolts by hand, then use a torque wrench to torque the bolts according to the manufacturer's specifications. Be careful not to over-tighten the bolts, as this can damage the oil pan and gasket.

Step 7: Reinstall the oil filter and refill the engine with oil

Reinstall the oil filter and oil drain plug, ensuring that they are securely tightened. Refill the engine with new oil, checking the owner's manual to add the correct amount and type of oil for your vehicle. Once you have added oil, check for any signs of leaks around the oil pan and gasket.

Step 8: Lower the vehicle and test

Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and start the engine, letting it run for a few minutes. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes before re-checking the oil level with the dipstick. If the oil level is correct, start the vehicle again and let it warm up. Take a short drive to ensure that there are no signs of an oil leak.

Replacing the oil pan on a 2008 BMW 535i is a complex task that requires mechanical knowledge and specialised tools. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully remove and replace the oil pan, ensuring that your vehicle is running smoothly and free from oil leaks. Remember to always put safety first when working on your vehicle and consult a professional mechanic if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Removing the oil pan gasket

To remove the oil pan gasket on a 2008 BMW 535i, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check for leaks and damage

Before beginning any work, it is important to confirm that the oil pan gasket is the source of the leak. Oil pan gaskets can collect grease from other leaking parts, so it is important to verify that the gasket is leaking directly. Check for oil leaks and damage to the oil pan and gasket.

Step 2: Remove the engine oil pan and gasket

The oil pan is located on the bottom of the engine and is bolted to the engine block. To access the oil pan, the vehicle may need to be raised or the front subframe may need to be removed.

Step 3: Remove oil and filter

Once the oil pan is removed, drain the oil and remove the oil filter.

Step 4: Clean the mating surfaces

Clean the mating surfaces on both the engine block and the oil pan.

Step 5: Apply a new gasket

Some vehicles use a paper gasket, while others may require an application of sealant according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 6: Reinstall the oil pan and add new engine oil and filter

After the new gasket has been applied, reinstall the oil pan and add new engine oil and a new oil filter.

Step 7: Run the engine and check for leaks

Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Check for any oil leaks to ensure a proper repair.

It is important to note that repairing an oil pan gasket can be a complex task and may require specialized tools and knowledge. The oil pan gasket replacement typically costs between $571 and $1,021 for a 2008 BMW 535i, with labor costs ranging from $490 to $864 and parts priced around $157.

Additionally, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when dealing with oil pan gasket issues:

• Oil pan gaskets can be made of various materials, and it is important to use the correct type for your vehicle.
• If road debris has caused damage to the oil pan gasket, the oil pan itself may also be damaged and may need to be replaced.
• When removing the oil pan, it is recommended to check and clean the oil pump pickup screen for debris.
• If the oil pan drain plug threads are damaged, a repair shop can attempt to repair them instead of replacing the entire oil pan.
• Oil leaks can damage rubber components like hoses, belts, and motor mounts, so it is important to address leaks promptly to prevent further issues.
• Driving with low oil levels can cause severe damage to the engine, so it is important to monitor oil levels and address any leaks as soon as possible.

Removing the differential

To remove the differential of a 2008 BMW 535i, you will need to follow a detailed and technical process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Car

• Park the car on a flat and level surface.
• Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks around the rear wheels for added safety.
• Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels using a lug wrench.
• Jack up the front of the car and secure it on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheels for easier access to the undercarriage.

Step 2: Remove Necessary Components

• Locate the differential and surrounding components.
• Using appropriate tools, carefully remove the drive shaft, axle shafts, and any other components that may interfere with the differential removal.
• Make sure to keep track of all removed parts and their locations for easier reassembly.

Step 3: Disconnect Differential

• Identify the bolts and fasteners holding the differential in place.
• Using the correct size socket or wrench, loosen and remove these bolts.
• Gently pry or tap the differential to loosen it from its housing if necessary.

Step 4: Lower the Differential

• Carefully lower the differential from the vehicle, as it may be heavy.
• Place the differential on a clean surface or a suitable container to catch any excess fluid.

Step 5: Clean and Inspect

• Once the differential is removed, clean the surrounding area to ensure no debris falls into the open cavity.
• Inspect the differential for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks.
• If necessary, take this opportunity to replace seals, gaskets, or other components before installing the new or rebuilt differential.

Step 6: Install the New Differential

• Position the new or rebuilt differential into place, ensuring it is properly aligned.
• Secure the differential with the appropriate bolts and torque them to the specified values.
• Reattach any components that were previously removed, such as the drive shaft and axle shafts.

Step 7: Final Steps

• Refill the differential with the appropriate amount and type of fluid.
• Reinstall the front wheels and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
• Tighten the lug nuts securely and remove the wheel chocks.
• Check the differential fluid level and top it off as needed after the vehicle has been lowered.
• Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure the differential is functioning properly.

Note: It is recommended to have a service manual specific to your BMW model to ensure you have all the necessary tools and torque specifications for a successful differential removal and installation.

Frequently asked questions