[Hoody007]

Hi all,

Long story short, the dealer which sold my 335i to me used an oversized drain plug + impact driver, and in the process ruined my oil pan.

They’re working with me on payment / compensation, but it’s a hard enough battle as it is to get them to comp me the 3K quoted by BMW to replace the oil pan.

The lowest price I’ve seen the OE BMW N55 oil pan (11-13-7-570-400) is $780 through BMW South Atlanta. For most parts I’m used to seeing OEM suppliers, but I haven’t seen anything beyond the ECS Tuning (Bremmen Auto parts) branded one, which as I understand is made in China (something I’d rather stay away from).

FYI the last 7 of my VIN is E825667.

Just wanted to see if there was a reputable aftermarket alternative available. Totally open to performance upgrades as well, as long as it’s not more expensive than the OE BMW part.

As an aside, I’m thinking about doing rod bearings too, since the vast majority of labor will already be done, although my car is a very late production (10/2011)…

Thanks as always!!

[autoart]

Are you interested in a used pan?

[autoart]

Rockauto have 1 for $292

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by autoart

Are you interested in a used pan?

I definitely am, but the indy shop I use might be a bit reticent - haven’t talked to them yet.

PM you early next week? Thanks!!

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by autoart

Rockauto have 1 for $292

Saw that one - Spectra Auto Parts, right? Never heard of them and just figured it would be a Chinese one.

[autoart]

Ebay used for $220. Just saying.
or your local junk yard or offerup.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by autoart

Ebay used for $220. Just saying.
or your local junk yard or offerup.

Yeah, you’re probably right. Problem with getting it through eBay is making sure that one isn’t stripped either.

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by Hoody007

Yeah, you’re probably right. Problem with getting it through eBay is making sure that one isn’t stripped either.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23489883691...Bk9SR_Cw3PrMYQ

Here's one for $160! I'm sure if they're paying for it they wouldn't mind going used. Ship to your house first to confirm it's a good one, but stripping threads isn't super common so I wouldn't worry too much. New from rockauto for $220 also sounds great.

Being N55, I would HIGHLY recommend doing your rod bearings while you're in there. It's worth the $500 extra or so you'd be out for it, esp if the oil pan job is free ish.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23489883691...Bk9SR_Cw3PrMYQ

Here's one for $160! I'm sure if they're paying for it they wouldn't mind going used. Ship to your house first to confirm it's a good one, but stripping threads isn't super common so I wouldn't worry too much. New from rockauto for $220 also sounds great.

Being N55, I would HIGHLY recommend doing your rod bearings while you're in there. It's worth the $500 extra or so you'd be out for it, esp if the oil pan job is free ish.

Good point on the threads, plus if they are stripped I can always return the eBay ones.

Mine does have the updated bearings, being a 10/2011 build (or am I mistaken?), but you’re right about the preventative maintenance.

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by Hoody007

Good point on the threads, plus if they are stripped I can always return the eBay ones.

Mine does have the updated bearings, being a 10/2011 build (or am I mistaken?), but you’re right about the preventative maintenance.

From what I've seen, all of the E chassis N55's spin bearings extremely often so if it were mine I would still do them. That being said, sounds like you're up to date on the issue if you know your build date and when they switched bearing material so you can make a good informed decision either way. Good luck with the oil pan venture!

[mainbearing]

Couldn't the shop just put in a repair plug while keeping the same M12 bolt?

The Spectra one on Rockauto carries a 3-year warranty. Should be ok, fingers crossed.

Otherwise there should be a lot of N55 oil pans out there from engines with seized bearings.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Couldn't the shop just put in a repair plug while keeping the same M12 bolt?

The Spectra one on Rockauto carries a 3-year warranty. Should be ok, fingers crossed.

Otherwise there should be a lot of N55 oil pans out there from engines with seized bearings.

I asked about that, but apparently there isn’t much metal left. Plus the dealer is willing to pay for it to be replaced, so I’d rather go that route to be safe.