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E30 Oil Pan Rplacement

When changing an oil pan on a BMW E30, a Snap-On 1/4” drive swivel socket is your best friend. There are a few bolts above the steering rack and crossmember that are very tricky to get to, and this socket makes quick work of them. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=1544&group_ID=188&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog The picture is actually of a 3/8” drive, the 1/4” drive socket has a base that’s about the same diameter as the socket, and fits into the tight spots nicely. It’s pricey for one socket, but worth every penny if you have to do very many of them.

Comments

16vCorey:

Oh yeah, I've heard from a few people that you have to either lift the engine way up or drop the crossmember tp get it out. Not true. Just use a 13mm wrench and drop the oil pump into the pan and it slides right out.
Apr 28, 2009 4:27 p.m.