M44 oil filter housing: Can M42 metal cap be used?

[jdt10768]

1991 318is:
I have an oil leak at the filter housing, and have replaced the filter in the past - It still leaks and getting worse. So planning to sub in an M44 oil filter housing which apparently is a better design and less $$.
I don't like the plastic cap used on the M44 oil filter housing. Looks cheesy, and I just don't like the way it works. Special tool to remove the cap, or wind up gouging it up with channel locks trying to loosen . . .
Can the M42 metal cap be substituted?

[jwal]

I don’t think so, as the M42 cap seals differently, isn’t threaded, uses a through bolt, etc. But if you need an M42 OFH I have a couple.


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[jdt10768]

I don’t think so, as the M42 cap seals differently, isn’t threaded, uses a through bolt, etc. But if you need an M42 OFH I have a couple.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, I am going to move forward with the new M44 unit, even though I don't like the black plastic screw cap

[jwal]

I’m sure it will be an improvement, just make sure it has all the elements you need. I would check the mounting points for any idler Pulleys or tensioners. The M44 setup is very different from the early M42.

[jaredmac11]

You can rest assured that BMW still hasnt figured out how to do oil filter housings in later models either.

[bmwman91]

I have the M44 housing on mine. The swap is fairly straightforward. Just remember that the outlet uses 2 o-rings.

The leak that you have is most likely not due to anything being wrong with the housing. I assume that the front and bottom of the engine are all soaked in oil now, and maybe you have small puddles forming under the car? If so, it's the o-ring on the oil outlet where it goes into the main oil galley in the block. That is a notorious leak source on these engines. All you need to do is replace the gasket and o-ring (taking great care to get all gasketing surfaces clean, not knock ANY crud into the round bore hole on the engine and apply a little oil or silicone lube to the o-ring before forcing it into the hole).

[jdt10768]

I had my mechanic install since it's my DD, and he mentioned that in the M42 housing there is a pressed in fitting with another o-ring that deforms over time. Anyway, the new housing is in and it's not leaking . . . yet. Now I need to find an oil cap wrench that will fit the M44 plastic cap

[bmwman91]

There are a bunch of them. As far as I know, it is a 74mm 14-point cap.

The OEM tool: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/83300495448/

There are tons of other knock-off ones on the web for less. Just make damn sure to obey the torque spec molded into the cap...over-tightening the cap is a big no-no since most of these large sockets will slip & start rounding the plastic. All of the sealing is done by the o-ring, so there's no need to go much past hand tight...maybe just a tap on a short ratchet handle after seating it.

[jdt10768]

There are a bunch of them. As far as I know, it is a 74mm 14-point cap.

The OEM tool: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/83300495448/

There are tons of other knock-off ones on the web for less. Just make damn sure to obey the torque spec molded into the cap...over-tightening the cap is a big no-no since most of these large sockets will slip & start rounding the plastic. All of the sealing is done by the o-ring, so there's no need to go much past hand tight...maybe just a tap on a short ratchet handle after seating it.

That's the one I ordered: 18$ @ Dealer with CCA. Agreed re: tightening. We had an E39 Touring, and it had the same style cap. Never tighten more than hand tight, or a tiny bit more