1991 318is M42 Refresh Journey

[udubfl]

Upper and Lower Oil Pan Gasket Replacement

Easy thing to do after subframe, steering pump and steering rack out. I had a weeping leak due to upper oil pan gasket being piled and some loose bolts. After removing the lower pan, I noticed I had two bolts from upper pan in the lower pan. Not sure when it got loose enough to just drop in the lower pan.

note: did upper engine refresh couple years ago already.

Here’s some pictures before going through some cleaning.

Gaskets. It seems original but can’t tell. It was stuck to the metal pretty good. Spend some time removing and cleaning the surface.





Before cleaning

[udubfl]

Here’s after cleaning…

Nothing particular special in putting it back together. Read people using gasket sealant/RTV vs paper gasket. Decided to keep it OE/OEM. You do have to some sealant in few spots where you got two metals mating on engine block. Didn’t take any pics of this.

Torqued all the bolts to spec.

[udubfl]

don’t have picture but you do need to remove dip stick tube. So, ordered new o-ring rubber gasket and reinstalled as well.

[hotbascosauce]

Great work. Appreciate the attention to detail. I also have a sterling silver 318is. Hoping its in the budget to get it repainted this summer.