Oil Filter Housing gasket DIY?

mlf · 08-23-2013, 09:33 AM

I have a 2010 328i (n52 engine), and am looking to change the OFH gasket over the weekend. I've seen many suggest to go ahead and drain quart or two of the coolant as it is worth it to prevent a mess. My question is where is the drain plug at? Is it difficult to get to? Looks like the radiator drain plug might not be accessible without taking off that underpanel underneath the car? If that's the case, and especially since I don't have any ramps, I might just skip the drain part and try to capture as much of the coolant as I can when I remove the housing. At least one poster mentioned how easy it was to drain the coolant, so I'm assuming there must be a plug somewhere that is easily accessible.

Phil325i · 08-23-2013, 10:28 AM

Have you searched this forum's DIY section?

bhmax16 · 08-23-2013, 11:12 AM

^what he said. There is a very extensive DIY on this procedure and it's one of the easiest oil leaks to repair on the N52 engine. Start to finish in less than an hour for many of us

mlf · 08-23-2013, 11:18 AM

Yes, I've read the DIYs on this project and they are very informative. But, they just mention draining the coolant and don't mention where the drain plug is. I can't seem to find it on my car.

Three_thirty_I · 08-23-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlf

Yes, I've read the DIYs on this project and they are very informative. But, they just mention draining the coolant and don't mention where the drain plug is. I can't seem to find it on my car.

If you are facing the nose of the car, it is on the right hand side of the radiator underneath - you will need to remove the engine splash guard of course. It should be a easy to spot blue plastic screw. Work carefully with this screw! They tend to get brittle in some cases and usually best to replace with a new one instead of reusing. But with that said, I had no trouble removing the one on my car and didn't see the need to replace. The key is to use a nice and big flat screwdriver, and turn very gently so as not to yank it in any way. When refitting it is not necessary for it to be massively tight, it's the rubber seal that does this, so literally just has to be tightened lightly until it won't turn easily anymore.

Did this on the E46 which is similar, but still less complicated with not having the heat exchanger etc, but best would be to find a good DIY for this and follow it...

Good luck! DIY FTW!!

bimmertt · 08-23-2013, 12:31 PM

It is very easy...like you mentioned, you just need ramps or a jack and jack stands.

ska///235i · 08-24-2013, 01:44 AM

Dude, if you going to perform a diy you should invest in a set of ramps...you can get a set of rhino for $35
You could use it for oil changes too
Advance auto have $50 off $100 purchase so get yourself a set and some other stuff for $50

Efthreeoh · 08-24-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlf

Yes, I've read the DIYs on this project and they are very informative. But, they just mention draining the coolant and don't mention where the drain plug is. I can't seem to find it on my car.

Here's the coolant change DIY:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=coolant

There is one for the N54 too.

08-23-2013, 09:33 AM	#1
mlf Private 3 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 3-Series E90 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Oil Filter Housing gasket DIY? I have a 2010 328i (n52 engine), and am looking to change the OFH gasket over the weekend. I've seen many suggest to go ahead and drain quart or two of the coolant as it is worth it to prevent a mess. My question is where is the drain plug at? Is it difficult to get to? Looks like the radiator drain plug might not be accessible without taking off that underpanel underneath the car? If that's the case, and especially since I don't have any ramps, I might just skip the drain part and try to capture as much of the coolant as I can when I remove the housing. At least one poster mentioned how easy it was to drain the coolant, so I'm assuming there must be a plug somewhere that is easily accessible.
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08-23-2013, 10:28 AM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 639 Rep 3,215 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Have you searched this forum's DIY section? __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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08-23-2013, 11:12 AM	#3
bhmax16 Lieutenant 167 Rep 398 Posts Drives: '22 M4, '23 CX-50 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	^what he said. There is a very extensive DIY on this procedure and it's one of the easiest oil leaks to repair on the N52 engine. Start to finish in less than an hour for many of us
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08-23-2013, 11:18 AM	#4
mlf Private 3 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 3-Series E90 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Yes, I've read the DIYs on this project and they are very informative. But, they just mention draining the coolant and don't mention where the drain plug is. I can't seem to find it on my car.
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08-23-2013, 12:31 PM	#6
bimmertt Lieutenant Colonel 98 Rep 1,799 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	It is very easy...like you mentioned, you just need ramps or a jack and jack stands.
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08-24-2013, 01:44 AM	#7
ska///235i ***** noob 1416 Rep 10,477 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	Dude, if you going to perform a diy you should invest in a set of ramps...you can get a set of rhino for $35 You could use it for oil changes too Advance auto have $50 off $100 purchase so get yourself a set and some other stuff for $50 __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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