Spaceroach

Hey i just changed the oil in my 04 545, and even though tightened the drain plug screw on the sump very tight, i am still leaking a little bit of oil.

My question is: Are you supposed to have an o-ring or washer between the sump and drain screw?

Thanks in advance!

lcc014

Yes, the oil filter element comes with a rubber O-ring and a copper washer for the drain nut.

solidbmw

My 08 didn't come w/ it, but the kit includes the washer so I installed it anyways since it wouldn't hurt.

Spaceroach

ok thats what i thought, thanks. so put the washer on the screw then the rubber 0-ring, correct?

lcc014

No, the copper washer is for the oil pan drain nut. That is the only thing that you need. The big rubber O-ring is for the oil filter cap. After you remove the oil filter cap, you can see a O-ring between the top of the cap and the thread.

solidbmw

yes, rubber o-ring goes on the filter, which you'll see when your remove the filter - just to be clear.

Spaceroach

ok sounds good and thanks for the info.

Looks like i will be changing the oil again. i don't think i will be able to take the screw out, put the washer on and rescrew it in without losing all my oil hehe.

MiamiPhill

One last thing, make sure to hand tighten the drain plug all the way in, then use the wrench so that you avoid cross-threading the bolt. (that would be very bad)

Spaceroach

well I ended up draining the oil into my extra large pan and putting the copper washer on the screw.

Then i put the oil back in the car. it was only a day old and i didnt want to waste 70 bucks worth of BMW synth oil.

The leak is gone!

Thanks for the tips all!

Spaceroach

One more question - i noticed in the BMW 545 oil change PDF that the "Tightening torque" for the drain plug is 11 13 1AZ.

I understand foot pounds or newton-metres, but what does 11 13 1AZ mean?

And do most of you use a torque wrench on these plugs?

Thanks!