The ENGINE oil pan is NOT plastic, I believe the (black painted) steel pan is similar on both the 4.4L and 4.8L engines.


Also, general consensus is that it is easier to change the oil cooler line to block gasket on the 4.8 liter engine than it is to replace the "alternator bracket" gasket on the 4.4 liter engines. On both versions, the bolts are difficult to access. I am saying this all based on my E70 4.8i. I have done both, the E70 4.8i was much easier than the E60 4.4i.

 

thanks for clarifiing. I'm like sitting here, thinking, why would this oil pan be plastic???? lol