Been surfing the web looking for info on this. Any tips?

Thanks!

 

In theory it sounds easy. I think you would just remove the reinforcement plate, drain the oil, drop the pan, replace the gasket, reinstall. I know the reinforcement plate bolts and the oil pan bolts should be replaced.

I have found a few threads about N62 X5s that discuss this, but I haven't found a great DIY yet. If you find something, please post!

 

The reason why I ask is because I had a large puddle of oil this morning coming from the area of the oil filter/oil pan and thought it was the pan gasket leaking. When I got a closer look I found that the oil filter canister was leaking like a sieve... from around the canister seal area. So for now, I'm ordering a new canister. I do wonder... when should I be concerned about the oil pump bolts loosening up and if now is as good a time as any to take care of it. Any thoughts?

 

"http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=NB33-USA-01-2005-E60-BMW-545i&diagId=11_3254"

Check this out, seal 4 could be your issue. Never heard of oil pump bolts loosing on our cars..

 

Wow! On my 530D you need to drop the subframe to change the pan - unless you are prepared to do the pan-gasket-cut method.

 

I dropped my front subframe when i did my car. but that was because i wanted to change my front bushings and my alternator bracket seals all in one go with the upper and lower oil pan and a basically every oil seal there is on the bottom of the engine.

 

Is there much to dropping the subframe? Bolt replacements?

 

Actually, what I meant to ask is, can you do the lower oil pan without dropping the subframe and just removing the reinforcement plate?

 

No idea, to be honest you'll just need to look under the car and see of the lower oil pan clears the subframe.