Sump drain plug E36 M3

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   Looking at the exploded diagram it seems there might be two drain plugs -- one in the usual place near the bottom right of the bulge in the sump, but there's another front left.  Both the same part number.  Do you have to remove both of them?
Also, what about the undertray thing?  What's the least I have to remove to get at the sump plugs?
Anyone know the torque settings for the filter bolt?
Cheers!
Andy

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__Andy__ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 03-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 123	Topic: Sump drain plug E36 M3 Posted: 09-December-2004 at 11:34
	Looking at the exploded diagram it seems there might be two drain plugs -- one in the usual place near the bottom right of the bulge in the sump, but there's another front left. Both the same part number. Do you have to remove both of them? Also, what about the undertray thing? What's the least I have to remove to get at the sump plugs? Anyone know the torque settings for the filter bolt? Cheers! Andy

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ian332isport Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I Joined: 20-September-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 342	Posted: 09-December-2004 at 14:41
	Andy, You are only supposed to remove the main drain plug at the back end of the sump. The official BMW procedure specifically mentions NOT to remove the front plug. Not sure why, but they must have their reasons. The correct Torque settings are as follows: Sump plug - 25Nm Oil filter housing lid bolt - 22Nm for M8 bolt or 33Nm for M10 or M12 bolt. I'm pretty sure it's an M8 on the E36 M3 engines, but can't say for sure without removing mine and measuring it. Cheers, Ian.
	If it ain't broke, Modify it!!

__Andy__ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 03-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 123	Posted: 10-December-2004 at 05:22
	Thankyou for that excellent advice! Any ideas about access? Undertray to remove or anything? Andy

ian332isport Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I Joined: 20-September-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 342	Posted: 10-December-2004 at 06:26
	Andy, Not sure on access to be honest. My engine is fitted in an E30, so somewhat non standard I do believe there is some sort of access hatch in the undertray that allows you access to the sump plug though. I checked the BMW procedures, and it did not mention anything to do with the undertray etc. I'm sure it will be fairly obvious when you get under the car though. Cheers, Ian.
	If it ain't broke, Modify it!!

EvoDude Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I Zymol + Optimax Rock!! Joined: 30-April-2004 Location: Southampton, Hampshire Status: Offline Points: 292	Posted: 10-December-2004 at 19:58
	You will have to remove part of the undertray. The front nearside part that is held with about 8 screws. I have heard that you can unscrew just a couple and bend back the plastic - I wouldnt just in case it snapped. Its not hard to take off the large bit.
	E36 ///M3 Evo - Dyno'd at 323.3 Bhp Modded. Mint.