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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance and TSBs: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / TSBs and Service Bulletin > Who here torques the oil drain plug and filter housing?
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      10-19-2019, 11:14 AM   #23
Billfitz
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It's 8 Nm for the plastic plug/pan, 25 Nm for the metal plug/pan.
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      10-20-2019, 01:14 PM   #24
IraHayes
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I’ve always tightened the cap until snug. Up until my last oil change I always used a torque wrench for the drain plug , but my “small” torque wrench is a dial type, so kind of hard to read when you’re on your back looking up, especially since the car is so low, even on ramps. I need to invest in a click type.

Last edited by IraHayes; 10-20-2019 at 01:20 PM..
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      11-18-2019, 08:07 PM   #25
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I torque the oil filter, but not the plastic drain plug
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      11-18-2019, 09:09 PM   #26
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It should be the other way around. Too little torque on the plug and it leaks, too much and it breaks. The way the O-ring seals the filter cap makes for a tight leak free fit even if it's not torqued down. I've seen reports of filter cap leaks but only when a new O-ring wasn't used.
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      11-26-2019, 09:18 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
It should be the other way around. Too little torque on the plug and it leaks, too much and it breaks. The way the O-ring seals the filter cap makes for a tight leak free fit even if it's not torqued down. I've seen reports of filter cap leaks but only when a new O-ring wasn't used.
That new o-ring is key.
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      12-06-2019, 07:37 PM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWinAZ View Post
I am the King of Torque If there is a torque spec for a screw I will torque it to that spec. It must be part of being German
American. The torque wrench was invented in New York City, by an engineer in the Department of Public Works. But I think they were Germans (Bahr and Pfefferlie). Sounds German.
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      12-06-2019, 10:53 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoobCola View Post
I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
I torque both the oil filter housing and the oil pan plug to spec. Torque wrenches are cool and fun to use. Love that nice ...click!

Seriously though, I read a post from a guy the other day that installed his oil filter housing incorrectly and it sprayed oil all over his engine. Years ago a buddy of mine did a quick tighten on his oil plug that wasn't tight enough. The oil drained as he drove and blew his engine. Not worth it to me.
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      12-07-2019, 07:31 AM   #30
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Just did oil change today. Torqued the oil filter housing to 25Nm. Didn't have a smaller torque wrench so hand tightened the drain plug, like last 3 times.
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      12-09-2019, 09:22 AM   #31
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I torque both to specs every time. Rather do it one time and forget about it then worry if it's tight enough or if I over torqued it.
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      01-18-2021, 09:42 AM   #32
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The 25Nm spec is for the models with aluminum pan and bolt.
For plastic cap, I will go below 8Nm, maybe 6Nm as I set my torque wrench to 8Nm and broke the plastic cap. Now I hopping I didn't overtighten the pan (currently waiting for the replacement of the cap to confirm, meanwhile my car is sitting there leaking oil)
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      01-18-2021, 10:06 AM   #33
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I torque when I can find the proper torque specs. Owners manual is a joke when it comes to most anything you would want to work on.
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      01-18-2021, 10:43 AM   #34
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BMW doesn't want you doing your own work, because dealers don't make money on sales, they make it on service.
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      01-29-2021, 09:41 AM   #35
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I tighten it by hand with rubber strap plus a little. I have the BMW OFH cap tool, but it scruffs up the cap too much. I've been doing it this way on all three of my BMW's for 6 years. 22 oil changes and never have had an issue.

For the oil pan bolt, I'd recommend a good torque wrench that is calibrated and hasn't been dropped etc. Use it for a few oil changes until you get the feel for how tight it should be.
25 nm is tight but not crazy tight. I'm always paranoid about snapping that bolt.
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      01-29-2021, 11:06 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E_J_Fudd View Post
Dumb question. All the references say 25nm, but the pug says 8nm max?
You are looking at the wrong references. The correct torque for the plastic plug is printed on it.
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      12-24-2023, 07:52 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
If a torque specification exists I don't see any reason not to follow it. Proper torque wrench is a small investment and an insurance policy.
Roger that!
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