[VanillaBimmer]

Sorry guys I am not a mechanic and don't know how to search what I am seeing. While working on my car trying to fix another issue I noticed that I could see right into what I believe is my transmission. It connects at the back of my oil pan. This doesn't seem right to me because rocks and debris could make their way into this area and there appears to be a gear? Could someone tell me if this is normal or what is going on here? I'll link to a video and attach a picture.

I had my clutch replaced maybe about ~500 miles ago and I am concerned they did something wrong.

[AmuroRay]

That is odd...

[thatgarrett]

I believe there is a small rubber plug that goes over that hole, it’s not airtight or anything and is simply pressed in, that’s part of the drivetrain your looking at but not the inner parts of your transmission. You could probably find the plug for a couple of dollars to give you piece of mind but probably not a huge deal. If you look up some threads on here where people talk about the rear main seal leak you can see the plug I’m talking about that goes there

[LA1Z24]

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=24_1343

Number 10. Its a rubber plug that presses into place. I see you have an oil leak. The rubber this plug is made from is very susceptible to expanding when it absorbs the oil. Once it gets big enough, it falls out of the hole

[E36M3]

The gear you are seeing is the ring gear your starter engages to start the car. This isn’t inside the transmission, just inside the bell housing. Nothing to really worry about but you can get the plug that goes there to close it off.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by E36M3

The gear you are seeing is the ring gear your starter engages to start the car. This isn’t inside the transmission, just inside the bell housing. Nothing to really worry about but you can get the plug that goes there to close it off.

You’re not allowed to post here without showing us pictures of the E36.

[E36M3]

I’ve posted these at request before in another thread with the same reply. Right now I’ve got the S52 apart and looking for a head shop to replace the valve guides. It was burning oil down the exhaust guides.

[VanillaBimmer]

Thanks for all the help guys I really appreciate it. Also, love the e36 gl getting it back on the road