Dumb oil change question

[express_wagon]

This will be my first oil change for the 540. Sorry for the n00b question. Is this the drain plug, directly on the bottom of the pan?

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/3671/image015bl2.jpg

Much appreciated!

[e34.535i.sport]

Hey there,

Don't rush into anything because on the m30 (straight six engine) it's on the side of the sump (oil pan)... Difficult to tell from the pic but someone with an m60 will let you know for sure...

[express_wagon]

No rush, probably won't be done for a few weeks anyways.

All the other cars I've done oil changes for always come off the side so that's why I am a bit weary.

The manual wasn't much help either.

But thanks!

[whiskychaser]

Dont have a 540 but if that plug is the lowest point of the sump its got to be the drain plug. A sure sign is if its got some silly square drive or torx insert to undo it. The clincher is if you undo it and get covered in warm black stuff:D

[632 Regal]

Looks good to me. the thing that sucks is if the car is on ramps all the old juice wont come out.

Did you check to see how many oil pump bolts are rolling around in the pan yet? I only had 2. :p Might want to check that instead of just changing the oil.

[e34.535i.sport]

Looks good to me. the thing that sucks is if the car is on ramps all the old juice wont come out.

Did you check to see how many oil pump bolts are rolling around in the pan yet? I only had 2. :p Might want to check that instead of just changing the oil.

Looks like the m60 oil pan is easy enough to drop am I right?

[632 Regal]

Looks like the m60 oil pan is easy enough to drop am I right? real simple, new gasket for the lower pan and good to go. Why I procrastinated on it is beyond me.

[pgrindstaff]

Yes, the drain plug on the 540 is directly on the bottom of the pan. I found it strange the first time I changed my 540's oil as the drain plug for my 530 was on the side on the pan.

[glen-sj]

Yes. You're correct. Oil plug is on bottom of pan.

[632 Regal]

530/6? Mine is on the bottom.

Yes, the drain plug on the 540 is directly on the bottom of the pan. I found it strange the first time I changed my 540's oil as the drain plug for my 530 was on the side on the pan.

[AngryPopTart]

Sure looks like a transmission pan to me. Does the OP want the crankcase drain plug or the transmission drain plug?

[express_wagon]

Definitely for the motor...not tranny.

So people with M60, am I looking at the wrong pan here?

[bad_manners_god]

That should be the right pan...I can see a drive belt in the picture. Dont forget, car is rear-wheel drive...so that means the engine comes closest to the front, then transmission.

Front wheel drive cars can sometimes get tricky.

[pgrindstaff]

No, it was a 3/93 530 with an automatic. The plug was on the right side (facing away from the car) about where there is the bulge on the side as you can see in the image, where it is sort of tiered. Don't ask me why it was different, I'm sure it is just one of those things.

You are definitely looking at the right drain plug. The transmission drain plug is back further and requires a bit larger wrench to get out.


530/6? Mine is on the bottom.

[bubba966]

You are definitely looking at the right drain plug. The transmission drain plug is back further and requires a bit larger wrench to get out.

+1

Tranny drain plug is recessed and requires a very large (17mm as I recall) Allen wrench to take out. The tranny drain plug is huge...

[express_wagon]

I appreciate everyone's help. Thank you.

Another question, does the drain bolt have a crush washer/gasket? If so, any place I can buy one besides the dealer?

[express_wagon]

Bump for latest question right before this post.

[Ferret]

Bump for latest question right before this post.

I dont know why everyone's flapping about you getting 'the wrong pan' when your profile says it's a 540i/6 manual...


http://static.bmwfans.info/images/epc/MTE2NTNfcA==.png (http://bmwfans.info/original/E34/Lim/540i-M60/ECE/R/M/1993/12/mg-11/ill-11_2191/)

Yes, there's a crush washer, bmw part 07 11 9 963 151 visible on the above diagram as #3

[bubba966]

I dont know why everyone's flapping about you getting 'the wrong pan' when your profile says it's a 540i/6 manual...

I don't recall that his profile always said he had a manual. Think it used to just say 1995 540.

[express_wagon]

Sorry guys, I did change it to "6" + mileage yesterday.

But thanks for answering my latest question anyways...appreciate the diagram and part #.

[Ferret]

Sorry guys, I did change it to "6" + mileage yesterday.

But thanks for answering my latest question anyways...appreciate the diagram and part #.

Ahh, apologies to the guys on the thread then :p