New BMW enthusiast

N5582H

N5582H

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#1
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Memphis, TN
#1
First of all, how's it going all. I'm a new BMW owner and am in the process of learning all I can about BMW's. I have a few general questions. I have an 89 325i convertable that has a loose control arm bushing. My question is, how hard is this to change out? Next, the oil pan plug is stripped out and is currently siliconed in place. Can I use a heli coil or would any of you recommend a self tapping plug? Any that can tell me the diameter of the threaded portion would be helpful.

Thanks all, Steve
 
echothreezero

echothreezero

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#2
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Bay Of Islands, NZ
#2
Welcome! both to the forum and the wonderful world of bimmers especially e30's.

Control arm bushing is not hard. I recommend you purchase a copy of the Bentley Publishers e30 workshop manual and go from there - best workshop manual available and easy step by step instructions.

As far as the sump plug goes, I'm not too sure how water tight a heli coil would be - I've never used one on a sump bung - if it allows you to tighten the plug OK, then the copper/fibre washer should prevent any leaks. I wouldn't use a self-tapper - using the proper plug is best as it is magnetic and has a dish to catch metal filings. The sump is alloy, so maybe you could drill it out and re-tap to a larger size plug. Failing that, changing the sump pan is not all that hard and they are cheap second hand.
 
hoh

hoh

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#4
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#4
Hi, just getting into bmw's...had mine about 3yr.....
.......tapping the pan with new threads would be the correct method (my friend drilled his out alot larger and JB Welded a thick threaded washer in it that took the replacement plug....control arm bushings are not that hard, (and I'm a novice)...be sure to get the BMW drying oil(lube) it really helped me press them back in
 
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