[tlow98]

Originally Posted by fastboatster

Well okay, then it's not a viable approach. Seemed to work for some people with e46. Why is it not possible to torque the fasteners, does some part of the subframe prevents access to some bolts?
Anyway, maybe the best way is to unbolt the steering rack and unbolt the subframe letting it hang on the control arms.

The E46 subframe is pretty different - more clearance. If the subframe is dangling you're like 6 bolts away from it being removed completely and then the job is easy. If you have an automatic E90 it's substantially less clearance, FYI. get under there and take a look.

I wish this method worked, trust me, as I have this job in front of me. I'm just not willing to risk something falling in the pan (bc how in earth can you see all edges at once?) and possibly grenading the motor. Or cross thread a pan bolt or, or, or...

It just seems like too many possible negatives to for no positives.

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by NGEE

Good luck with your coronavirus M5 deal.

Once you drive pcar. Hard to go back :/

[NGEE]

Originally Posted by tlow98

The E46 subframe is pretty different - more clearance. If the subframe is dangling you're like 6 bolts away from it being removed completely and then the job is easy. If you have an automatic E90 it's substantially less clearance, FYI. get under there and take a look.

I wish this method worked, trust me, as I have this job in front of me. I'm just not willing to risk something falling in the pan (bc how in earth can you see all edges at once?) and possibly grenading the motor. Or cross thread a pan bolt or, or, or...

It just seems like too many possible negatives to for no positives.

I just completed this job, pulling the subframe completely out for inspection, cleaning and engine mount replacement. Getting the thing to clear all the steering bits by yourself is a bitch.

I have a thread on here somewhere about my subframe bolt disaster. When you go to reinstall it, because of the size/weight/etc it's difficult to get it precisely aligned for all six bolts, especially the two rear ones. Learn from my mistake and make sure you hand-thread each of the bolts as many turns as it takes to satisfy yourself that it's completely seated. I hand-threaded mine until I *thought* it was seated, but it was not - ended up cross-threading it into the frame. Jiggle the shit out of the subframe as you hand-thread until it goes in easy. When in doubt, pull it back out - and start over. This is much easier if you have a helper to jiggle/adjust position as you thread.

Top tip - clean your bolts up with a wire wheel. Hand-thread them into place BEFORE you put the subframe into position. That will let you know that *yes* they all thread easily. Then when you put the subframe into position, if you encounter *any* resistance with a bolt, you'll know there is a problem.

[porsche959]

Some pics.

You can see the white/clear goo everywhere. It looks Wet but is dry.

[colorado.e9x]

Didn't bother to tape off, eh?

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Some pics.

You can see the white/clear goo everywhere. It looks Wet but is dry.

Holy crap I hope it doesn't fail as I would cry if I had to work on that afterwards.

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by colorado.e9x

Didn't bother to tape off, eh?

Low on the list of priorities when working with no garage on the mean streets of ny.

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Low on the list of priorities when working with no garage on the mean streets of ny.

Mean streets, you mean COVID streets. Credit for doing it out in public as its pretty chaotic...even more so now. Stay safe.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Low on the list of priorities when working with no garage on the mean streets of ny.

Gotta admit that's pretty fucking badass

[colorado.e9x]

What they both said ^

[mainbearing]

Sounded like a great idea until I saw the pictures.

I wonder how that seam next to the transmission will hold up with a coat of the sealant. Mine is not leaking too bad right now, if drops on the pan like I think this is, then it can wait. There was a light coat of oil on the passenger-rear side of the oil pan but not too bad for now. Real PoS of a sieve.

[213e90n51]

Had a freind use those flame throwers to seal it up cuz he was selling his car and didnt wanna drop the pan. I dont think it will ever leak again.

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Gotta admit that's pretty fucking badass

Would trade my badassery for a one car garage. Or maybe a parking spot within walking distance.

[juld0zer]

Is there no open public carparks? I used to do a lot of work inside train station carparks. If anyone asks, car is broken down/immobilised. Bring some mates to keep watch as we have some shady characters who loiter stations too.

Some shopping centres open all night too to allow nightfill staff in/out but they usually have overnight security who move you on.

After seeing that abomination of a mess, I'd never recommend that product to anyone. Maybe it should state 'for FWD' vehicles only, ie for vehicles where you have total access to the sump

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by 213e90n51

Had a freind use those flame throwers to seal it up cuz he was selling his car and didnt wanna drop the pan. I dont think it will ever leak again.

Originally Posted by 213e90n51

Had a freind use those flame throwers to seal it up cuz he was selling his car and didnt wanna drop the pan. I dont think it will ever leak again.

Hey that's not a bad idea, well kinda sorta if your careful

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by porsche959

Would trade my badassery for a one car garage. Or maybe a parking spot within walking distance.

Originally Posted by 213e90n51

Had a freind use those flame throwers to seal it up cuz he was selling his car and didnt wanna drop the pan. I dont think it will ever leak again.

Originally Posted by porsche959

Would trade my badassery for a one car garage. Or maybe a parking spot within walking distance.

I've been there too when I was living downtown in my condo which had no parking I would park in a spot underground that was rarely occupied and worked on my Integra. Now I love my 2 car garage in the suburbs and will never live downtown again, so much peace and quiet and yet I'm still close.

Try finding an area in an industrial zone, most should be pretty dead now, it would be more private than a retail parking lot. Stay safe

[porsche959]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Is there no open public carparks? I used to do a lot of work inside train station carparks. If anyone asks, car is broken down/immobilised. Bring some mates to keep watch as we have some shady characters who loiter stations too.

Some shopping centres open all night too to allow nightfill staff in/out but they usually have overnight security who move you on.

After seeing that abomination of a mess, I'd never recommend that product to anyone. Maybe it should state 'for FWD' vehicles only, ie for vehicles where you have total access to the sump

Public parking in nyc? Sure, if you want to pay $50/hr. Most are valet so you can’t actually work on your car.

If you had easy access to the sump it would be better to just replace the gasket.

[fastboatster]

How about some storage unit? Most don't allow working on your car but some do. Best approach is to ask them directly right away if this is going to be okay. I talked to a few places in my area, and some said it will be okay as long as there's no mess.

[porsche959]

10 day update. THE SPRAY ATE THROUGH THE GASKET, CAUSING OIL STARVATION, BLOWN MOTOR!!

...

Jk

Everything is fine. No extra leaks anymore

[Boosted12a]

Glad to hear!

[porsche959]

3 month update. No leaks.

[Mantraxalos]

Maybe this is something I'll have to look into temporarily for my 330i. Someone mentioned to do it after draining oil and letting it sit. I'd probably try and do it that way. Thanks for keeping us up to date.