oil pan leak

[Rami93]

Every time i look i see an oil puddle when i move the car. I thought it was a missing washer, but i changed it and i still have a leak. I then inpected it more and saw a small leak where the bolt is. There is a small crack near the oil drain plug. It looks like it might of been tightened too much by the previous owner. What are the possible solutions for this. Should i remove the oil pan and put a new one. And what should i do to remove it? do i have to remove a lot of other parts? Is there some sealer you can put on or weld?

[1996 328ti]

Me? I'd replace the pan but it's not an easy job.
Another possibility might be to weld it.

[Rami93]

how would you weld it?

[Tooltime]

I recently changed one on a m44, it will take time. To make the job easier I purchased a engine Support bar, which allowed me to raise the engine high enough to slide the pan out the back. If you decide to change the pan i recommend you research this well before jumping into it. I would make sure it is the pan leaking, mine had a crack across the bottom I could feel, but there are other known parts that leak you may want to check first.
I have a few photo of the bottom half with the pan off if that would help you.

[Rami93]

mine you cant feel its a small crack near the drain plug. i dont know if its nessacery to remove the oil pan.

[brandonm]

I would go to a shop and have them weld it for you, i had a leak from the drain plug, i just replaced the plug and washer and it was all good.

[pdxmotorhead]

Boat service shops are usually the best bet for on vehicle aluminum welding, they do bottom units and out-drives after bottom strikes...

I've used JB weld aluminum successfully on valve covers. Drill a hole at teh end of the crack use a dremel to grind a small V grove the length of the crack and usea aluminum etching agent to clean the AL both sides and in the crack to get adhesion. This usually does not work on the car, residual oil leaking out messes up the weld or the bond of the epoxy.

I'd plan on taking the pan off to do the job right. Welding or glue, cleanliness on AL is the biggest factor for success.

Good Luck

Dave