[avin83]

I am preparing DIY for oil filter housing gasket replacement. I have seen e90post, pelican parts and some youtube DIY videos to get prepared.

I tried to loose the front bolt (see pics below) using 8mm standard wrench (which is closest fit for E10 socket) but it won't budge at all I made sure I turned it counterclockwise.

http://cdn4.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...mall/pic04.jpg

How do I unbolt it (without taking out the hose to the left)? Do I need 'box' wrench instead? Or is there a some kind of extender/leverage to give more torque?

This job seems to be doable for me compare to other complicated jobs but this bolt give me some frustration... but just don't want to give up yet.

Appreciated for any advice.

P.S. Sources that I referred ...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...eplacement.htm

http://www.e90post.com/forums//showthread.php?t=476419

[OP3NAIR]

Get a ratcheting e10 box wrench. You'll need to pull the oil filter housing away from the head as you loosen or the bolt will back into the hose neck, so remove this one last.

[DoJu3]

Went through the same, had to take the upper hose off, I'm sure I can be done without taking it off I just didn't have the extensions or patience needed, just be careful taking it off.. I wasn't and actually broke the plastic end right at the O ring, had to use Teflon tape and crazy glue to hold it together until the new one came in the mail (daily driver)

[avin83]

Originally Posted by OP3NAIR

Get a ratcheting e10 box wrench. You'll need to pull the oil filter housing away from the head as you loosen or the bolt will back into the hose neck, so remove this one last.

Thanks for the advice the ratcheting e10 box wrench costs more than the housing gasket but I guess it is worth buying it for this DIY... I will be ordering it...

[avin83]

Originally Posted by DoJu3

Went through the same, had to take the upper hose off, I'm sure I can be done without taking it off I just didn't have the extensions or patience needed, just be careful taking it off.. I wasn't and actually broke the plastic end right at the O ring, had to use Teflon tape and crazy glue to hold it together until the new one came in the mail (daily driver)

I am sorry to hear that. must have been painful to get the job done. I am not a good DIYer (takes 2x time than usual DIYer here) so don't want to take the hose to the left of the bolt...

[Shane335]

When i did mine, I took off the hose and broke it in the process. I knew the plastic would be brittle so i ordered a new one with the gasket. I definitely agree an e10 box wrench is the ticket.

[TemjinX2]

you can break it loose with a e10 wrench. you will need to turn it a few times and then you can manually turn it with your fingers.

[avin83]

Thank you all for the advice. Just ordered the tools online. So far the gasket costs $26CDN and tools (E-Torx wrench set, flexible extenders, magnet stick) cost $75CDN. Not sure whether e10 wrench will reach the inner bolt located near the manifold though.

Anyways, will work and report back once I received the tools...

[The Nightman]

Ratcheting 8mm wrench worked for me. I sprayed the exposed end with penetrating fluid too.

[El Cheapo Loco]

I also bought an e10 wrench for this bolt but end up not using it because the sides were too thick and won't clear the hose. My e10 socket barely worked and it was a tedious process. Removing the hose will definitely make things easier.

[avin83]

The DIY wasn't too bad even for a newbie like myself - I did it slowly and it took around 1 hour and 15 mins including coolant bleeding.

e10 wrench was useful to loose the front bolt. But with the proper leverage, I think 8mm box wrench is okay without damaging the bolt head. I did not take the hose to the left.

I had the 1/4 inch flexible extender to reach the inner bolt near the manifold, but I couldn't torque to loose that bolt. I was fortunately unbolt it using the Plain extender with 8mm socket, but swivel adapter would be recommended.

As you can see from the pictures, although the oil junk was all over the place from the outside, the leak was not too bad from the inside. And also the old gasket wasn't completely hardened.

I will check tomorrow for any oil leaks and coolant level to make sure the job is properly done.

Thanks everyone for the support. really appreciated.

[TemjinX2]

glad you were able to knock it out so quick.

[ctuna]

Ok torque to spec is never mentioned in most of the DIY's
and I can see why because of the access at least to the bottom
facing bolt. So what is the ballpark method finger tight plus 90 degrees?

[OP3NAIR]

I believe it's 8lb-ft (16n-m) Why is there green coolant in there?

[ctuna]

There is coolant going through that housing I would guess to
cool the oil. That's what the hoses going into the assembly are
about.

[avin83]

Originally Posted by OP3NAIR

I believe it's 8lb-ft (16n-m) Why is there green coolant in there?

I know it is not blue. I used OEM brand (not from BMW) premixed coolant from CanadianTire store. It is specified for BMW. I used it almost an year ago and never had a problem.

[avin83]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Ok torque to spec is never mentioned in most of the DIY's
and I can see why because of the access at least to the bottom
facing bolt. So what is the ballpark method finger tight plus 90 degrees?

22Nm According to this guide:

http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e90-e9...placement.aspx

[OP3NAIR]

Originally Posted by avin83

22Nm According to this guide:

http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e90-e9...placement.aspx

This is correct... its 16 lb-ft (22n-m) per the bentley... I remembered the 16, just not the units.

[ctuna]

yeah but you have to buy a special tool just to get the lower bolt out
and its not a torque wrench so how do you estimate the torque.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by avin83

e10 wrench was useful to loose the front bolt. But with the proper leverage, I think 8mm box wrench is okay without damaging the bolt head

I suggest a "universal" wrench more so than regular 12 point box wrench, like this one from Sears:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8mm-u...000P?rrec=true

Of course a real E-torx will be better for the job, but if you don't have it, and if you need one today, one of these can be bought in store locally. Lowes has similar ones too.
I used the Craftsman 8mm universal one on that very bolt, and some other e10 bolts without problem so far. But eventually I will order a real E-10 wrench one of these days.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by ctuna

yeah but you have to buy a special tool just to get the lower bolt out
and its not a torque wrench so how do you estimate the torque.

Go by feel, tight enough but not too much

You can get the feel of the torque needed on the other bolts if you can get torque wrench on those, then going by muscle memory tighten that one.

[toymaker]

What symptoms require replacement of the oil filter housing? Curious.