[mweisdorfer]

Ok, I have an 07, 335i (n54) with Automatic Trans.

I found two DIY's on this forum on how to drop the subframe and take out the oil pan. One was on an 06' N52 motor, and one was on an 08' N54 motor.

There were some differences between the two.

Ex-

On the 06' /N52 motor he took off the head light level sensor on the driver's side, and on the 08'/ N54 he did not.

On the 06' /N52 he took off the triagular, black bar, and the 08'/ N54 did not.

On the 08' / N54, he took off the strut bearing mounting bolts, and the 06'/ N52 did not. I assume this is for more clearance?

On the 06' N52/ he talks a lot about taking a part the oil return line so it is free from the oil pan; the 08' N54 doesnt really address it.

There are other differences as well. I have not taken it apart yet. I plan on doing this DIY during Memorial Day Weekend. I have a 4 day weekend coming up

Below are the links in which I am refering too.

06' N52 -

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1180020

08' N54 -
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...et-replacement

I am thinking the 08' N54 DIY is probably more accurate since I have an 07 / N54.

Your thoughts are welcome / Please Advise...

[gabylonfive]

the n54 diy above should be enough to see you through. You're basically going to be hanging the subframe by your struts, so remove everything else that might give you more clearance or be in the way of the subframe coming down. you will have transmission lines to navigate around as you pull the pan down. Access to the pan bolts on the driver's side is tight so have plenty of extensions and ujoints handy. Good set of etorx too.

[mweisdorfer]

If I undo the nuts that hold the strut bearings to car, how is the subframe being held by just the struts?

Or do I just skip that step like the N52 version does??

Please advise...

[Matte90330]

I did it on my n52 engine following the first diy and did not disconnect the headlight sensor with no problem. The black triangle thing is easy to take off and will probably give u better access to the bolts. Only the 06 models with the metal valve cover have the oil return line for the pcv, the plastic valve cover has the built in pcv system but I think the n54 might have one for the turbos? Not sure on that

[mlifxs]

since I have an n52 not much to offer but:

1. realoem is your friend wrt reconciling diy thread info vs what's on your car.

2 on the n52 auto, the trans lines were indeed a pain but disconnecting from tranny turned out to be a minor step and relieved most of the pain.

3. other than 2, for me it was all about getting the pan off then torquing pan bolts properly. if I do this again, I'll shop around for a much better torque wrench and consider completely removing the subframe

[lichtgelb]

Make sure you get the correct bolt set for the oil pan. There are two part numbers. One for auto and another for manuel transmissions. You dont want to be that far in to the job before realizing you hae the wrong bolts.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

Make sure you get the correct bolt set for the oil pan. There are two part numbers. One for auto and another for manuel transmissions. You dont want to be that far in to the job before realizing you hae the wrong bolts.

Good call.

I ran my part numbers on a few sites and do not see where it specifies transmission type.

I have 11132210959

Please advise....