Oil level sensor studs

NornIronCoupe · Post by **NornIronCoupe** » Thu May 02, 2024 10:54 pm

2007 3.0si N52
Have an oil leak from the oil level sensor and was renewing gasket tonight.
Unfortunately one of the studs snapped right at the sump no threads exposed at all.
Looking at the remaining studs this is no surprise they are quite corroded.
I can't find a spec for these studs (assuming they are replaceable) and they arent shown on the real oem.
Does anyone know if they are replaceable and if so what is the size?
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_3834

colb · Post by **colb** » Fri May 03, 2024 10:37 am

Only thing I found is a question and answer on Pelican Parts site (USA) as follows
330itoy

December 24, 2021

I over torqued the nut and broke one stud off. Any idea of how to remove the broken stud. There is not enough left to do 2 nuts. Not much to grab with vice grips. I thought torque specs was 18ftlbs on m54 3.0

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The stud may be able to be removed. Essentially if it is replaceable, you would tap it into oil pan, remove. Then install new by using a nut and spacers to seat it. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Also
Halsifire

December 24, 2021

Hi there! I have a 2003 BMW e46 330xi. It appears the previous owner had stripped the three mounting nuts in a previous attempt to replace the oil sensor and used glue to hold them in place. Since the nuts are stripped, I'm having a tough time finding replacement nuts from the hardware store and the couple nuts i tried don't thread smoothly. Any ideas on what the specs are for the 3 mounting nuts for the oil level sensor so I know what to buy?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Do the studs in the oil pan need replacing as well? The nuts are M6X64. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Sounds like you will have to drill the broken stud out and either find a new stud to replace or a bolt and washer instead. Probably best done with the sump removed on a bench. Alternative would be to find a replacement sump with good studs and use that. Drilling them out may require a helicoil insert to be put in so an oversize stud or bolt could be used. Don't forget you will be limited to bolt size because of the holes size on the sensor.

colb · Post by **colb** » Fri May 03, 2024 10:42 am

Replacement stainless studs that might be suitable if the hole isn't enlarged by drilling the broken one out might be obtainable from here
https://www.spaldingfasteners.co.uk/m6- ... ds-din938/

Replacement Sumps on ebay if you go that way, be sure you choose the right one for your car.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... p&_sacat=0

NornIronCoupe · Post by **NornIronCoupe** » Fri May 03, 2024 12:42 pm

Thanks for replies have a friend with a cnc machine and thinking of getting a bracket made that will spread the load better and going with the two remaining nuts, gasket sealant and a drop of glue where the third stud would be.
I could drill out the remain of the stud and the sensor hole is big enough to drop a bolt down with a homemade rubber gasket through but dont like the thought of another hole in the sump.......

smorris_12 · Post by **smorris_12** » Fri May 03, 2024 1:42 pm

colb wrote: ↑Fri May 03, 2024 10:42 am Replacement stainless studs that might be suitable if the hole isn't enlarged by drilling the broken one out might be obtainable from here
https://www.spaldingfasteners.co.uk/m6- ... ds-din938/

Stainless and ally is a big no no; they react together. Stick with mild steel.

NornIronCoupe · Post by **NornIronCoupe** » Fri May 03, 2024 3:18 pm

smorris_12 wrote: ↑Fri May 03, 2024 1:42 pm
colb wrote: ↑Fri May 03, 2024 10:42 am Replacement stainless studs that might be suitable if the hole isn't enlarged by drilling the broken one out might be obtainable from here
https://www.spaldingfasteners.co.uk/m6- ... ds-din938/
Stainless and ally is a big no no; they react together. Stick with mild steel.

The bracket was going to go on outside of the sensor away from the sump and act like a big washer was my thinking...... If it is 2 or 3mm thick and not going to bend at all then fixing it at the two points should hold the third point in place too. Very basic thinking but I think it might get me out of a hole and let me enjoy the car (looks like this weekend is summer and I wouldnt want to miss it lol)

NornIronCoupe · Post by **NornIronCoupe** » Fri May 03, 2024 3:25 pm

This is the idea

colb · Post by **colb** » Fri May 03, 2024 7:55 pm

Point taken re stainless forgot that, should be able to get steel studs from same supplier. Don't fancy your chances with the metal gasket idea held by the two remaining studs.

NornIronCoupe · Post by **NornIronCoupe** » Sat May 04, 2024 3:22 pm

Well my mate made me a couple of plates of different thickness and put one on last night - no oil this morning and ran the car up to temp this afternoon and no sign of a leak. Will keep an eye on it and aim to get it properly sorted and sump gasket done as a preventative measure at end of summer.

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