BMW 3 Series Service Manual (E39)

119-3

Lubrication System

V-8 crankshaft rear main seal tool (Tool No. BMW 11 1 230)

4 Adapter for BMW oil pressure gauge (Tool No. BMW 11 4 050)

Engine lubrication

Oil pressure is generated by a gear-type pump bolted to the bottom o i the engine block. The oil pump is chain driven off the front of the crankshaft.

Table a. Engine oil capacity (includes oil filter replacement)

The oil pressure warning system consists of an oil pressure switch mounted in the oil circuit and an instrument panel warning light. Other saiety features include:

QA filter bypass to provide lubrication should the oil filter become clogged.

An oil pump pressure relief valve to prevent excessive system pressure.

CAUTIOI\C

If the redoilpressure warning light comes on or flashes on while driving, alwaysassume that the oilpressure islow. Stop the engine immediately andmake arrangements to test oil pressure.

-Remove pressure gauge and reinstall pressure switch with new sealing washer.

Tightening torque

If testing shows low oil pressure, one or more of the following conditions may be indicated:

Worn or faulty oil pump or faulty pump pressure relief valve

Worn or damaged engine bearings

Severe engine wear

Any of these conditions indicatethe need for major repairs.

Oil pressure warning system, testing

4 When the ignition is turned on, the oil pressure warning light comes on. When the engine is started and the oil pressure rises slightly, the oil pressure switch (arrow) contact opens and the warning light goes out. Make sure the oil level is correct before making tests.

- Turn- ignition switch on.

- Remove connector from oil pressure switch.

Warning light on instrument panel must go out.

NOTE-

If the light does not go out, the wiring to the switch is most likelygrounded somewhere between the switch terminaland the warning light See ELEElectrical Wiring Diagrams for electrical schematics.

-If warning light does not light when ignition is on, remove connector from oil pressure switch and use a jumper wire to ground connector terminal to a clean metal surface. The oil pressure warning light should come on.

NOTE-

If there are two wires to the oil pressure switch, ground the brown/green wire that carries the signal to the warning light.

-If the warning light comes on, check the switch as described in the next step. If the warning light does not come on, the wiring to the instrument cluster or to the light itself is faulty.

Lubrication stern/

Remove remaining seal carrier bolts (arrows) and carefully remove seal carrier without damaging the oil pan gasltet.

CAUTION-

After removingseal carrier, checlcoilpan gasket for damage. Ifgasket is damagedduring removal, remove oilpan (as describedlater) and replacegasket.

<Remove old seal and install new seal into seal carrier using BMW special tools 11 1 260 and 00 5 500.

NOTE-

A new radial seal is usedfrom 4/98 production, and is the only version available from BMW as a replacement. The newsealno longer uses a spring to support the sealing lip. Do not lcinlc or damage the sealing lip. Do not touch with fingers.

*BMW offers the rear main seal carrier and seal in a lit A plastic support bushing, required for sliding the seal over the crankshaft, is included with the lcit.

Do not use BMW special tool 1 I 2 213 (mstallation guide) with the new style seal. Use only the specialtoolsupphed with the seal lcit.

When reinstalling seal carrier to crankcase:

Check locating sleeves for damage.

Replace gasltet between rear main seal carrier and crankcase.

Apply thin coat of 3 Bond 8 1209 or equivalent sealant to oil pan gasket sealing surfaces.

* Lubricate crankshaft seal contact surface.

Use plastic support bushing (A) that comes with seal ltit as an installation -quide, fittina- seal over end of crankshaft. Use care to push seal carrier and support bushing on straight, without tilting sideways. Remove support bushing.

-lnstall seal carrier bolts and torque to specifications.

4 Use new bolts (arrows)at base of seal carrier. Coat threads with sealing compound before installing.

- Install and tighten oil pan bolts.

- When reinstalling seal carrier to crankcase:

Check locating sleeves for damage.

Replace gasitet between rear main seal carrier and cranltcase.

Apply thin coat of 3 Bond 8 1209 or equivalent sealant to oil pan gasltet sealing surfaces.

* Lubricate crankshaft and seal contact surfaces.

4 Use BMW special tool 11 2 390 as an installation guide in fitting seal over end of cranltshaft. Use care to push seal carrier and support bushing on straight, without tilting. Remove installation guide carefully.

-Replace sealing washers under seal carrier mounting bolts.

-Install seal carrier mounting bolts and torque to specilications.

-lnstall oil pan bolts.

-Remainder of assembly is reverse of disassembly.

Install flywheel using new bolts,

Install clutch or torque converter and transmission.

*Fill engine with oil.

Run engine and checlt for leaks.

119-10

Lubrication System

Oil pan, removing and installing (6-cylinder)

The engine oil pan removal procedure requires that the engine be supportedfrom the top and the front suspensionsubframe be lowered.

-Raise car and place securely on jack stands.

Make sure the car is stable and wellsupportedat all times.

Use a professionalautomotivelift orjackstands designedfor

-Remove splash shield from under engine.

-Drain engine oil as described in 020 Maintenance.

4 Remove oil dipsticlc guide tube:

-Disconnect fuel lines and wiring harness from bracket (A). Disconnect oil separator hose (B)from base of guide tube.

Remove mounting bolt (C) from left engine mounting bracket and remove tube from oil pan.

NOTE-

*Ifnecessary, removeair filter assemblyfor better access to dipsticlc tube.

The dipstickguide tube is sealed in the block using an O- ring. Check that the O-ring comes out with the tube.

4 Lift hood into assembly position:

While supporting the hood, disconnect hood support struts.

Raise hood and install loclting bolts (arrow) in right and left hinges.

WARNING-

Be sure to support hood while disconnecting support struts.