BMW 320D 2006 M47 Oil Sump Repair

[Meerkat88]

So, my car is in at a garage today to get the oil sump looked at. They helicoiled the sump thread about 3 weeks ago after I managed to overtighten the nut to stop a leak (before it went in for it's MOT). I then noticed it was creating oil puddles on the driveway about a week ago; low and behold the helicoil repair is leaking again.

Can the helicoil be re-helicoiled (if it has failed) or does it need a new sump? I rang BMW and they quoted £360 ish just for the part, it would then also need a gasket and probably an oil level sensor too. This plus the labour to replace would put the repair at around £800 ish (which would put it very close to it's current economic value). I'm planning on selling it anyway as i've had it for 6 years and now want something a bit newer.

Any thoughts/suggestions on what else I can do to keep it running for the new few months that won't cost the earth?

[helix402]

Plenty of used sumps on eBay. Sump plug torque is 25Nm. A new sump gasket is around £15 for a non gen part. Oil, £20ish.

[Meerkat88]

I think I've found a sump on ebay, just awaiting a reply from the seller to confirm the part number. Have also agreed a price with the garage to fit it, so with any luck it won't cost a bomb to get it back on the road.

[anonymous-user]

That sounds like the best way out but if you retain the old sump and want as a spare you could replace the helicoil with a Keensert or similar.