<E28> Oil Pan and Driveshaft problems

["Richard F. Viehdorfer" <viehdorfer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, the pan can be welded. It is an inexpensive repair itself, but
removing/replacing the pan is a several hour proposition. While you are there,
check the chain for the oil pump, replace the pan gasket, and check your motor
mounts, especially the drivers side.
As a temporary fix, drain the pain, clean the area around the crack with brake
cleaner, and build up the area with JB Weld. JB Weld is an epoxy-type compound
that I used on a MAJOR fracture on my pan; I lost all the oil in the pan in
under 10 minutes. I was out of town, with no facilities, and I was
successfully able to drive 600+ miles home after the JB Weld repair. And for
several weeks thereafter. You can use it to build up the area with subsequent
applications until it stops leaking. The drawback is that you won't know if it
is still leaking, or if you have stopped the leak, unless you put more oil in.
It can be a bit time consuming. I spent 7 hours to fix this repair.
The JB Weld is mixed and applied with any tool you desire; it cures in about
15 minutes and is rock hard.
As for you driveshaft, yes, you can buy the parts, but I know of no one with
the tools to replace the part. The driveshafts were designed to be of a
proprietary nature; they need to be exchanged. I would get your money back, or
at least a credit, and look in the ROUNDEL for a driveshaft supplier. I spent
$300 (after core charge) on mine last fall. While you are there, check your
guibo, vibration damper, center bearing, transmission seals, and replace ALL
the bolts with new ones. I suspect that you will need to replace some, if not
all of these items. The vibration damper, which is used to reduce transmission
noise, was not installed on all models, and can be particularly expensive;
$400+. If necessary, you can remove the worn section of the vibration damper
with a sawz-all, and not have to replace it. The disadvantage to not replacing
it is more gearbox noise in the interior.

Hope this helps...

Rick Viehdorfer
86 535i
BMW CCA #148171
Rocky Mountain Chapter

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