Oil Service woes

[Raz316]

So I tried doing it myself, but couldnt undo the plug to drain the oil.

Ive just tried taking it to a garage and they cant undo it either, and wont force it incase they ruin the sump.

though i couldnt undo it at all... they managed to start undoing it but then it became really tight and didnt want to force it.

Im really at a loss as to what to do now. Anyone got any suggestions?

thanks

[Turbo-Brown]

Perhaps warm the sump a little whilst trying to undo it?

Other than that, not really sure what you can do other than apply more torque to it

Good luck!

[E30BeemerLad]

would this happen if the previous hooligan who changed the oil never put a washer on the sump plug?

[Raz316]

Ahh sorry, forgot to mention..

though i couldnt undo it at all... they managed to start undoing it but then it became really tight and didnt want to force it.

[Turbo-Brown]

Aah, mine did that when I last changed the oil.

I'm not recommending that you force it, but perhaps take it out for a blast to get the oil good and hot and then try again immediately.

Be careful not to burn yourself though!

[Brianmoooore]

Some of the "qiickfit" type places change oil by sucking it out through the dipstick hole. Doesn't help with your sump, but at least you could change the oil.
If you want to continue with the sump plug, then worlk it over and back, unscrewing it a bit more every time. Helps to have the engine hot.
I expect the thread in the sump will be ruined, so you will either have to have it helicoiled, or tapped to accept a bigger sump plug.
Never had this problem with a BMW, but have acouple of times on old type minis.

[Raz316]

thanks you lot

will give the suggestions a try.

[bullitt]

With the engine cold use a blow lamp to heat the sump around the drain hole, the alloy will expand and then unscrew the steel drain bung..