Upper oil pan replacement

[Bonzo]

I really apologize as I'm sure this post exists somewhere already but my searching is yet to turn it up.

I have a cracked lower and upper oil pan in my '91 e30 318i. Is there someone with a play-by-play instruction on lifting the engine to slide the upper pan out and replace it? Preferably with pictures?

I'm basically looking for confirmation that all I have to do is loosen the motor mounts and don't actually have disconnect my cooling system/power steering/exhaust systems to get this pan out and (the new one) back in? It does seem like I just need an extra inch or two to clear it, but I also don't want to break anything while trying to lift the engine...

Thanks and sorry for what I'm sure is a very tired re-posting of a subject!
 

[Bonzo]

So I went ahead and replaced my upper oil pan and will explain how I did it for future users' reference. Faced with the choice between removing the suspension components or lifting the engine to get out the upper oil pan, I chose the lift option. Here's what I did:

1. Put the the front end up on stands
2. Removed the fan shroud and fan
3. Removed the hood
4. Used a small lift to slowly raise the engine. I had read from other e30 models (m20 engine, for example) that you could keep the nuts of the engine mounts attached at the very end of their threads and still lift the engine just enough to pull the pan out past the suspension. From my experience, that doesn't work with the m42, and I ended up tearing my motor mounts. Sucks, but they were the originals so could use replacing anyhow. Either way, if you want to keep your motor mounts make certain you completely remove the nuts before lifting.
5. I would say you need at least six inches of lift to slide the pan out.
6. This has been covered in other posts, but make certain you count all your pan bolts since those 6 near the sump (on the inside of the pan) completely worked lose and were sitting in the bottom of my lower pan.
7. Cleaned both pans, replaced gaskets (using RTV black) and carefully (with help) slid the pan back into place.

Point is, you CAN replace the upper pan on an M42 by slowly lifting the engine a minimal amount.

Cheers!

[wazzu70]

For future reference you can also loosen the front subframe bolts and let the subframe hang down a bit to gain extra clearance

[DRTE30]

Did you remember to use locktite on the bolts that hold the upper pan in place?  You would be shocked at how many m42's are driving around with one or two bolts laying in the oil pan just waiting to ruin the owners day when one gets sucked up or wedges into the crank assembly.