E46 M3 Oil Pan Center Gasket Orientation

[DMA]

Trying to find the answer on the correct orientation for the center oil pan gasket (pn#11137832023) on the e46 m3. I have watched all the DIYs videos, posts, articles, TIS docs and cannot find anything that confirms the correct orientation.

The gasket has a raised ridge around the middle, should this be facing the oil pan or the oil strainer cover? I feel like it should be facing the oil strainer cover since the oil pan itself has the smoother surface but not sure.

Appreciate any help on this. Thank You.

[cobra]

Yeah usually that ridge goes towards the less perfect surface

[DMA]

Yeah usually that ridge goes towards the less perfect surface

Exactly, that's what I am thinking. Since the cover is the less perfect surface face it towards that. Appreciate the response.

[cobra]

I think what I did on mine was put a thin layer of Yamabond 4 on each side. Can't go wrong and now it'll never leak!

[DMA]

I think what I did on mine was put a thin layer of Yamabond 4 on each side. Can't go wrong and now it'll never leak!

Did the same with Corteco EVO300 silicon sealer. Small layer on each side and faced the ridge towards the cover. Going to let it cure for about 24hrs and then refill the oil and test. Appreciate the help.

[Grke46m3]

Yes I need to do this as well with maybe a Honda bond. So tired of this gasket leaking all the time.


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[DMA]

I asked a couple shops on which orientation and the one that responded said they prefer to install them with the ridge facing the oil pan. However, they said that it should work in either orientation as long as both mating surfaces are clean.

The install with the silicone gasket maker did not leak but I ended up redoing it because of separate issue. This time I installed it ridge towards oil pan/no silicone making sure both surfaces were as smooth as possible and after about 100+ miles no leaks.

[BL92]

What exactly is the purpose of this centre cover ?

[bmwfnatic]

What exactly is the purpose of this centre cover ?

The rear oil pump pickup lives in the centre of it, the cone with holes seems to be some kind of baffle. It’s easier to install the oil pan without this cover, so you don’t have to worry about lining it up exactly.

[BL92]

Thank you

i think mine is leaking, is it common for them to leak?
CPV already done with new sump bolt and washer

[BL92]

What's up with the price difference on the 2?

[discoelk]

"OEM" tax

[bmwfnatic]

Thank you

i think mine is leaking, is it common for them to leak?
CPV already done with new sump bolt and washer

Yeah pretty common, be sure to figure out if you need the large one or the smaller one, there’s 2 versions.

[Slideways]

What's up with the price difference on the 2?

Since this is an easy gasket to get to if it were to leak, the Victor Reinz gasket should be fine.