Anyone change oil drain plugs from allen to magnetic hex?

Spun Crankhub · 10-24-2017, 12:20 AM

Got hold of a couple magnetic oil drain plugs in preparation for doing my first oil change since owning my car. Just wondering if anyone has swapped out the allen head style in favor of a more traditional hex.

roastbeef · 10-24-2017, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TacoChris

Got hold of a couple magnetic oil drain plugs in preparation for doing my first oil change since owning my car. Just wondering if anyone has swapped out the allen head style in favor of a more traditional hex.

Where did you get them from? The ECS tuning plugs don't fit.

drrust · 10-24-2017, 06:26 AM

The drain plugs are in a slight recess. I recall a thread that mentioned that they couldn't get a wrench/socket to fit in the recess when using one of the ECS plugs.

jdamore · 10-24-2017, 11:38 AM

What parts are made of magnetic material (that come in contact with oil of course)? ie: lead and copper found in bearings are not magnetic.

Good luck with your oil change, OP!

ghostofsenna · 10-24-2017, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drrust

The drain plugs are in a slight recess. I recall a thread that mentioned that they couldn't get a wrench/socket to fit in the recess when using one of the ECS plugs.

That was my thread. The recessed area in which the plug fits does not allow for any standard wrench/socket to properly fit, thus requiring the allen head OEM plug.

Here is the thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1293941

xxxian08 · 10-24-2017, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostofsenna

That was my thread. The recessed area in which the plug fits does not allow for any standard wrench/socket to properly fit, thus requiring the allen head OEM plug.

Here is the thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1293941

Not only that, but the hex head extends past the skid plate. Imagine hitting something that bends or breaks the drain plug.

inTgr8r · 10-24-2017, 01:10 PM

I've seen several of these types of plugs that are not well made at all.
Often the threads are poorly cut and not smooth at all.

Z K · 10-24-2017, 01:45 PM

The allen key head is needed because of the recessed location of the drain plug. You'd need a pretty unique hex head bolt to make it fit in there.

Spun Crankhub · 10-24-2017, 04:36 PM

Logistically I didnt think these would work. The brand I believe is mechunik, Bimmian sells em. Probably end up listing them for sale on the 335 forum.

GeorgeA · 10-24-2017, 05:06 PM

Ive heard about the magnetic portion breaking off and ending up in the oil which is scary. Not sure how true that is but I would not risk it considering the material floating in the oil isn't even mostly magnetic.

10-24-2017, 12:20 AM	#1
Spun Crankhub Major General 965 Rep 5,032 Posts Drives: 15 F82 SOLD Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (63)	Anyone change oil drain plugs from allen to magnetic hex? Got hold of a couple magnetic oil drain plugs in preparation for doing my first oil change since owning my car. Just wondering if anyone has swapped out the allen head style in favor of a more traditional hex.
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10-24-2017, 06:26 AM	#3
drrust Captain 336 Rep 724 Posts Drives: E90 M3 DCT Sedan Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	The drain plugs are in a slight recess. I recall a thread that mentioned that they couldn't get a wrench/socket to fit in the recess when using one of the ECS plugs.
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10-24-2017, 11:38 AM	#4
jdamore Captain 433 Rep 855 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (4)	What parts are made of magnetic material (that come in contact with oil of course)? ie: lead and copper found in bearings are not magnetic. Good luck with your oil change, OP! __________________ -- 08 JB e92 6MT ///M3 ESS VT2-625 --
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10-24-2017, 01:10 PM	#7
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2432 Rep 11,667 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	I've seen several of these types of plugs that are not well made at all. Often the threads are poorly cut and not smooth at all. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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10-24-2017, 01:45 PM	#8
Z K Major General 1889 Rep 5,506 Posts Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (3)	The allen key head is needed because of the recessed location of the drain plug. You'd need a pretty unique hex head bolt to make it fit in there. __________________ Auto Detailing Enthusiast!
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10-24-2017, 04:36 PM	#9
Spun Crankhub Major General 965 Rep 5,032 Posts Drives: 15 F82 SOLD Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (63)	Logistically I didnt think these would work. The brand I believe is mechunik, Bimmian sells em. Probably end up listing them for sale on the 335 forum.
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10-24-2017, 05:06 PM	#10
GeorgeA Major 758 Rep 1,408 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	Ive heard about the magnetic portion breaking off and ending up in the oil which is scary. Not sure how true that is but I would not risk it considering the material floating in the oil isn't even mostly magnetic.
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