Has anyone ran into when the thread for the oil pan bolt was stripped?
Was doing the oil change and I noticed when I was taking off the oil pan bolt that there was metal within the threads of the bolt. Looked in the hole and there's no thread inside for the bolt to catch on.
Not fun.
Looking online trying to find a solution but not really getting much. I saw a oversized bolt but not sure if you get the original size or the next size up.
Then there's also a thing called ecobolt, which is an oversize bolt but you leave it in there.

Out of warranty so not sure what to do next.

 

You could try the oversized bolt but if you arne't comfortable with that you can always replace the oil pan.

 

Going to try the eco-plug. Hopefully it works. Seems to have positive reviews.

 

Wondering if you had success with the eco-plug? I've run into the same situation and need to find a solution...TIA

 

Well I did one thing for a while. I used one of those plus where when you screw it, it expands to fill the plug. This what I used: Dorman 65200 Oil Drain Plug Universal 1/2 In. Can get it at O'Reily's or on Amazon.
But then I ended up just rethreading it with this kit: TIME-SERT M12 X 1.50 Metric Drain Plug Repair Kit. Here it is on Amazon: .
It was nerve raking while doing it. But I've had it for over 3 years, and it's been fine.
I also got the Stahlbus Oil Drain Valve - M12x1.5x12mm so I wouldn't have to keep on changing the oil pan bolt.

 

Some good solutions above, my question is who stripped it, have you been doing the oil changes?

 

The MINI dealership has a special tool/kit that drills out the hole collecting most of the debris, then has a one size up plug. Might be work the $$ to have them do it.

 

Was a shop. Didn't have my jack with me to do it myself. Didn't notice it was stripped til I did the following change.

 

Good stuff in this post. Thank you for the detail.