Hi all,


I recently tracked down the source of an oil leak (one of many), it seemed to be coming from the timing chain tensioner plug.


I couldn't find any convenient place to buy a new plug (in Canada) and for some reason neither the plug nor the copper crush washer show up on real OEM. So, rather than replacing the plug I decided to pull the crush washer and replace it. I couldn't find any info online about the specs so i measured my leaky washer.


This may be of use to someone in the future: the crush washer is 22.5mm ID, 27mm OD, and approx 1.5mm thick. It's a bit annoying to take off the plug but it can be done with a pick or a flat-blade screwdriver.


Dorman makes a washer in basically the same dimensions and can be ordered from your local NAPA:

https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-18257-65276.aspx


Cheaper than buying a new plug+washer, and conveniently in stock at my local shop! Job done.


Happy motoring and stay safe.

UPDATE NOV 30, 2021

It seems that my only remaining oil leak is coming from the oil cooler. For those interested in a cheaper alternative than the BMW parts, you may be able to use two 27.5x3.5mm o-rings. The BMW part is a rectangular cross section o-ring with 27.5mm ID, 1.55mm thickness, and 3.45mm height.

I will keep using this thread in the future to keep track of measurements for parts which ought to be sourced cheaper than the price BMW wants for them. Just yesterday I called BMW to get a quote on a coolant hose (P/N 11537509199) and they want $40 for it and it needs to be special ordered from Germany (>2 week lead time). I went to my local parts shop, got them to match the ID and OD of the busted hose and spent less than $2 for the part. BMW's pricing is absurd.