Oil pans

The oil pan is a key component of the engine lubrication system. It serves as a reservoir for engine oil, which lubricates, cools, and protects engine components from wear. A properly designed and sealed oil pan ensures the proper operation of the lubrication system, and its technical condition directly impacts the lifespan and performance of the engine. At Global Parts, you'll find a wide selection of used car parts. , including oil pans fitted to BMW , Audi , Mercedes , Volkswagen , Mini and others.

What is the role of the oil pan?

The oil pan is not only a tank for oil, but also an important element of the lubrication system:

• Oil Storage – The oil pan collects oil that is pumped by the oil pump to key engine components.
• Heat Dissipation – Helps cool the oil, preventing it from overheating while the engine is running.
• Lower Engine Seal – Protects against oil leaks and external contamination.
• Drain plug mounting location – Makes changing the engine oil easier during maintenance. Oil pans are made of durable materials such as aluminum or steel, which ensure durability and resistance to damage. Typical oil pan capacity for BMW E46 engines is 4-5 liters, for the E60 around 6 liters, and for the Ford Mondeo MK4 5.5 liters. Pan wall thickness ranges from 2 to 3 mm for steel models and 3-4 mm for aluminum ones. Pans are designed to ensure optimal oil flow to the pump, eliminating the risk of cavitation and lubrication starvation under severe operating conditions, such as when driving at steep inclines.

Why is it worth taking care of the oil pan?

The condition of the oil pan is crucial to the proper operation of the engine. Neglecting this component can lead to:

• Oil leaks – Causes loss of lubrication, which can cause serious engine damage.
• Oil overheating – Due to damage or contamination that impedes heat dissipation.
• Mechanical damage – Caused by impacts, e.g. against obstacles on the road. At Global Parts we offer original used oil pans , which have undergone detailed quality tests, guaranteeing their tightness and durability. Aluminum oil pans are lighter and dissipate heat better, which improves oil cooling, while steel pans are more resistant to mechanical impacts. The BMW E87 and E90 more often use aluminum to reduce vehicle weight, while the Ford Mondeo MK4 uses steel to increase the strength of its diesel engines.

How to choose the right oil pan?

When choosing an oil pan, there are several key aspects to consider:

• Vehicle-specific fit – Every engine has specific design requirements. At Global Parts, you'll find oil pans perfectly suited to BMW , Audi , Mercedes , Volkswagen , Mini , and more.
• Technical condition – A used oil pan should be free from cracks, corrosion and other damage.
• Material – Choose a pan made of the appropriate material (steel or aluminum) adapted to the operating conditions of your vehicle.

Sample Oil Pan and Compatibility Chart

Vehicle model	Bowl type	Material	Oil capacity	Comments
BMW E46	BMW E46 oil pan oil pan	Aluminum	4.5 liters	Optimal for 1.6–3.0 L petrol engines
BMW E60	BMW E60 oil pan	Aluminum	6 l	Gasoline and diesel engines
Ford Mondeo MK4	Ford Mondeo MK4 oil pan	Steel	5.5 liters	Diesel and petrol 2.0–2.5 L
BMW E87	BMW E87 oil pan	Aluminum	4.5 liters	Compact petrol units
BMW E90	BMW E90 oil pan	Aluminum	5–6 liters	Gasoline and diesel engines

Why choose used oil pans?

Used car parts , such as oil pans, are a solution that combines savings with high quality. By choosing used oil pans, you gain:

• Lower costs – Used components are much cheaper than new ones, but offer equally high quality.
• Ecology – Recycling car parts supports environmental protection and reduces waste.
• A wide range – In our store you will find oil pans for the most popular car brands. Oil pans in modern cars often feature built-in channels and baffles to reduce oil surges during acceleration and cornering. This allows the oil pump to maintain a constant oil supply, even during dynamic driving. In the BMW E46, the oil pan has additional reinforcements at the oil pump and drain plug mounting points.

How to take care of the oil pan?

To keep the oil pan working efficiently for a long time, it is worth following a few rules:

• Regularly check the oil pan for leaks and the condition of the drain plug.
• Replace the gaskets every time you remove the bowl to prevent leaks.
• Avoid impacts and mechanical damage, especially when driving on uneven roads. If you need to replace your oil pan, you'll find the right used car parts at Global Parts. that will restore full functionality to your lubrication system.

Oil pan inspection and installation procedure

When installing the oil pan, you should:

1. Clean the contact surface of the pan and engine block .
2. Install a new gasket or high temperature silicone .
3. Tighten the pan to the manufacturer's recommended torque (usually 10–15 Nm).
4. Check for leaks after filling with oil and running the engine for a short time.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about oil pans

Question	Answer
What is an oil pan?	The oil pan is a reservoir for engine oil that allows it to flow to the pump and engine components, providing lubrication and cooling.
What is the function of the oil pan in the lubrication system?	In addition to storing oil, the oil pan dissipates heat, provides a seal for the lower part of the engine, and allows for the installation of a drain plug.
Why is choosing the right oil pan material important?	The material influences mechanical strength and heat dissipation: aluminum cools better, steel is more impact resistant.
How often should you replace the oil pan gasket?	Ideally, every time the pan is removed or every 80,000–100,000 km to ensure the tightness of the lubrication system.
Is a used oil pan safe?	Yes, if it is free from damage and corrosion and fitted to a specific vehicle model, e.g. BMW E60 or Ford Mondeo MK4.
How to check the tightness of the oil pan after installation?	After filling with oil, run the engine for a few minutes and check for leaks around the drain plug and mounting bolts.

Summary: Oil pans at Global Parts Automotive Store

Oil pans are the foundation of the engine's lubrication and cooling systems. By maintaining their technical condition, you ensure the reliability and longevity of your vehicle. Global Parts automotive store invites you to browse our wide selection of genuine used car parts . Whether you're looking for car parts for BMW , Audi , Volkswagen , Mercedes, Mini , or others, you'll find them at competitive prices. We strive to ensure every customer finds the right parts for their car, and if you have any questions or concerns about selecting the right components, we're happy to help! Please contact us – we're here to help! For more information and interesting facts, visit our automotive blog .