Hi, guys:
I tried to change my oil yesterday on my 2000 323Ci, but the oil drain plug was stripped. I think it was done previously by the Goodyear people when I have it done there last time...
I have been using a socket wrench to twist it but it just keeps going around and around in both directions.
I also tried some other methods that brought success to others including using a flathead screw driver to apply pressure between the bolt and the drain pan, and use a noose plier to twist and pull, none worked.
I did some search around here, and found out that the drain plug is suppose to be softer than the pan and it is hollow all the way through. But I am panicking cuz I don't know whether they used an OEM plug, anyway here is the pic:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xol5000/th_IMG_0625.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xol5000/IMG_0625.jpg)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xol5000/th_IMG_0628.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c242/xol5000/IMG_0628.jpg)

I noticed there is a M12-1.5 on it, does that mean anything? I am so afraid taht my oil pan is ruined.
I am planning on getting the oil extractor to change my oil this time and wait till the next oil change (3~4 months) to bring it to a local shop that only does BMW repairs next time. Do you guys think this will hold up or it might ruin my car?
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
[Finger crossed] don't be the oil pan... :(

go to goodyear and complain man. If they where the last one who done it. If they don't want to repair it for free, tell them your going to talked to call corporate. They may changed their mind.

I noticed there is a M12-1.5 on it, does that mean anything?
That's the metric thread spec of the bolt: M12x1.5.

The photos of the bolt head look similar to what I have, but there are no markings on mine.

thats strange, the bolt doesnt look in really bad condition.. rounded off bolts are really easy to remove.. if its not attatched to the car and holding back oil.. its a pain becuase u cant get a pair on mole grips on it because it sits in a hole..

have u tried knocking on an imperial socket? find one that is roughly the same size but slightly smalled and smash it on with a hammer, u might struggle to get it out of your socket afterwards but hey.. who used imperial any more lol. obviously get a new bolt ready..

if the bolt just spins you have a big probley the oil pan is alluminum and the plug is not and someone decided to over tighten your plug. have you tried placeing a flat head screw driver between the head of the bolt and the oil pan and pryingit slightly just anuff to apply presure and then try to loosen the bolt. might not work but worth a shot.

good luck

Those wrench monkeys don't care that the drain plug should only be tightened to 18ft/lb, they tighten it until they can no longer tighten it anymore, then one more turn just because. You take a gamble anytime you go to a low budget place like Goodyear.

i had this happen on my friends car not too long ago, i took the sump off, drilled the hole out one size bigger, tapped it and put a new bolt in. worked a treat :D