Gearbox drain and filler plugs?

[DrAlf]

I’ve managed to round off quite a few gearbox drain plugs over the previous years and have just done another one. The gearbox drain plugs are a hex fit. Why did BMW design it like this and can anyone see any problems with fitting a standard large diameter bolt instead?

Thoughts? Ta

 

[kennyc]

I’ve managed to round off quite a few gearbox drain plugs over the previous years and have just done another one. The gearbox drain plugs are a hex fit. Why did BMW design it like this and can anyone see any problems with fitting a standard large diameter bolt instead?

Thoughts? Ta

thoughts? get an Allen key that fits? and make sure it is fully inserted before you lean on it.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Bloody good question
I rounded mine off when i changed the gear box oil and i did have a key that fitted but the thing was in so tight (god knows what torque setting had been used at the factory) ended up with a bloody big bar on it and then some stilies !
which reminds me i must get a new one for next time

 

[Steptoe]

There's also a drain plug underneth. Think it's a 14mm hex head, you'll have trouble rounding that one off

 

[cookie]

god knows what torque setting had been used at the factory

Probably was due to blind use of a torque setting instead of having someone who knows what he's doing tightening the bolt.