W211 E320CDI 3-litre: sump removal

[Cider Andy]

I have a 2005 E320CDI W211 E-Class, with the later 3.0 V6 engine. While having one of the engine mountings replaced, the berk who did the job cracked the [aluminium] sump, causing (as you can imagine) a major oil leak. But he's denied breaking it and I've got nowhere with him. Besides which, I wouldn't be confident in letting him undertake the repair.

Anyhow, I digress. I have a replacement sump which I've taken to a garage to get a price for fitting but it's prohibitively expensive. They tell me the lower subframe has to be removed but that the engine is mounted on it. So the job is almost engine-out, taking a minimum of seven hours, hence the price.

So! Has anyone else had to do it? I'm not bothered if it's a long job but is it a DIY job on the driveway?

[Rat_Fink_67]

Did a few of these years ago. I seem to remember the sump being in two pieces, an upper and lower. The upper portion requires the gearbox to be removed to access the rear bolts. The get the lower portion off I used to disconnect the engine mounts and raise the engine for clearance.

[Krikkit]

Any decent garage should have a support bar to prop the engine up from the strut tops. Not surprised it's a tricky job mind.

[Dunit]

Depending where the crack is you may be able to repair it by covering with a ally plate and epoxy resin.
Need to make sure all the oil is out and flushed out with white spirit, Also jacking the car to cause a slope away from the damaged area.

[Cider Andy]

That would certainly be cheaper! I'll get it up in the air and have a look.

[Dunit]

Just make sure the surface is perfectly clean and dry and it should be ok.
I have repaired a fair no of sumps this way when doing short circuit racing.