stripped tranny fill plug

[randyg]

so, i decided to change the tranny fluid in my '01 330ci with 130k. Starting point was making sure i could remove the fill plug (ZF tranny). well, very little room to work up there on the side of tranny, so i couldn't get breaker bar in , and tried to break it with an 8mm allen and a hammer. well, must really be torqued an of course i stripped it. NOW WHAT? only about 3 inches to work with. Sure would appreciate any ideas. Thx.

[dhurley34]

Order a new plug, then take a pair of vice grips and lock them around the outside perimeter of the plug and remove it. You will destroy it, but it will come off. Theres only about 1/8in of material to work with (red line on the pic).
Capture.JPG

[randyg]

Order a new plug, then take a pair of vice grips and lock them around the outside perimeter of the plug and remove it. You will destroy it, but it will come off. Theres only about 1/8in of material to work with (red line on the pic).
Capture.JPG

Yes, I already had ordered the new plug. Thanks!... I will give it the old college try.

[Eaglesail]

Similar an issue is the engine oil drain plug although that plug is wrenched via 17mm socket. The oil drain plug (mine an 03 e46) has a hollowed core the full length of the thread area of the plug. The metal space of the plug body to the thread is very thin. If slightly over torqued upon tightening (we want to crush that copper washer somewhat) this drain plug (steel) will break thus leaving the threaded (steel) body of the drain plug still inserted inside the threaded aluminium oil pan drain plug boss. BMW revised these steel metal drain plugs with thicker walls between outside threaded body and inner hollow. I was able to remove the threaded plug body easily. I have read that the transmission plug can be a problem as you described above as well...just thought I'd mention the engine oil drain plug too.