APDTY 133801 is a brand new, upgraded magnetic engine oil drain plug with crush gasket designed to replace worn or stripped drain plugs on select BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, and Lincoln vehicles. This magnetic design captures metal debris in your engine oil while the included crush gasket ensures a leak-free seal during every oil change.
Key Takeaways
- Upgraded magnetic design captures metal particles and debris from engine oil
- Includes new crush gasket for proper sealing and leak prevention
- Thread size M12 x 1.50mm with 17mm hex head
- Replaces OE numbers 11137535106, 002 997 3430, 1113 1273 093, and others
- Compatible with select 1968-2021 BMW, 1972-2019 Mercedes-Benz, 2014-2021 Mini, and 1984 Lincoln models—always verify fitment using the compatibility chart
Buy APDTY 133801 directly from APDTY
What Does the APDTY 133801 Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Do?
The engine oil drain plug is a threaded fastener located at the lowest point of your oil pan. It serves as the removable access point for draining used engine oil during routine maintenance. The APDTY 133801 goes beyond basic function with its upgraded magnetic tip, which attracts and captures ferrous metal particles circulating in your engine oil—debris from normal wear on camshafts, crankshafts, and other moving parts.
Each drain plug comes with a new crush gasket (also called a crush washer or sealing washer). This single-use copper or aluminum gasket deforms slightly when torqued, creating a metal-to-metal seal that prevents oil leaks. Always replace the crush gasket at every oil change; reusing old gaskets is a common cause of slow drips and oil pan seepage.
What Are the Symptoms of a Damaged or Worn Drain Plug?
Oil drain plugs fail due to over-tightening, cross-threading, corrosion, or repeated reuse of worn gaskets. Watch for these warning signs:
- Oil spots or puddles under the vehicle: Fresh oil dripping from the oil pan indicates a leaking drain plug or gasket.
- Stripped threads: If the drain plug spins freely or requires excessive force to tighten, the threads in the oil pan may be damaged.
- Low oil level between changes: Slow leaks can cause gradual oil loss, triggering the low oil warning light.
- Visible damage to the plug head: Rounded-off hex head or cracks from impact or over-torque.
- Old or flattened crush washer: A reused gasket will not seal properly and will weep oil.
Ignoring a leaking drain plug can lead to engine damage from oil starvation. Replace the drain plug and gasket at the first sign of seepage.
Which Vehicles Are Compatible with APDTY 133801?
According to the verified product specifications, APDTY 133801 is compatible with:
- Select 1968-2021 BMW models
- Select 1972-2002 Mercedes-Benz models
- Select 2004-2019 Mercedes-Benz models
- Select 2014-2021 Mini models
- Select 1984 Lincoln models
Important: Compatibility varies by specific year, model, submodel, and engine type. You must verify fitment for your exact vehicle using the live compatibility chart on the product page before ordering. Do not rely on year range alone—certain trims or engine configurations may use different drain plug specifications.
APDTY 133801 Specifications and OE Cross-Reference
This upgraded magnetic drain plug meets or exceeds OE specifications and directly replaces multiple factory part numbers:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| APDTY Part Number | 133801 |
| Thread Size | M12 x 1.50mm |
| Head Size | 17mm hex |
| Design | Magnetic tip (upgraded) |
| Includes | Crush gasket (sealing washer) |
| Replaces OE Numbers | 002 997 3430, 1113 1273 093, 11137535106, 123 997 04 30, E45Y 6730-A, EA 6730-A |
Note: For a standard (non-magnetic) drain plug alternative, see APDTY-66247.
How to Install the APDTY 133801 Oil Drain Plug
Replacing an oil drain plug is straightforward, but proper procedure is critical to avoid cross-threading or damaging the oil pan. Follow these general steps:
- Warm the engine slightly (not hot) to thin the oil for faster draining.
- Lift and support the vehicle safely on jack stands or ramps. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Position a drain pan under the oil pan drain hole.
- Remove the old drain plug using a 17mm wrench or socket. Allow oil to drain completely.
- Inspect the oil pan threads for damage. If stripped, the pan may need a thread repair kit or replacement.
- Clean the drain plug area and remove any old gasket material.
- Install the new crush gasket onto the APDTY 133801 drain plug.
- Thread the new plug by hand to ensure it seats properly without cross-threading.
- Torque to manufacturer specification—typically 18-25 ft-lbs for M12 plugs, but consult your vehicle's service manual for exact torque.
- Refill with the correct type and quantity of engine oil.
- Start the engine and check for leaks around the drain plug. Shut off and recheck oil level after a few minutes.
Safety Reminder: Hot engine oil can cause severe burns. Always allow the engine to cool sufficiently before draining oil. Wear gloves and eye protection. Dispose of used oil and filters at a certified recycling facility.
Why Choose a Magnetic Drain Plug?
The magnetic upgrade in APDTY 133801 provides an added layer of engine protection. As oil circulates, microscopic metal particles from normal engine wear accumulate. While your oil filter traps most contaminants, very fine ferrous particles can pass through. The magnetic drain plug tip attracts and holds these particles, preventing them from recirculating and causing additional abrasive wear on bearings, cylinder walls, and other precision surfaces.
During each oil change, you can inspect the magnet to gauge engine wear—a small amount of fine metallic fuzz is normal, but large chunks or excessive buildup may indicate accelerated wear or internal damage requiring further diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse the crush gasket that comes with APDTY 133801?
No. Crush gaskets are designed for single use only. Once torqued, the gasket deforms to create a seal and cannot be reused without risking an oil leak. Always install a fresh crush gasket at every oil change.
Will APDTY 133801 fit my 2015 BMW 328i?
APDTY 133801 is listed as compatible with select 1968-2021 BMW models, but you must verify your specific year, model, and engine using the compatibility chart on the product page. Do not assume fitment based on year and model alone.
What is the difference between APDTY 133801 and APDTY-66247?
APDTY 133801 features an upgraded magnetic design to capture metal debris, while APDTY-66247 is the standard (non-magnetic) version. Both share the same thread and head dimensions (M12 x 1.50, 17mm hex) and include a crush gasket.
How much torque should I apply to the drain plug?
For M12 x 1.50 drain plugs, typical torque specification is 18-25 ft-lbs, but you should always consult your vehicle's factory service manual for the exact torque value. Over-tightening can strip threads or crack the oil pan; under-tightening can cause leaks.
A leaking or damaged oil drain plug is more than an inconvenience—it's a threat to your engine's health. The APDTY 133801 magnetic oil drain plug with crush gasket delivers a direct-fit, OE-quality replacement with the added benefit of capturing harmful metal debris. Whether you're performing routine maintenance on your BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, or Lincoln, this upgraded drain plug ensures a secure seal and long-term engine protection. Always verify fitment using the compatibility chart, and replace the crush gasket at every oil change for leak-free performance.