I spent some time under my car checking it out and from what I can tell I need a new engine oil pan gasket. My question is.....Do you have to remove the cradle to do this? You can get to all the bolts around the pan except the back few. It looks like quite a job. Am I just stupid or is there something I'm not seeing? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. The Bently books don't go into this one very much. The car in question is an 87 5K CS quattro Turbo 5spd.

I thought the same thing...I really hope that subframe doesn't have to come off. I'll probably try to get at the back bolts with various wrench types and see what happens. Both the 5ktq and the 5kq have leaky sump gaskets. Joy.

Jack up the car and place the car on jack stands. You do not have to remove the subframe entirely just remove bolt and lower it down (use your hydraulic jack to support subframe before removing bolts). Once all bolts have been removed lower hydraulic jack. Now all bolts are easily accessible. Replacement is in reverse order.

AHHHH now that makes sense. (why didn't I think of that) Thankyou very much audiqv8. I just ordered my gasket today, and now I'll be able to install. I hate leaky cars!!!!!
Randolph