Subject: No special tools, aside from a socket wrench. Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 12933 posts Posted on: 2005-04-22 12:27:28

You didn't say whether you have a 4.4 8-cylinder or the 3.0 6-cylinder model. Both should use the same procedure, but assuming it's the 8-cylinder, open the oil fill cap on top and remove the dipstick, then remove the plastic cover from beneath the engine. Unscrew the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan to empty the old oil. After that, tighten (but don't overtighten or cross-thread) the drain plug and replace the plastic engine cover.

Back on top, unscrew the cover of the oil cannister to remove the filter. I believe it takes a 36mm hex socket (Sears has them), or you can use an adjustable wrench. Note the orientation of the filter (up vs. down) and the rubber "O" ring -- there should be a new one with your new filter. Insert the new filter and tighten the cannister cover again. Be careful not to overtighten the cannister cover as it sits on rubber vibration dampening bolts that can easily break if too much torque is applied.

Finally, replace the dipstick then put in your oil. Put in just a little less than what your owner's manual calls for, then let it drain down and check the dipstick for level. Add whatever is necessary to obtain full level after that and replace the oil fill cover.

When you start the car, it's normal for the oil pressure light to stay on for a few seconds. It should go off quickly, though.

BTW, make sure that you have the correct filter and oil in hand before starting. An easy rookie mistake is to drain the oil and then discover that the parts guy gave you the wrong filter.

What kind of oil are you going to use? I like the BMW-brand synthetic oil but Castrol and Mobil1 are good, too.

David Cecil
Lexington, KY
Titanium silver '01 750iL, 92k miles
Oxford green '97 740iL, 184k miles
Alpine white '92 750iL, 95k miles (for sale)
Charcoal gray '86 735i, 101k miles (for sale)

Visit e38.org for everything technical about your BMW
Do your Amazon shopping through BimmerBoard on AMAZON and support this forum!



E38 mods: Factory nav retrofit, widescreen display, XM satellite receiver in place of CD changer, custom Valentine1 stealth interface to instrument cluster, BimmerNav bluetooth, factory xenon headlights retrofit, heated seats x4 retrofit, StrongStrut tower brace, crystal clear taillights and corners, M aluminum pedals, stainless steel brake lines, billet aluminum throttle bushings, staggered 18'' M-parallel wheels with Kumho Ecsta LX rubber, quad brake lights conversion

Home | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Glossary | Advertising Questions, comments, problems, please email webmaster@bimmerboard.com ©Copyright 2003-2011 BimmerBoard, LLC, All Rights Reserved. No content from this web site may be reproduced or copied in any form without the express written consent of BimmerBoard, LLC. The BMW name and logos are registered trademarks of BMW AG and BMW of North America, LLC.