DIY: Let's Change the Engine Oil

JonM · 11-12-2008, 11:12 PM

Saw a request for this. I let the dealer do the 1200 mile service because of the power requirement for transmission fluid change, so I have not changed my own oil yet. I am planning on it at 5000 miles, along with a Blackstone oil analysis. The handwritten notes shown include torque values. Oil filter kit part number is 11 42 7 837 997. This includes the O-ring for the filter cover and all crush washers.

BMWguy206 · 11-12-2008, 11:26 PM

Does anyone know the exact amount of how many liters of 10w-60 are needed? I read on an invoice it's 9 liters but just want to make sure. I've heard parts guys giving the techs a liter more than what's really needed.

rzm3 · 11-12-2008, 11:43 PM

this is very much appreciated

aussiem3 · 11-13-2008, 07:56 AM

All BMW V8, V10 and V12 take 7.5 litres of oil.

Big Windy · 11-13-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiem3

All BMW V8, V10 and V12 take 7.5 litres of oil.

nope. 9 litres are required for 1200 mile service, so i think that the capacity is around 8.8 or 8.9 litres.

JonM · 11-13-2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWguy206

Does anyone know the exact amount of how many liters of 10w-60 are needed? I read on an invoice it's 9 liters but just want to make sure. I've heard parts guys giving the techs a liter more than what's really needed.

The owner's manual quote the numbers for with and without filter change. I will post it if I can bust out of work to get my manual, unless someone beats me to it.

JonM · 11-13-2008, 04:20 PM

Well, I can't find the oil capacity in my manual. Hard to believe. I think I read it in BMWTIS.com, but I didn't print it. Next time I drop $30 for a subscription I will print it out and post.

BMWguy206 · 11-13-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonM

Well, I can't find the oil capacity in my manual. Hard to believe. I think I read it in BMWTIS.com, but I didn't print it. Next time I drop $30 for a subscription I will print it out and post.

TIS says 8.8L with oil filter.

GregW / Oregon · 11-13-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWguy206

TIS says 8.8L with oil filter.

That sound right, though my 1,200 service invoice only lists 8L.

PunjabiM3 · 12-12-2008, 02:16 PM

I just changed my oil myself and it took a total of around 8.4L to fill. The oil level marker is right at the top arrow, so I would say 8.25 should do you just fine. I did let the oil drain for a while so it may take less if you do not let the oil drain completely from the openings in the oil pan.

rmashman · 12-13-2008, 01:11 AM

The oil amount with filter change as noted on BMWtechinfo.com is 8.8 liters or 9.3 quarts.

PunjabiM3 · 12-14-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmashman

The oil amount with filter change as noted on BMWtechinfo.com is 8.8 liters or 9.3 quarts.

Use that if you want, but that does not account for the little bit of oil that gets left in the motor. When I changed the oil myself and put it in it took less than 8.5L to get the oil level marker to the top arrow (and this was with allowing the oil to drain for a while until it was slowly dripping out at the end). I think if you out in the full 8.8L you will overfill which can cause serious engine problems. For anyone changing the oil I suggest putting in 8L and then checking your oil level indicator afterward. If it is on the low side I recommend putting in only 0.25L at a time and rechecking the level...

JuniorDee · 12-28-2008, 07:22 PM

the oil filter cap requires a 36mm socket. just bought one so i know

GregW / Oregon · 12-28-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuniorDee

the oil filter cap requires a 36mm socket. just bought one so i know

I think that's the same size as used for the axle nut for changing wheel bearings, at least it was on the 2002.

GregW / Oregon · 01-02-2009, 04:39 PM

I changed mine today at 8k miles (in 8 1/2 months) -- Service Indicator is showing 8k to service.

I used ramps at the rear, and jacked the front fromt the central jack point and supported the front on jack stands at the suspension arm pivot points. I noticed when the filter is removed there is about 1/10 liter of oil in the bottom of the housing. I used my MityVac to suck it out, though you could use an old turkey baster. I poured about the same amount of fresh oil into the bottom before reinstalling the filter.

I put in 8 1/4 liters before restarting the car. It took quite a while to get a reading, and was then showing near the bottom of ths scale with a "+1" notation. I added another 1/2 liter, but was unable to get a different reading in the garage. I'll check it again after driving.

The car always seems to run better after an oil change--pyscholocical, I know, but it makes you feel good.

Edit: The electronic oil monitoring system and lack of a dipstick continue to frustrate me. If the system were secondary, that's fine, but why do away with the dipstick? After putting in 8.75 liters (stated capacity is 8.8) and driving a couple times, the system is still telling me to add 1 quart -- would you trust it? If it had a disptick there would be no question. Just really stupid!

MrHarris · 01-02-2009, 10:05 PM

Nice pics Greg.

alpineweissM3 · 01-02-2009, 10:19 PM

Greg - Thanks for posting..couple questions for you:
1. What size socket is needed to remove the drain plugs?
2. Did you pay $17 for the oil filter kit? That seems really high, but that's the cheapest I could find it.
3. Where exactly is the central jacking point in the front?

GregW / Oregon · 01-02-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpineweissM3

Greg - Thanks for posting..couple questions for you:
1. What size socket is needed to remove the drain plugs?
2. Did you pay $17 for the oil filter kit? That seems really high, but that's the cheapest I could find it.
3. Where exactly is the central jacking point in the front?

Answers:
1. It's not a socket, but a 6mm hex.
2. List is $17.77; I paid $15.99 with club discount.
3. It's that plastic knob in the second photo, midway between the front and rear sumps.

Cheers, Greg

alpineweissM3 · 01-03-2009, 07:06 PM

Excellent...thanks again for the awesome pics!

rfedele · 01-03-2009, 08:27 PM

Would you mind indicating on a photo the 2 drain plugs? I recall someone commenting that there was "another" similar looking plug in the area. Thanks

GregW / Oregon · 01-03-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfedele

Would you mind indicating on a photo the 2 drain plugs? I recall someone commenting that there was "another" similar looking plug in the area. Thanks

Here are the drain plugs for the front and rear sumps (I have pointed them out in the second photo of the original post):

rfedele · 01-04-2009, 12:15 AM

Thanks Greg.

11-12-2008, 11:12 PM	#1
JonM Private First Class Drives: E90 M3 Sedan Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 125 iTrader: (4)	DIY: Let's Change the Engine Oil Saw a request for this. I let the dealer do the 1200 mile service because of the power requirement for transmission fluid change, so I have not changed my own oil yet. I am planning on it at 5000 miles, along with a Blackstone oil analysis. The handwritten notes shown include torque values. Oil filter kit part number is 11 42 7 837 997. This includes the O-ring for the filter cover and all crush washers. __________________ Jon Maddux 10 S1000RR \| 09 F650GS \| 08 M3 Sedan \| 07 R1200RT \| 06 M Coupe \| 01 M coupe
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11-12-2008, 11:26 PM	#2
BMWguy206 Private First Class Drives: '98 M3 Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 118 iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know the exact amount of how many liters of 10w-60 are needed? I read on an invoice it's 9 liters but just want to make sure. I've heard parts guys giving the techs a liter more than what's really needed. __________________ '95 M3 Coupe Alpine White

11-12-2008, 11:43 PM	#3
rzm3 Moderator Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: IL/TX Posts: 4,569 iTrader: (13)	this is very much appreciated __________________ Powered by M-World / AiM Evo4 Data Logger / KW Competition 2-Way / Brembo GT 365 / Pagid Yellow RS-29 / Rear Seats Delete Previous Mods: RBM3 / StopTech 380/355 / Moton Clubsport & Street Sport / Dinan Stage 1 / H&R Sport / M-World GT4 Aero / Eisenmann Sport & Race / Akrapovic Slip-On

11-13-2008, 07:56 AM	#4
aussiem3 Captain Drives: '07 E92 M3/'11 F25 X3 3.0D Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Down Under Posts: 760 iTrader: (0)	All BMW V8, V10 and V12 take 7.5 litres of oil. __________________ 2007 E92 6MT - Silverstone II with Extended Black and /// Performance Exhaust and BPM Sport Tune 2011 F25 X3 3.0d

11-13-2008, 04:20 PM	#7
JonM Private First Class Drives: E90 M3 Sedan Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 125 iTrader: (4)	Well, I can't find the oil capacity in my manual. Hard to believe. I think I read it in BMWTIS.com, but I didn't print it. Next time I drop $30 for a subscription I will print it out and post. __________________ Jon Maddux 10 S1000RR \| 09 F650GS \| 08 M3 Sedan \| 07 R1200RT \| 06 M Coupe \| 01 M coupe

12-12-2008, 02:16 PM	#10
PunjabiM3 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,673 iTrader: (1)	I just changed my oil myself and it took a total of around 8.4L to fill. The oil level marker is right at the top arrow, so I would say 8.25 should do you just fine. I did let the oil drain for a while so it may take less if you do not let the oil drain completely from the openings in the oil pan. __________________ New ride ETA 2 weeks 2012 Audi A6 Prestige, Moonlight Blue 2009 Lexus ES350, Sparkling Graphite (wife's) Previous: 11 e82 1M, 07 997TT, 08 e92 M3, 06 997 C2S, 05 e46 M3 coupe, 03.5 e46 M3 cabrio

12-13-2008, 01:11 AM	#11
rmashman Private Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	The oil amount with filter change as noted on BMWtechinfo.com is 8.8 liters or 9.3 quarts.

12-28-2008, 07:22 PM	#13
JuniorDee Captain Drives: the speed limit Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: the land of brat and brotchen Posts: 611 iTrader: (1)	the oil filter cap requires a 36mm socket. just bought one so i know __________________ EDC.....viagra for your car

01-02-2009, 04:39 PM	#15
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe, 2012 ML350 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR Posts: 6,198 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2012 Mercedes ML 350 [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 Coupe [4.75]	Oil change tips I changed mine today at 8k miles (in 8 1/2 months) -- Service Indicator is showing 8k to service. I used ramps at the rear, and jacked the front fromt the central jack point and supported the front on jack stands at the suspension arm pivot points. I noticed when the filter is removed there is about 1/10 liter of oil in the bottom of the housing. I used my MityVac to suck it out, though you could use an old turkey baster. I poured about the same amount of fresh oil into the bottom before reinstalling the filter. I put in 8 1/4 liters before restarting the car. It took quite a while to get a reading, and was then showing near the bottom of ths scale with a "+1" notation. I added another 1/2 liter, but was unable to get a different reading in the garage. I'll check it again after driving. The car always seems to run better after an oil change--pyscholocical, I know, but it makes you feel good. Edit: The electronic oil monitoring system and lack of a dipstick continue to frustrate me. If the system were secondary, that's fine, but why do away with the dipstick? After putting in 8.75 liters (stated capacity is 8.8) and driving a couple times, the system is still telling me to add 1 quart -- would you trust it? If it had a disptick there would be no question. Just really stupid! Attached Images __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2008 M3 Coupe - Alpine/Fox Red/Carbon 2015 M4 pre-ordered 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 01-03-2009 at 11:33 PM.

01-02-2009, 10:05 PM	#16
MrHarris yodog Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca Posts: 5,032 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [5.00]	Nice pics Greg. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs

01-02-2009, 10:19 PM	#17
alpineweissM3 I love my beautiful wife! Drives: e90 ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 631 iTrader: (0)	Greg - Thanks for posting..couple questions for you: 1. What size socket is needed to remove the drain plugs? 2. Did you pay $17 for the oil filter kit? That seems really high, but that's the cheapest I could find it. 3. Where exactly is the central jacking point in the front?

01-03-2009, 07:06 PM	#19
alpineweissM3 I love my beautiful wife! Drives: e90 ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 631 iTrader: (0)	Excellent...thanks again for the awesome pics!

01-03-2009, 08:27 PM	#20
rfedele Enlisted Member Drives: 08 M3 Sedan Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 41 iTrader: (0)	Would you mind indicating on a photo the 2 drain plugs? I recall someone commenting that there was "another" similar looking plug in the area. Thanks __________________ "Accept the advice of others only in the rarest of circumstances." Beethoven present: 08 E90 M3 / past: 2007 997 C2, 2005 997 C2S, 2005 Audi S4, 2004 Volvo S60R

01-04-2009, 12:15 AM	#22
rfedele Enlisted Member Drives: 08 M3 Sedan Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 41 iTrader: (0)	Thanks Greg. __________________ "Accept the advice of others only in the rarest of circumstances." Beethoven present: 08 E90 M3 / past: 2007 997 C2, 2005 997 C2S, 2005 Audi S4, 2004 Volvo S60R

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