Stupid thread but I need help

[E36dude420]

Can someone please help me with directions on how to drain the front sump? I overfilled the engine oil...tried searching and couldn't find a DIY...PLEASE HALP

[Jobe.]

There is a drain plug.

There are two drain plugs for the engine oil pan.

One for the rear and one at the front.

[drrust]

Drain plugs needs allen key and you will also need a new copper washer. Jack up front of the car. The one you want to unscrew is at the front of the car. Do you have an oil drain pan? You will need to have that under the plug to catch the oil as it drains.

You may want a torque wrench when reinstalling plug.

[E36dude420]

Thank you for the replies!!! Yes I have an oil pan but in regards to the copper washer how would i go about getting a new 1? And once I have the sump unscrewed so to speak I just let it drain till the oil stops flowing out?? And all I need is the proper size Allen key??

[E36dude420]

Also to be clear I shouldn't operate the vehicle with too much oil correct? I have the idrive notification that there is too much oil...

[roastbeef]

Don't try to drain a small amount from the pan. I don't know who keeps perpetuating the myth that it is possible to drain half a quart without making a ridiculous mess and letting out about two quarts at the same time. I'd like to hear from anyone who has possibly done this.

Open up the filter housing, replace the filter, and suck out what you can out of the filter housing. It's probably around 1/2 quart.

[Theodore]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Open up the filter housing, replace the filter, and suck out what you can out of the filter housing. It's probably around 1/2 quart.

OP, +1 on roastbeef's suggestion, keep it simple and try removing oil from the oil filter housing first. You can even save your filter if it is new by letting it sit in a clean bowl to drain and then re-installing it. Check out this guy's video at the 2:04 mark to see a demonstration on how to remove the extra oil from the oil filter housing. The oil filter cap requires a 36mm socket to unscrew it, all the major parts store chains have them on the shelf for cheap if you don't have one already.

And one more that exactly addresses your issue:

[EJT86]

or use a time machine and stop trying to get the oil level perfectly at the MAX line. what is the big deal about it being in between!!!!

[E36dude420]

Guys, thanks for all your advice! So I guess I shouldn't go the front sump route then, eh? I was already under the car trying to get that dang Allen key bolt to loosen but it won't budge! On the plus side being under the car I noticed that I had a diana front sway!!! Pretty awesome lol

[E36dude420]

Where can I get 1 of those syphons?? Auto parts store???

[E36dude420]

*DINAN front sway

[Theodore]

Originally Posted by E36dude420

Where can I get 1 of those syphons?? Auto parts store???

Your kitchen or anywhere that sells kitchen utensils. Its just a regular turkey baster.

[E36dude420]

Gracias Theodore you are gentleman and a scholar

[JsL]

Were you using an allen key when you were trying to loosen the front drain plug? You need an allen socket so you can use a wrench to get the leverage. The allen key is too short to apply enough force to loosen the drain plug. Just FYI if you plan to change your own oil in the future.

[E36dude420]

Thanks for the tip!!! I really do love this community...off the top of anyone's head do you happen to know the torque spec of the oil filter housing cap? I'm about to to this now, finally found my 36mm socket

[E36dude420]

Nvm got it. Thanks everyone

[GerrS65]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Don't try to drain a small amount from the pan. I don't know who keeps perpetuating the myth that it is possible to drain half a quart without making a ridiculous mess and letting out about two quarts at the same time. I'd like to hear from anyone who has possibly done this.

Open up the filter housing, replace the filter, and suck out what you can out of the filter housing. It's probably around 1/2 quart.

I was about to try the sump plug today. Never made sense to me how it wouldn't make a huge mess... glad I saw your post. going to buy a 36mm now

[roastbeef]

People always say it, but I don't think they have actually done it. When I do my changes, it barely weeps until the plug is completely clear of the threads and I still make a little mess. I just don't see how it's possible for someone to eyeball a measured amount of flowing fluid... plus, someone who doesn't do their own oil changes is really gonna shit the bed once that oil starts flowing. Lol
Low hanging fruit is the filter housing.

[E36dude420]

UPDATE : finally got the oil level back down to normal MAX level...had to baste the Turkey 5 or 6 times though, I lost count...so I'm guessing I was at least a half quart over filled... so I was actually able to wash the car last evening and I owe you guys some shots of my car over in my introduction thread....can someone teach me how to embed pics???

[///M Power-Belgium]

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[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by E36dude420

Can someone please help me with directions on how to drain the front sump? I overfilled the engine oil...tried searching and couldn't find a DIY...PLEASE HALP

Just remove the oil filter and suck out what is left in the housing. Put everything back and your done.