How to Change Your BMW's Engine Oil

As many of our BMW's come off service warranty it becomes our responsibility to keep up with the oil changes, not to mention other service. At the dealer oil changes can creep into the 100 dollar range, OUCH!

There is an alternative! Do it yourself! You are probably thinking "yeah right not me buddy" as you head for the back button on your browser, but seriously this is very simple. Read the process, if you don't think you can tackle it then click the back button!

Keep in mind doing this yourself will save you 30-80 bucks an oil change depending on the type of oil and filter you use and where you had oil changes done in the past. You will also have peace-of-mind knowing it was done properly.

This page is also a place to buy the bits you need to do your oil change. Using paypal, your oil filters and filter sockets are just a click away. All S&H fees are calcluated based on shipping inside the US, please contact me if you are located outside the US and you wish to order items seen below.

NOTE: The following pictures and steps were taken while changing the oil on a 1999 Z3 2.8 Coupe (M52 TU). Other car's may differ slightly. I am not a mechanic or certified in anyway. I have been changing my oil oil for a very long time with no problems at all. If you are not comfortable then please, take your car to a professional.

Step 1

Begin the process when the engine is warm.

Remove the oil filter housing (36mm on the 2.8 Z3 shown) and open the oil fill cap. This allows all the oil to drain out of the engine. If you drain the oil without the filter housing removed old oil will remain in the housing.

It is most important to use the proper tool to remove the oil filter housing. DO NOT use vice grips! Buy the right stuff! The BMW sockets are availiable here.

Step 2

Next, safely get the car high enough to get underneath. Locate the oil drain plug on the right side of the engine (pictured). Give the oil plenty of time to drain.

Step 3

Open the filter kit and make sure it is complete. The kit should have everything pictured; Filter, O-ring, and a Copper Washer. The o-rings and washers will vary from the picture based on your car.

Step 4

A) Pull off the old filter from the filter housing.

B) Remove the old O-ring towards the top of the filter housing.

C) Slide the new O-ring on making sure that it properly seat in its groove.

D) Push on the new filter.

Step 5

Replace the copper washer on the oil drain plug with the new one provided in the kit. Replace the oil drain plug. Tighten 1/2 past snug.

Step 6

Replace the oil filter housing which should now be loaded with the new filter and O-ring. Do not over tighten just make sure the seal is seated and it is snug.

Refill the engine oil via the oil fill hole (pictured above). See your owner’s manual for exact capacities. A 99 2.8 takes 6.5 quarts.

Sockets

Z3 1.9 and 318i/ti/is Socket

Price: 17.00

Z3/Z4/E46 36mm Oil Filter Socket

This is not a Genuine BMW part. BMW does not carry 36mm sockets but this one is of high quality works great for the oil filter housing.

Price: 15.00

Filters

Filter Kit for 1.9 Z3 (All M44 Engines)

Your Price: $5.70

Oil Filter Kit for 6 cyl Z3's (non-M) and 2.5/3.0 Z4's

Your Price: $6.50

S52/M50 Filter Kit

Fits: E36 M3's, M Coupes, M Roadsters, E36 325's, E34 525's

Your Price: $6.50

Other Items

BMW Oil Bag

A great place to keep a quart of oil. This fabric bag comes with funnels, plastic gloves and wet wipes.

Your Price: $6.50

///M Oil Cap

Add a bit of uniqueness to your E36's (Z3 and ti included) engine bay. Spin off that old boring square oil cap and spin on this nice looking M series oil cap.

This cap comes on all E36 M series cars including the M Roadster and M coupe. (Does not fit S54 powered cars)

Your Price: $9.50

///M Engine Cover

Swap out your oil "BMW" engine cover for this "BMW M Power" engine cover. Finish it off with the ///M Oil Cap (above).

This cover comes with the needed caps that cover the mounting bolts.

Your Price: $83.50

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