[dejav0o]

I'm reposting this from the DIY section, since no one really checks that area:

I changed my oil for the first time yesterday, but when I took off the nut, I noticed there wasn't a crush washer attached to the nut. I figured it might've just fell into the oil while it was draining, so I didn't bother checking. I placed the new crush washer onto the bolt and screwed it on after the oil drained completely.

But now that I'm thinking back, I'm kinda worried the crush bolt was stuck to the oil pan itself. From everyone's experiences, does the stock crush washer come off with the nut? or is it stuck onto the oil pan..? And if it is, would I need to redo it if I just placed the new washer on and just screwed it back on (meaning I may possibly have 2 washers now)?

I haven't driven the car yet since I'm missing 1qt of oil and all the shops were closed already, but after starting it for a few seconds, I didn't notice any drips yet... Is this something that needs to be fixed? Or do you guys think it will be ok?

[Scarabeo]

It was probably stuck to the pan - get a new washer, take off the plug, and check to make sure you don't have two installed....

[dejav0o]

So I probably will need to drain the oil again..? If that's the case, is it safe to re-use that oil? I just purchased the oil drain pan, so I doubt there's too much contaminents in it, other than what was left from the first time I drained the oil.....

[shadowcoder]

The ring was still on the pan when you took off the bolt. If it's not leaking,
I would wait for the next oil change. Just make sure you don't forget again
and end up with 3 up there

[Blanko]

Why do you DIY when the car is under warranty and oil change is free?

[Scarabeo]

Blanko - the break-in oil should be changed around 3,000 miles. And I applaud dejavoo for trying to do it himself...once upon a time everybody used to change their own oil...too bad nowadays we have to rely on specialists for everything....

[stressdoc]

Decisions, decisions. Buy oil, filters, and changing tools, take the 15 minutes to change the oil myself and 10 minutes to take it to the recycling center, when I want to do it, for about $40. Or go by the dealer and have them do it for $70. Nice to have it on the service record, nice to not have to worry about warranty issues or the odd screw up. My dealer is a 10 minute drive, they are relatively cheap, and they can do oil changes while you wait. Still, something satisfying about DIY.

Shouldn't be anything too traumatic about two washers, but if it were me I would want to know -- so yes, I would drain the oil and re-use it, unless you are a fanatic that likes to get absolutely every bit of old oil out. After draining the oil and removing the filter, I used to turn the engine over once or twice while pouring a bit of new oil in to pump out all the old oil, but I doubt you can do that with an E90. And the oil pumping out the filter egress is hard to keep from spilling on the engine compartment.

[Silver bullet]

If it were me I would check it to make sue it wasn't leaking. If not I would run it till next change. If you cant stand the tought of having two washers on the drain plug I would drain it in a clean pan fix the washer issue and put it back in.

[Silver bullet]

Originally Posted by Scarabeo

Blanko - the break-in oil should be changed around 3,000 miles. And I applaud dejavoo for trying to do it himself...once upon a time everybody used to change their own oil...too bad nowadays we have to rely on specialists for everything....

Scarabeo, I agree with you 100%. For those of us that enjoy the satisfaction of DIY it lets us play with our toys besides just driving them!

[dejav0o]

Originally Posted by Silver bullet

If it were me I would check it to make sue it wasn't leaking. If not I would run it till next change. If you cant stand the tought of having two washers on the drain plug I would drain it in a clean pan fix the washer issue and put it back in.

Thanks everyone for all the input. I checked the oil again after doing some rounds around my house and didn't catch any leaks. Probably will wait till the next oil change before removing that washer.

One weird thing I did want to ask is if the maintanence miles actually goes down as you drive? When I first got my car, it said the next maintanence was in 16k miles. Even after 3,500 miles (before oil change), it still hasnt' moved. And I think after doing the oil change, the maintainence date has even got pushed back to 1/08 instead of 1/07...

[Asiann]

Just leave it on and check every now and then for leaks.

[Asiann]

From what others have said, changing your oil ahead of time does not change the date of your next oil change by the dealer. Doing so would only cause you a longer wait for your free oil change. Everything should still be the same provided you did not touch anything as far as your OBC.

[dejav0o]

Originally Posted by Asiann

From what others have said, changing your oil ahead of time does not change the date of your next oil change by the dealer. Doing so would only cause you a longer wait for your free oil change. Everything should still be the same provided you did not touch anything as far as your OBC.

Thanks!

[HRC]

Tim, I'm willing to bet that the washer is stuck to your bolt. Our cars are painted or coated after that drain bolt is installed. I remember having to pry it off to break the paint.

Danny

[dejav0o]

Originally Posted by HRC

Tim, I'm willing to bet that the washer is stuck to your bolt. Our cars are painted or coated after that drain bolt is installed. I remember having to pry it off to break the paint.

Danny

I spent a few mintues just lying under the car to see if I could spot the other washer, and I noticed something that looks like it was just painted on that could've been removed. I don't want to go through draining the oil just to get this stupid washer out, so I'll wait until the next oil change to do anything.

[windnsea00]

Yea don't worry about it but check every now and then to make sure it's not seeping. If the service indicator still uses the same E46 technology then it will say you need it changed every 660 gallons of fuel you burn. If you plan on keeping the car past warranty it's a good idea to change that oil ~7.5k miles or so since the BMW 5w30 is truly a blended synthetic castrol from Europe. For a full synthetic you can safely use Mobil 1 0w40 or Castrol 0w30 (only found in select Autozones). I use the latter in our 325iT as it has gotten very good feedback in the oil world.