1st Oil Change - Results

[Jimmydean]

So the DIY's here were fantastic. I've never changed the oil in my old cars (because they sucked), but wanted to in my 128 because, well, it's cheaper and I can do it more often. And my baby deserves it.

Used Rhino Ramps to get the car up. Not much space underneath, but just enough for the oil change.

In my 128, the oil drain plug was pointed straight down, not sideways like it says in some DIY's. This made it difficult to get leverage on it so I had to get a new wrench at Lowes. 17mm was spot on.

I had protective gloves and a clear plastic protective face shield - both came in useful when I was draining the oil. Would have burned both hands AND my face! The gloves came in useful for the filter too. Hot as hell.

After replacing the filter, I went to put the drain plug back in. Thinking it had fallen in the oil, I poured it into another bucket. No luck. Turns out it was still wedged in the wrench! Copper washer was a bit tough to get off, but not too bad.

All and all, a very easy experience. Even for a first-timer, only took me an hour! I'm sure I could do it in 30 minutes or less if I needed to!

[JimD]

It seems like you did fine. I haven't changed my 128 yet. Still less than 700 miles on it (had it less than a month). I changed 6 or 7 cars last Saturday, however. We had an oil change event for widows and single ladies who need a bit of help. I was one of 5 oil change stations so we did a few cars. I've always changed the oil in my own vehicles so I am pretty sure I will be OK on my little BMW. I keep the 5 gallon metal container from the polyurathane that is on the floor of my house for used motor oil. It saves me having to go to the recycler more than a couple times a year. I can take it to a county place or to Advance Auto.

Did you get the oil filter wrench from Bavarian Motor Works? They had the best price I found. I do not use gloves but they are a good idea. Used motor oil is supposed to have some stuff that isn't so great to get on your skin. And it isn't so pleasant when the car is throughly warmed up.

Jim

[Alow]

Originally Posted by Jimmydean

...In my 128, the oil drain plug was pointed straight down, not sideways like it says in some DIY's. ...

Same here. I thought that was odd, but I guess the 128i is like that.

[ucdvwchan]

Originally Posted by Alow

Same here. I thought that was odd, but I guess the 128i is like that.

hm..that's strange..i did my oil change today and my drain bolt points to the passenger side instead of pointing straight down....are there different oil pan designs out there for the 128??

[polskamafia mjl]

Is there a washer along w/ the drain plug? If so, do you have to replace it each oil change?

[JimD]

There is a washer on the drain plug and a new one comes with the new oil filter. In the box with the filter there should be a clear plastic bag with two O rings (one large and black and one little and green) and a little metal drain plug gasket. It is copper colored but I think that's a plating from the looks of my old one.

Jim