Oil change checklist

JimD · 08-11-2010, 10:34 AM

The oil coming out at an angle is a 135i/N54 problem. The 128i/N52 comes straight down.

My 128i had a metal washer on the drain plug when I first changed the oil but it looked like the pan was spray painted after the plug was in, there was paint on the washer and drain plug.

I have an old 5 gallon polyurathane can (metal) I got out of the dumpster 10 years ago when my house was being built. I put the used oil from my two vehicles in it and my son uses it for his two and we only have to go to recycle a few times a year. Around here the "dump" has a recycle container and Advance Auto parts has a recycle container in the back (they are good about it, just tell them what you have and they should direct you to their container. They can sell the used oil so they should be OK about it).

I usually just change the oil with the engine cold and leave the plug out half an hour or so. I figure the added time dripping at least partially makes up for the fact that the engine is ambient temperature.

The oil filter cap wrench from Bavarian is cheaper than the BMW and has a 17mm fitting on it (so same socket does drain plug and filter housing).

A 3/8 torque wrench is appropriate for this level of torque. I consider a Harbor Freight good enough for this (considering I've changed a lot of oil without bothering with a torque wrench at all). You can get them around $20 on sale (1/2 is cheaper but this torque is awfully low for a 1/2 inch wrench).

You can probably put a quarter turn ball valve in for the drain plug of a N54 and they make one with a pipe nipple on the outlet you can put a little piece of hose on and solve the mess problem but the drain plug kind of sits in a hole so you need an adapter and it may stick out too far. Another possibility is a conformable funnel. I think Grots sells one. I used to use a milk jug from the trash with the bottom cut out on my Suzuki with a similar sideways drain plug. Hot oil doesn't work real well with a flimsy plastic funnel like this, however.

Jim

Evice · 08-11-2010, 05:04 PM

After I changed my oil once myself, I am really thinking if it is really worth it or not. Because oil change kit (filter + oil) is around $62 and BMW dealer where I live changes it for $105. Price is not that bad considering $62 is the materials.

Dackelone · 08-11-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evice

After I changed my oil once myself, I am really thinking if it is really worth it or not. Because oil change kit (filter + oil) is around $62 and BMW dealer where I live changes it for $105. Price is not that bad considering $62 is the materials.

Well... for me... that $43 dollar difference would be worth my peace of mind. With no real dip stick... there is no way to tell anything was really done other than taking your dealer's "word" for it. For me... THAT is worth $43.

Btw.... over here in Germany... the dealer wants 115 euros ($155) for an oil change. AND that is IF I bring them the oil (they want another161 euros IF I use their oil!) AND a tax waiver form!!! So... for me it is well worth it to change my own oil.

I have changed my oil four times now in 13k miles.

Evice · 08-11-2010, 05:41 PM

Ha. If I were in EU, I'd probably always change my own oil, it's expensive compared to here.

michifan · 08-11-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evice

After I changed my oil once myself, I am really thinking if it is really worth it or not. Because oil change kit (filter + oil) is around $62 and BMW dealer where I live changes it for $105. Price is not that bad considering $62 is the materials.

I'm with you. My dealer is $95 and after getting the oil change kit shipped, it just isn't worth the hassle of changing the oil and disposing of the old.

08-11-2010, 10:34 AM	#23
JimD Brigadier General 408 Rep 3,558 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	The oil coming out at an angle is a 135i/N54 problem. The 128i/N52 comes straight down. My 128i had a metal washer on the drain plug when I first changed the oil but it looked like the pan was spray painted after the plug was in, there was paint on the washer and drain plug. I have an old 5 gallon polyurathane can (metal) I got out of the dumpster 10 years ago when my house was being built. I put the used oil from my two vehicles in it and my son uses it for his two and we only have to go to recycle a few times a year. Around here the "dump" has a recycle container and Advance Auto parts has a recycle container in the back (they are good about it, just tell them what you have and they should direct you to their container. They can sell the used oil so they should be OK about it). I usually just change the oil with the engine cold and leave the plug out half an hour or so. I figure the added time dripping at least partially makes up for the fact that the engine is ambient temperature. The oil filter cap wrench from Bavarian is cheaper than the BMW and has a 17mm fitting on it (so same socket does drain plug and filter housing). A 3/8 torque wrench is appropriate for this level of torque. I consider a Harbor Freight good enough for this (considering I've changed a lot of oil without bothering with a torque wrench at all). You can get them around $20 on sale (1/2 is cheaper but this torque is awfully low for a 1/2 inch wrench). You can probably put a quarter turn ball valve in for the drain plug of a N54 and they make one with a pipe nipple on the outlet you can put a little piece of hose on and solve the mess problem but the drain plug kind of sits in a hole so you need an adapter and it may stick out too far. Another possibility is a conformable funnel. I think Grots sells one. I used to use a milk jug from the trash with the bottom cut out on my Suzuki with a similar sideways drain plug. Hot oil doesn't work real well with a flimsy plastic funnel like this, however. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-11-2010, 05:04 PM	#24
Evice Major 208 Rep 1,457 Posts Drives: E92M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere here iTrader: (1)	After I changed my oil once myself, I am really thinking if it is really worth it or not. Because oil change kit (filter + oil) is around $62 and BMW dealer where I live changes it for $105. Price is not that bad considering $62 is the materials. __________________ My Track Videos
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08-11-2010, 05:41 PM	#26
Evice Major 208 Rep 1,457 Posts Drives: E92M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere here iTrader: (1)	Ha. If I were in EU, I'd probably always change my own oil, it's expensive compared to here. __________________ My Track Videos
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