oil change time

[snwbrdrbum10]

Ok, so i think i'm going to change my own oil tomorrow. but i need a little help.. What weight to use(now that it's summer), what filter to use(and specs..size, etc), what tools are needed, and how hard is it on the TI? Also, i heard there is a way to reset the "service Needed" bars in the cluster, without a reset tool...i'd appreciate all the help get!

[aceyx]

There's kind of a writeup in my gallery.

17mm bolt for the drain plug (DO NOT DRAIN YOUR TRANSMISSION. Somebody did that earlier, if you need a better picture of exactly where it is then send me a PM).

Weight range is 10W40 to 15W50, I'd stick to the lower stuff if you're in CO.

Filter you're gonna have to get from the dealer if you haven't ordered the Mahle. It's not a common part.


The reset has been covered in a previous post. Search should bring it up.

[KetteringTi]

To be honest, I go to Advance Auto and buy a Purolator. They always have it in stock, and it includes 3 o-rings (one for the filter housing cap, and two for the filter holder assembly thing-a-majig) as well as a new copper washer for the drain plug.

Works fine for me.

Seriously, how big of a difference can there really be between paper/cloth or whatever it is oil filters on a puny lil' 4-banger?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by KetteringTi

Seriously, how big of a difference can there really be between paper/cloth or whatever it is oil filters on a puny lil' 4-banger?

You'd be surprised. I generally buy a half dozen filters at the dealership at a time.

[J!m]

The NAPA 'GOLD' filters are also quality, but I don't know if they stock the four cylinder one.

I go back and forth between the dealer filter and the NAPA gold filter for the six- they always have these in stock (and they come with the o-rings and copper washer as well). It depends on how close I am to a dealer (and weather they are open or not..).

I use Mobil-1 15-50 oil, but only drive in the summer. If I drove year round, I'd go to 10-40 for the winter. The manual is quite clear on oil weights based on ambient temperature...

I have been going to BMW West Springfield (where I bought my car new) lately, as their parts/service department is open until 6:00pm on Saturday. Not the best prices in the world (although they do give me my BMWCCA discount), but being open late on a Saturday afternoon is worth a few bucks to me...

[stormos]

i use hengst german filters for oil, air and fuel. Bit more than dealer filters but apparently one of the best available.

www.hengst.de

[Tyler]

I only use Mann Filters on my ti which i get at a local parts store that carries more foreign parts. I just did my oil change 3 weeks ago and i used Mobil 1 10w30 i believe. It is a very simple job too do,no more than 15-20 minutes if that.

[CirrusSR22]

http://www.geocities.com/threeiswee/torque.html

I recommend buying a bunch of oil filters online. I usually shop at PelicanParts.com and the send Mahle brand filters. They are approximately $4.50 each.

The best filter wrench I've used is the Mercedes Benz model listed in my site above. I got it at a Mercedes dealer for about $8