DIY Oil Change instructions

[Naka]

OK guys, I've been looking for information everywhere for my first oil change but I could not find a good one, so I decided to take some pictures while I learned. I hope my experience helps some of you interested in doing it on your free time. It Took me about 20 minutes.

I know many of you will critizice me for using Mobil 1 5W-30 but what the heck. My service manual said it had been approved by BMW after testing it in the car, so I'm just following the manufacturer's recommendation.

It is important to mention that my car is a MY2001, June built.

As a disclaimer, I don't know if what I did was right, so don't blame me for anything that can happen while you change your own oil.

BMW recommends BMW high perfomance motor oil. For models built before March 2000, 10W-60 is the only oil recommended. For newer models 5W-30 or 10W-60 are approved oils by BMW, according to an Oct 2001 Service Bulletin. But one fellow member of this board stated he had a TSB from Oct 2002 that recommends to use only 10W-60 on all models. No printed copy of this latest bulletin has been posted, so I will try to get them and clarify this issue. New M5's are still coming out with the sticker on the engine bay recommending 5W-30, so that's the reason I am using it. It is up to you what motor oil you want to use. There have been anecdotal reports of higher oil consumption with 5W-30 oil by owners, but I have not heard any official word from BMW regarding this issue.

Please let me know any corrections I need to make. I'll be more than happy to edit this post based of your feedback (I took the pictures during by first ever oil change on a BMW).

Pics here:

http://www.bmwm5.com/photo/showgalle...r=4323&thumb=1


While the engine oil drains, let's take a few minutes to change the oil filter

Pics here:

http://www.bmwm5.com/photo/showgalle...r=4323&thumb=1

Before putting the new oil filter in place, let's put the drain plug back in place

In case I am not allowed to edit this posting later, this is the link to the site where I will try to update with better pictures once I make more oil changes.

DIY M5 Oil change instructions

[GreekM5]

Awesome pictures, thank you.

-Keith

[ELEVENS]

Naka - Very good documentation. I was curious how it was done on the M5.

When taking delivery, I mentioned to my client advisor that until this car, I've always changed my own oil (and enjoyed doing it).

(The photos of your clean hands hint at how easy the job really is. You gotta love that easy oil filter access, and that trap door is pretty cool, too!

[jpliii]

None of the pics are working anymore.

[Naka]

jplii:
Please, keep trying. It's working for me now. The pictures are posted on Webshots. You may want to try the link too. Probably the site was down for a few minutes. Try back later and hopefully it will work. Or try opening your browser on a new window.

Guys, please let me know if somebody else is having problems so I can try to post the pictures somewhere else. And thanks again for your feedback.

[Need4Spd]

Very nicely done. FYI, the pics weren't showing up on the page. I had to use the link.

[jpliii]

Originally posted by Naka
jplii:
You may want to try the link too. Probably the site was down for a few minutes.

I didnt even see the link

thanks that works but the pics still arent,
Maybe webshots dosnet allow linking?

Great write up

[01M5]

Thanks for posting the pictures

There was a discussion earlier that Mobil 1 now makes BMW's 5/30 oil instead of Castrol (Castrol still makes the 10/60). So you are probably using the same oil as BMW.

[Gustav]

Use the link. Youcan upload them in the Gallery and they will work here too.

http://www.bmwm5.com/photo

[capup]

1 thing that helps make the change easier is a hand pump/liquid extractor. No raising or jacking up the car. No crawling under to open plastic hatch. No removal of oil plug or replacing plug. Which also means no risk of stripping threads putting plug back in. Helicoil anyone? Personally, I worry about stuff like this. It would be my luck to strip this and, not having the tools, skills, or a helicoil handy. I end up having to have it towed in to the shop and costing me more than if I just paid them to do it in the first place. Only hypothetical, but knowing my skill level it could happen. Griots has one for sale at $65. That's what I use. It works as well as it's advertised. I'm sure there are other makes and models. I have experience with this model, not any others.
I don't mean this to be critcal of your method.(you spent a consideral amount of time and effort to put this togther). I thank-you for your effort and time. I only add this for those of us who may be mechanically challenged.

griotsgarage.com part#10122
No affilliation.