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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 05:33 AM
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What size socket do i need to remove oil filter cap?
How many ft lbs torque is needed to tighten?
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by alpina04' post='943829' date='Jul 16 2009, 08:33 AM
What size socket do i need to remove oil filter cap?
How many ft lbs torque is needed to tighten?
Sorry I don't know the specifics to your questions.
This is what I use. Put a rag around the cap so it doesn't get scratched.
Be sure and change the orings then tighten the cap by hand till it won't turn any more.
Start the engine and check for leaks.
FYI: the oil comes out of the crankcase with a fury! I read on here about fabricating a deflector
out of aluminum foil. It worked for me and spared a huge mess.
Attached Thumbnails A 530i Oil change question-filter_pliers.jpg  
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by 530inOK' post='943846' date='Jul 16 2009, 07:01 AM
Sorry I don't know the specifics to your questions.
This is what I use. Put a rag around the cap so it doesn't get scratched.
Be sure and change the orings then tighten the cap by hand till it won't turn any more.
Start the engine and check for leaks.
FYI: the oil comes out of the crankcase with a fury! I read on here about fabricating a deflector
out of aluminum foil. It worked for me and spared a huge mess.

+1 Be vary careful, I had to clean up that huge mess (I didn't read the DIY's before hand, figured I have been changing my oil for 20 years). Be careful with the oil filter cap, it's plastic and will scratch easily and DEFINITELY set up a funnel or other barrier to keep the oil going where you want it to when it drains.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:28 AM
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Originally Posted by pjinca' post='943853' date='Jul 16 2009, 09:05 AM
+1 Be vary careful, I had to clean up that huge mess (I didn't read the DIY's before hand, figured I have been changing my oil for 20 years). Be careful with the oil filter cap, it's plastic and will scratch easily and DEFINITELY set up a funnel or other barrier to keep the oil going where you want it to when it drains.
Would it have been too much trouble putting the drain out the bottom of the pan instead of the side?
Working on cars should be a prerequisite to designing them. IMO
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:32 AM
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Originally Posted by 530inOK' post='943876' date='Jul 16 2009, 07:28 AM
Would it have been too much trouble putting the drain out the bottom of the pan instead of the side?
Working on cars should be a prerequisite to designing them. IMO

+1 Whole heartedly agree with you there. Have you SEEN the crazy places some designer put the oil filter? And don't get me started on spark plug placement, eeesh!!! It's like they WANT you to bust every knuckle.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:39 AM
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Originally Posted by pjinca' post='943883' date='Jul 16 2009, 10:32 AM
+1 Whole heartedly agree with you there. Have you SEEN the crazy places some designer put the oil filter? And don't get me started on spark plug placement, eeesh!!! It's like they WANT you to bust every knuckle.
I think they don't want you to do DIY but bring to the dealer so they can charge you an arm and a leg for it.
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by theXman' post='943891' date='Jul 16 2009, 07:39 AM
I think they don't want you to do DIY but bring to the dealer so they can charge you an arm and a leg for it.
Ah, so the thoughtless design was intentional, it all makes sense now...............
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Old Jul 16, 2009 | 07:45 PM
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Oil filter cap is 24mm socket. Tighten it to ~18 ft. lb. torque
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 11:03 AM
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Thx guys for ur lovely input. I was luck and didnt have the massive oil spill. I did find the 36mm socket fits lovely.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 04:33 AM
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Originally Posted by alpina04' post='943829' date='Jul 16 2009, 09:33 AM
What size socket do i need to remove oil filter cap?
How many ft lbs torque is needed to tighten?

On my 04, I use a 36mm socket to remove the oil filter cap, and to tighten it I believe it's 25 lbs.. I'm not too sure, but it says it on the filter cap itself. You'll need a 17mm for the drain plug.
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