Nice write-up!

I would only add that on my 2008 535xi, once I opened the plastic panel, there were 3 large screws that confused me. But I figured out that the oil drain plug is the 17mm one that points towards the ground.

 

I know your post regarding how to do the oil change on your 2008 535 is a couple years old, but its still very relevant and I'm thinking of trying it... I have a 2009 535i and want to be able to do my own oil changes. I'm gonna print off your how to guide, but had one question,..can i go to my local auto store and buy any filter pulling tool? or does it need to be a certain type? thanks

 

Did you take the car in to reset the Service light, if not How did you reset it. I'm getting ready to change mine on my 04 530i.

 

Hey Twin dawg, it's very simple to reset.. Just go to YouTube and search oil reset on e60

 

https://plus.google.com/u/0/104122287979694740741/posts

Bump for the slightly different location of the oil pan plug on a E60 535xi. Mine has a different oil pan but the bolt is still 17mm, so i took a chance and removed it. Oil looked and smelled like engine oil, so cross my finger and hoped for the best.

Attaching picture of the supposed plug. Please chime in and verify if you also have the same 4 wheel drive 535i. Mine is a 2010 model.

Cheers!

 

Thank you for the directions. You didn't list the cost of the tools. I am a beginner at this.

 

The service coverage for my 2008 535-xi sport wagon expired so I followed the instructions for the posted DIY instructions using Mobile 1 0-40W oil with European specifications. The triangular plate that covers the access to the drain plug was missing.

I went to the local BMW dealer who had performed the previous oil changes claimed that BMW had stopped providing the cover plate. Can anyone confirm that this is the case? The plat provides protection against salt winter penetration in the winter time.