DIY oil change
#1
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I finally bought a hydraulic jack and some jack stands to do my own oil changes. My 04 530i is out of warranty and I am a do it yourselfer. For those that do their own oil changes: where do you get your filters and oil from, and do you have any suggestions what brands to use?
TIA!
TIA!
#3
Senior Members
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
here are the approved oils by bmw.
mobil 1 0w-40 might be the easiest to find.
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx
you can get aftermarket oil filters at many local autoparts stores, or get an oem filter from the dealer for under $20.
also many online stores sell them.
mobil 1 0w-40 might be the easiest to find.
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx
you can get aftermarket oil filters at many local autoparts stores, or get an oem filter from the dealer for under $20.
also many online stores sell them.
#4
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: So Cal, USA
Posts: 14,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Castrol Synthetic is what BMW uses... Mobile 1 is fine... as for filter... I would just get one from the dealer... not worth saving that few bucks.
#5
Senior Members
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Denva, CO Baby
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 545i /w Sport pkg - SMG - Nav - Premium pkg - PDC - Ready to begin my modding! =)
#6
Members
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dutchess Cty, NY
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 530xiT, Sep. 2005 build, silver gray/gray/black anthracite, Steptronic, Premium, Premium Sound, NAV, PDC.
Model Year: 2006
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
bavauto has, I believe, OEM filters.
#7
Members
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Present--'04 545i- Premium, Sport and Comfort Seat Packages; Aux Input Cable, Staggered RFT Tires, 65K miles as of 04/10, 6-Speed Manual, Active Headlights, L7 Audio, Auto Sunshades
Past--(FIRST CAR EVER OWNED)--1981 318i Euro Specs
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I was told, of course by dealership, that there is a certain computer that they connect that allows all of the oil to drain out. If an oil change is done anywhere else other than BMW 30% of the oil remains and a full change is not done. It sounds lime many of you do your own. I have 2000 miles left before my first (out of warranty) oil change. Any input?
#8
Contributors
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My E60 M54 motor (530i) has 6.9 qt engine oil capacity. I put in 7 qt every time. Seems to go right up to the full mark on the dip stick. Not sure where the 30% remaining oil would be within the engine. I use ramps for DIY oil change.
![](https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3846084471_1f574cc980_m.jpg)
The wood ramp is to help step up to the Rhino Ramps due to the lowered sports suspension.
![](https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3846084471_1f574cc980_m.jpg)
The wood ramp is to help step up to the Rhino Ramps due to the lowered sports suspension.
#9
Members
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Present--'04 545i- Premium, Sport and Comfort Seat Packages; Aux Input Cable, Staggered RFT Tires, 65K miles as of 04/10, 6-Speed Manual, Active Headlights, L7 Audio, Auto Sunshades
Past--(FIRST CAR EVER OWNED)--1981 318i Euro Specs
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My E60 M54 motor (530i) has 6.9 qt engine oil capacity. I put in 7 qt every time. Seems to go right up to the full mark on the dip stick. Not sure where the 30% remaining oil would be within the engine. I use ramps for DIY oil change.
![](https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3846084471_1f574cc980_m.jpg)
The wood ramp is to help step up to the Rhino Ramps due to the lowered sports suspension.
![](https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3846084471_1f574cc980_m.jpg)
The wood ramp is to help step up to the Rhino Ramps due to the lowered sports suspension.
Question 1: How did you make your wood ramps? anything fancy?
Question 2: Is there a big ordeal to change the oil and just easier to pay for it? Or if I've changed the oil on a car before, is it just as easy?
Thank you.
#10
Senior Members
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I was told, of course by dealership, that there is a certain computer that they connect that allows all of the oil to drain out. If an oil change is done anywhere else other than BMW 30% of the oil remains and a full change is not done. It sounds lime many of you do your own. I have 2000 miles left before my first (out of warranty) oil change. Any input?
as for the engine, you never can get all the oil out, but most of it comes out though. if there is an oil cooler, a little remains in the lines and cooler, but not 30%