Autozone [and other auto parts stores] takes used oil and disposes for free. After oil change, I pour the oil in to empty milk/water gallon containers and take it to Autozone and drop it off on my way to work/shopping. Is it worth all that effort? To me, YES.

To me, it's not about $17 or $150. I want to ensure the proper oil is used and the o-rings on the oil filter stem/cap are replaced along with copper crush washer on the drain plug; and, I want to make sure the drain plug is tightened properly [not over/under tightened]. I want to make sure dab of oil is placed on all those o-rings on the oil filter before tightening the oil filter cap. People have all kinds of oil leaks from oil filter area and they don't know why there are leaks... :-)

Did I say, I get a chance to look under the car for leaks/problems?
I change oil on both cars on a Saturday morning. I get to save some money while checking all the usual wear/tear items.

 

I do my own. then again, i only spend like 17 bucks for 7 quarts of Castrol 0w-30 and Mahle filter.

 

Just bought Castrol Edge 0W30 at Advanced Auto last month on their two for one special. $4.50/qt

 

Is that the Euro formula? I'm only able to find Mobil 1 0W-40 in he Atlanta market that meets BMW LL-01 spec's. I don' believe that Castrol Edge meets that spec as their packaging doesn't list BMW, only MB.

If I'm doing it myself, I want to be 100% sure that everything meets BMW spec's at a minimum.

 

Well, I'll offer an different view. I'd take that dealer special in a second - OEM spec product and $85 is a deal all day long. I don't love wrenching my own stuff enough to make oil changes anything other than a PITA. There are things I like to do myself, and things I'll do myself if I want to save the money. Oil change is on the second list.

 

Honestly, if you're really worried about making sure the mechanic does a proper way of changing oil in your car, I would find a new mechanic. I have a good raport with my mechanic and once in awhile we chat once in awhile while he works on my car. I know he'll take care of me.
When picking a mechanic, I always inspect the car before and after the car is done. Every 3 months, I poke around the car looking for leaks anyway so that can guage what I do next.

 

For all the DIY, do you have the adapter to remove the filter cover/housing?

 

Yes, I bought the large socket that fits oil filter cap. Nothing fancy about it; as long as the size fits the cap, that's all is needed.

 

I'm missing something here. My 545i oil filter cap has an internal drain plug (allen style) and then I use a 22mm or 23mm 6pt socket to loosen and remove the filter housing.

Why are you using a filter socket designed for throw-away filter/housings? I use one of those on my Japanese cars (inifiniti & Lexus) but like the Mercedes, BMW uses a reusable filter housing.

 

I don't have a mechanic. I do 99% of all the maintenance/repairs on all my cars because I enjoy working on my cars. I go to dealer only when I MUST (like dealer item only or recalls). Lot of work on these cars can be done with pretty basic tools and some patience. These forums empower me to do all the work. During every oil change, I check/inspect all the usual suspects and PLAN for repairs/maintenance ahead and I buy parts online.

If I put myself in the mechanic's shoes, a $20 job wouldn't be worth the time. Competent AND honest mechanics are hard to find and I have the will to learn and do the work.

The above thinking has served me well in the past many years.

That's just my opinion; I am ok if others disagree :-)