DIY oil change; is it worth it?
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From: 60607
My Ride: 2008 BMW 535i
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From: Boston
My Ride: '06 530i, '07 C280 4matic, '98 ML320
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.
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.
Last edited by pcy; Feb 22, 2013 at 12:21 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: BMW
Model Year: 2006
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 :-)
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 :-)
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From: atlanta
My Ride: 2005 545i Sport
Something like this right?
BMW BMW Oil Filter Wrench Socket
BMW BMW Oil Filter Wrench Socket
The reusable filter housing is made out of some plastic like material that has a preformed (nut) that is either 22mm or 23mm to make removal easy.
Japanese cars use a filter socket similar to what you propose, but that's becuase their entire filter assembly (100%) is a throw-away item.
On German cars (becuase of their crazy "Green Party") they must use a filter housing that can last the life of the vehicle.
I use such a "socket" on my Lexus and Infiniti, but with German cars, it's not needed because you must reuse the filter housing.
What am I missing?
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,099
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From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: BMW
Model Year: 2006
But why?
The reusable filter housing is made out of some plastic like material that has a preformed (nut) that is either 22mm or 23mm to make removal easy.
Japanese cars use a filter socket similar to what you propose, but that's becuase their entire filter assembly (100%) is a throw-away item.
On German cars (becuase of their crazy "Green Party") they must use a filter housing that can last the life of the vehicle.
I use such a "socket" on my Lexus and Infiniti, but with German cars, it's not needed because you must reuse the filter housing.
What am I missing?
The reusable filter housing is made out of some plastic like material that has a preformed (nut) that is either 22mm or 23mm to make removal easy.
Japanese cars use a filter socket similar to what you propose, but that's becuase their entire filter assembly (100%) is a throw-away item.
On German cars (becuase of their crazy "Green Party") they must use a filter housing that can last the life of the vehicle.
I use such a "socket" on my Lexus and Infiniti, but with German cars, it's not needed because you must reuse the filter housing.
What am I missing?
Thread Starter
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From: atlanta
My Ride: 2005 545i Sport
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From: Montreal Quebec Canada
My Ride: 2005 545i, premium package, 6sp manual, cold package, navigation package.
Model Year: 2005
Engine: N62
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.
If I'm doing it myself, I want to be 100% sure that everything meets BMW spec's at a minimum.
Salut, Bob P.
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The only reason to worry about meeting the LL-01 spec is if you want to run your oil for extended periods. the "LL" in the LL-01 spec stands for Long LIfe.
Personally, I don't wish to go 10,000 miles between oil changes. I have always been a 3000-4000 mile oil changer. I enjoy changing my own oil. I send my oil out for analysis from Blackstone Labs to see what is going on in the engine, too.
The "German" Castrol is a great oil in the 30-40 weight class. The only bad is thing is it is hard to find. The only place I know to get it is at Auto Zone. NO other auto parts stores carry it. I'd pick that over the M1 0W40 regardless of if it is meets the LL01 spec.
Personally, I don't wish to go 10,000 miles between oil changes. I have always been a 3000-4000 mile oil changer. I enjoy changing my own oil. I send my oil out for analysis from Blackstone Labs to see what is going on in the engine, too.
The "German" Castrol is a great oil in the 30-40 weight class. The only bad is thing is it is hard to find. The only place I know to get it is at Auto Zone. NO other auto parts stores carry it. I'd pick that over the M1 0W40 regardless of if it is meets the LL01 spec.
