Anybody here use Blackstone labs? I don't want to change my oil yet but I want to get a sample. However, an 06' 525i doesn't have a dipstick to pump the oil out of. Can you do it through the oil fill opening at the top of the engine or can you only do it from an oil change?

 

Great question I assumed it was when I changed my oil

 

Just open the drain plug and take a sample. You can close it back up while the oil is draining....it'll just be a bit messy.

 

Might be a little less messy to get some oil from the oil filter canister. It usually holds an ounce or two and that can be replenished when you reinstall the filter and cap. Probably don't even need to replace the o-rings.

 

I think that would mess up the results because the oil would be freshly filtered?

 

Clean the oil drain plug and area. Loosen plug until oil starts dripping. Catch oil with a disposable cup. If you like, you could use another disposable cup to measure some new oil to add to engine.

 

or just take the time to change the oil. theoretically you could get an oil drainer and stick in the oil fill hole but an oil change never hurts. I just changed mine this morning and took a sample out for blackstone.

 

I have only sent samples when changing oil, but I've seen people discuss samples they took between oil changes on BITOG.

Well all the oil is filtered when the engine is running, so that's not an issue. The metallics they measure are those that are too small to be trapped in the filter I always assumed. Does anyone know for sure if the filter housing drain plug is on the clean side of the filter? If so this should be the easiest way to get a good sample.

If you're still not sure you can always call Blackstone. They do answer the phone and I'm sure they would discuss this with you.

 

I would do it at the time of the oil change, but my main motivation to do it before is because I want to use some Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner (saw it on another thread) before doing the oil change. If the Techron thing works, I want as much of the gunk it cleaned out taken away with the old oil. I don't want it with the new oil. So I want to:

Take oil sample
Use the Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner additive on a full tank
Run 2 cycles of tank of gas
Change oil

I don't want the sample skewed by the Techron stuff.

 

BTW, I did email Blackstone Labs asking them if the Techron stuff could affect the oil analisys report but they haven't responded yet. If not, then I'll just run the Techron and get a sample at the next oil change.