Simple oil drain question.
 

I'm due for an oil change soon and will be changing my oil this weekend.

The last time I changed my oil, when I pulled the oil pan drain plug, oil shot out and got all over the under-housing plastic. Is this normal? I was checking videos on YouTube just now, and it seems like that's not supposed to happen (duh). All the videos I've seen, the oil drains as you would expect it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any remedies? May just be human error.

Edit: 2005 530i. M54

See if this helps: Try opening the filler cap to relieve possible pressure buildup or remove the dipstick.

Mine is a 2008 XI.. so things are different. Did my oil change yesterday and it came straight out.. well out of the way of any of the plastic shroud. I never seem to have problems with any oil change.. except for the stupid cars that have things in the way *ahem Honda!*. And a few others...

I have the exact same car as you and never had that issue. I always open the cap before I drain though. Get a piece of cardboard so it can act as a shield just in case it shoots out with the cap open. You should be good though with the cap already removed.

Funny...I had that exact same issue the 1st time I drained my oil...what a freakin' mess! But have never had it happen since. Honestly, I'm not sure what I am doing differently. I do remove the filler cap before I drain...but I don't remember if I did that the first time or not. Maybe that is the key.