///M3 Tech Procedure -
Changing Engine Oil and Filter

Changing the engine oil and filter regularly and frequently is one of the most important maintenance steps you can take to keep your car running in good health.

This tech procedure will step through the actions required to change your own oil.

Firstly, chose a quality Synthetic motor oil. Synthetic motor oil is more expensive than mineral/petroleum oils and the so-called blended oils, but it also offers superior protection. Don't be scared to stray away from what BMW is using. I suggest that you read this motor oil study. It's well worth your time. Not only does it have a comprehensive test of different types of oil, but it also explains a lot about oil such as what the oil numbers mean (such as 5W-30), how these numbers translate into viscosity, and how viscosity translates into engine protection.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/AmsoilStudybyBobM3.php

The study suggests using Amsoil 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. Personally, I use Mobil 1 0W-30 or 5W-30 oil. Amsoil might be a better oil, but it is harder to get and expensive. Mobil 1 can be bought at your local Walmart for a reasonable price.

Before we start, I must warn you that other E36s (such as the 325, 328, 318) are slightly different than the M3. Some of these differences include engine oil capacity, plug sizes, and torque values. Check your manual for details.

Necessary Tools and Parts:

• 7 Quarts of Synthetic Motor Oil
• OEM Oil Filter Kit (complete with filter, new washers, and new seals) (BMW Part Number
  11-42-1-730-389)
• 17mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 8+ quart capacity, low profile oil drain pan
• Low profile car ramps (such as Rhino Ramps)

Procedure:

First, warm the engine up. A lot of people skip this step because they won't want to burn themselves on a hot engine with hot oil. You don't need to get the engine really hot, but definitely warm it up because warm oil will hold the contaminates and flow better than cold oil.

Even with my low profile oil pan, there is no way that I can get it under this car and manage to pull the drain plug without spilling oil everywhere. Changing the oil with the car not on a ramp is preferred, but not possible with this car unless you have access to a lift. (Don't I wish!)

Even with stock suspension, this car is low. The low profile ramps that I have are still too steep so I had to drive the car up onto this 2x4 to allow the front splitter to clear the top of the ramps.

Pull the car up onto the ramps very slowly and carefully. Put the car in gear and pull the hand brake.

Just to be safe, put blocks behind the back wheels.

Find the filter housing cover conveniently placed for easy access on the top of the engine. The filter housing cover is the silver circular object circled in red in the middle of the picture above.

Use your 13mm socket and remove the filter housing cover. Take notice of the long pin that you pull out and notice where the o-rings and washers are. The picture above shows a seal inside the cap.

Remove the old filter and replace with a new OEM filter.

Moisten the new cap seal with some oil and replace the old seal with this new one. A flat head screwdriver may be needed to gently pry the old seal out of the groove in the cap.

Also lubricate and replace the small seal at the end of the pin and replace the washer. Torque down the cap with the 13mm socket to 18 ft-lbs.

Crawl under the car and find the drain plug (circled in red). Using a 17mm socket, loosen the plug. Then, by hand, remove the plug and let the oil drain into the pan. When all the oil has drained out, replace the plug using a new brass washer as provided with the oil filter. Torque the plug to 18 ft-lbs.

Before you remove the oil cap to add oil to the engine, clean the area around the cap. The last thing you want is excess dirt and grime falling into the engine. Remove the cap and use a funnel to add the oil. The E36 M3 requires 6.5 quarts of oil when doing a complete oil and filter change. I typically add 7 quarts to my engine. Adding a little extra is not a bad thing on an E36 and is even suggested when doing extreme driving to prevent oil starvatioin circumstances.

After the oil is added to the car, replace the cap. Start the car up and look to see that the engine oil indicator light turns off immediately. Alos check the underside and oil filter cover for leaks. If all is well, carefully bring the car off the ramps and bring it for a short ride until the engine temperature needle is standing straight up in the nominal position. It is a good ideal to check one more time for any leaks.

Be sure to properly recycle your used engine oil. I think we all know that dumping it down the sewers is a short sided solution.