Oil Change

[RIBEMR26]

Ok, so I'm gearing up to do my own oil change in a week or two...I'm ordering a Mann oil filter from bavauto that comes with all the replacement gaskets (unless there is a better one?). I read all the DIY's which were very helpful except the guy who wrote it had an M3, so I don't know if there are minor differences. So here are my questions: (thanks in advance guys)

1. I have car ramps---if I drive the car up onto the ramps, will all the oil still drain out, because the car is not level?

2. Torque specs for the drain plug (I dont want to snap it)

3. How do I find out how many quarts of oil my car holds?

(I just tend to feel like a loser asking these questions at autozone, you guys are so much more forgiving, or at least I can't hear you laughing)

Thanks again-

P.s. I finally got my new headlights http://www.umnitza.com/product_info.php?cP...products_id=154 and I will be installing them this weekend!!!! Pics to follow!!!

[TMac325is]

you can find out how many quarts your specific car holds in your owners manual, theres a large section with specs

and btw, nice choice on lights, thats what im looking into getting *sits here and waits for paycheck*

[DeefNDorf]

Hmm...Just buy the filter and take it to be done....lots easier and you dont get dirty...plus do you really save that much doing it yourself...?...But i would do as I do..if they change it..whatch them do it...then...idle in their parking lot after it is changed....and check for leaks...and again when you get home...Oh Yea..DONT GO TO WALMART>>THEY SUCK..............

[RIBEMR26]

Last time I got my oil changed with Full synthetic it cost me like $75-$80 (and who know if they even put full synthetic in, ok...im paranoid). If I do it myself I will spend probably half. Plus, I take pride in working on my car myself...even if it's little things.

[JRC325i]

Beautiful lights....thats what i'm saving up for. (waits for allowance)

[97alpineM3]

Ok.... number 1) Yes.. the oil will drain correctly.. number 2) 13mm 3) You can look in you owners manual... its in the back I think... Have fun.

[RIBEMR26]

thanks alpine...but do you know the torque ft-lbs also for the drain plug?

[ajames]

if there was anything that you COULD actually do without having to take it in to a shop --- an oil change would be it. I'm 17 and changing oil was the first thing i learned to do with a car. why would you take a car in and pay someone else to "get dirty" when you can do it yourself, maybe even save money, and feel good after doing it and knowing that you can take care of your car. I wish i had thousands to pay for aftermarket parts and get them insalled, but i don't, but i still have my pride for knowing how to replace rear strut mounts and change my oil!

besides, it you do it yourself, you don't have to worry about checking up on how good of a job the mechanic did. And you sure as hell will know what goes into your engine.

BMW's are very easy to do. All the other cars i've done have the filters under the car and in wierd places. I've done a Del Sol before ... wow, those engineers must have really had small hands! That thing was was on some sort of wierd angle ... couldn't even see it ... but first time i popped the hood on the bimmer ... the guy said yup -- there's the filter. I was in shock. You mean i can stand up and change my filter?

And mann filters, btw, are great filters. I believe they were OEM ... maybe i'm dead wrong, but i think they are. They're german anyway.

good luck!

alex

[RIBEMR26]

So should I use a torque wrench on the drain plug? I am worried about snapping it...If so, what are the specs (ft-lbs)?

[jllphan]

First off, I am with everyone else. Do it yourself, have some pride.

Second, no need to torque, just hand tight with the wrench is fine.

Third, nice call on lights, it will be everything you wanted. Just a tip, plan on buying the eyelids be it the half or full ones. Like the Angel Eyes on the 5er, the Angel Eyes from Umnitza only go 3/4 the way around. The eyelids cover the open portion, and give the car a more agressive look in the process.

I bought my eyelids from bavauto.com

[DeefNDorf]

Hmm...my filter and oil change aint but 30$ US...thats with Penz.....but it is good to do it yrself....

[RIBEMR26]

Thanks guys for all your help with the oil change questions....and yeah I got the headlights....and they are installed as of Staurday afternoon....OH MY GOD they are awesome!!!!!
I will post pics as soon as I can borrow my buddy's dig. camera again.

Matt from Umnitza was available for all installation questions (as I did have a few) on a saturday afternoon...responding to my e-mails and then a phone call instantly.

all that money was worth that kind of service alone...

[jllphan]

I totally agree. Matt sold me mine as well, and was very helpful. It was a good experience and would recomend them to anyone!

[ridikuledind]

Ive had many different cars and i would have to say that my 95 318is is the easiet oil change that i have ever done- my 2 cents

[Kevin325i]

Yeah don't worry about torqueing the drain plug. I broke it using a foot and a half breaker bar, you won't with a normal ratchet

Kevin