oil change

[socalguy]

first time doing my own oil change thought i would try. i have the oil but what else... i heard to get a new drain plug and new filter at same time?

I really dont knwo becuase i usually always go to dealer

oh yea the car : 1996 328is.

[97alpineM3]

Go to advanced auto parts... or where ever you got the oil from... and get a filter... Fram makes a good one.. the filter will come with all the washers you need.... there is a very small O ring (black rubber) that fits on the bottom of the Filter assembly Bolt..(ya know.. the one on top you have to wrench to get to the filter... there is an O ring on the bottom of that.)... it also comes with a few different sized washers... one for the top of that screw I was just talking about.... that fits between the head of the bolt and top of the filter assembly cap. And another should be a good size for the drain plug washer... You shouldnt really need to buy another drain plug.... I dont know why you would do that any ways.. unless you have striped the threads or something...

Make sure you take the filter out first... so you can let the oil thats in the filter assembly drain to your pan. That way you get all the old oil out you can...

Have fun!

[007ben]

many people here suggest staying away from fram... fram is most commonly aviable one. you maybe able to stop by the dealer and get a OEM(Mann?) filter...

[97alpineM3]

I've never had any problems with them..... they come with what you need... and they are OE certified.... whats wrong with them??????

but majority wins...

[007ben]

i dunno myself.. check around I'm sure something can be found...

[El Presidente]

I always go to the dealer for the filter. The drain plug doesn;t need to be replaced, but you may want to replace the rings on it, which are included with the dealer filter.

[Kevin325i]

Just don't break the plug off, not that I would know about that....

Kevin

[97alpineM3]

You broke the plug off???.... dare I ask how???

[Kevin325i]

Let's just say the principals of leverage weren't in my favor using a foot and a half ratchet.....

Kevin

[97alpineM3]

Wow.... I guess a crush washer did its trick.... never heard that one before....

[socalguy]

so its pretty easy to change the oil then right??

[97alpineM3]

Yes.... Provided that the car is some what off the ground
1) Take bolt that hold filter top down off.
2) Take filter out.
3) If you havnt already... jack the car up.
4) Take the drain plug out. Should be a 13mm.
5) Change out the O-ring on the bottom of the bolt that holds the filter cap down.
6) Change the O-ring out that goes around the filter cap.
7) Clean the drain plug off... and put new washer on it.
8) Once oil is all drained put plug back in. Just a couple good turns on a wrench.
9) Put new filter back in and put filter top back on.
10) Fill her up with oil.

Remember to let the car run for about 10-15 seconds before you check for a correct oil level as the oil needs to fill the filter assembly up again.

Hope this helps some...

[Bmw1990]

I also use FRAm, I haven't had ne problems with it. If u don't want fram u can probaaly get a bosch filter for a little more $$. I wouldn't bother getting one from the dealer, they will rip u off

[dutchbmw]

I always go to the dealer for parts. They are a few more expensive than other car shops but I think they're the best you can get.