Help: Torque For Oil Drain Plug For 1999 540i?

[Eric S.]

Trying to change my oil for the first time in my 1999 E39/540. I may just be blind but haven't been able to find out the required torque spec for reinstallation of the oil drain bolt and new washer anywhere in this forum or in my owner's manual. Anyone have a Bentley's that can tell me? used

While we're at it, is there any specific torque for the cap to the oil filter canister? Or do you just put it back hand tight? "Furious'" procedure didn't mention this tidbit either way. Sorry if I am being too anal and/or too clueless. Thanks for the help!

[billB]

Eric s

I have been doing my oil change by myself since a tech. at jeffy lube broke the drain plug in half on my car.

Things to remember without worrying about the numbers of torque:
A. The filter housing depends "heavely" on the rubber 0 ring to seal and so does the drain plug (metal O ring included with the filter). As such I only snug the drain plug with the rachet head but not the handle. Screwdriver turns type of a deal.
B. You can not afford to overtighten either of them.

This tells you one thing: better a bit loose than stripping the threads or worse breaking the plug (BMW plugs are HOLLOW metals. As such don't worry about specific number of pounds per whatever; you'll get used of it once you develop a feel for it; just like I did.

I hope this helped you out a bit.
regards
billb

[Torque]

mine always gets hand tightened... and not too much at that. dont worry, it wont come out as long as you tighten it all the way.