[sayemthree]

Originally Posted by two1bar

DIY oil change just completed. It's straight forward and doesn't require removal of the airbox unless you have large forearms. I was able to change the filter with the airbox in place. Make sure you loosen the oil filter housing completely and allow the oil to drain out for a few minutes before removing the housing/filter assembly to avoid making a mess. The oil drain plug is probably one of the most easily accessible I've ever come across.

Did you take any pics? Any part of the engine cover removed!

[Gsavarese]

Interesting watch. I now know where the filter is and how to get it out.

However I’m confused whether there’s another drain plug for the smaller of 2 sumps

I’m covered under the maintenance plan but we all know if you’re keeping a BMW past the lease period the covered maintenance is insufficient and oil changes should be made more frequently than BMW says

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Gsavarese

Interesting watch. I now know where the filter is and how to get it out.

However I’m confused whether there’s another drain plug for the smaller of 2 sumps

I’m covered under the maintenance plan but we all know if you’re keeping a BMW past the lease period the covered maintenance is insufficient and oil changes should be made more frequently than BMW says

The only engines that have 2 oil drain plugs are the S65 and S85. This is a normal oil change with one drain plug.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Gsavarese That's a very helpful video you found. Simply wondering if the oil reset light on the 2021 X3 M's will be different from the 2020 models with the iD6... ?

Also, I wonder if the 1,200 break-in / run-in service will be an oil change only (no filter replacement)... ?

^^^ Assuming yes on the oil change only!

[Gsavarese]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

Gsavarese That's a very helpful video you found. Simply wondering if the oil reset light on the 2021 X3 M's will be different from the 2020 models with the iD6... ?

Also, I wonder if the 1,200 break-in / run-in service will be an oil change only (no filter replacement)... ?

^^^ Assuming yes on the oil change only!

I just checked my MY 21 and don’t see a button or stalk in the gauge cluster so unless there’s another way I don’t think the MY 21 service indicators can be reset like in the video

As far as the 1200 mile service my invoice shows that the oil filter was replaced.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by Gsavarese

I just checked my MY 21 and don’t see a button or stalk in the gauge cluster so unless there’s another way I don’t think the MY 21 service indicators can be reset like in the video

As far as the 1200 mile service my invoice shows that the oil filter was replaced.

That's a bummer about the oil service indicator. Us 2021 guys will have to figure this out if we want to change the oil at more frequent intervals.

And thank you for the quick reply. Hopefully the BMW techs will do a clean job & not leak any oil anywhere when they do this simply change!

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

That's a bummer about the oil service indicator. Us 2021 guys will have to figure this out if we want to change the oil at more frequent intervals.

And thank you for the quick reply. Hopefully the BMW techs will do a clean job & not leak any oil anywhere when they do this simply change!

Oil and filter always get changed including rear diff. Idrive 7 cars you need to reset services with the BC button on the stalk since there's no button on the instrument cluster anymore.

[Ilyam5]

What Oil does BMW recommend? Any of you updated to more robust oils for hard driving like Motul?

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

I would like to change the oil & oil filter at sooner intervals too. But the location of the oil filter housing does appear to be a major PITA to easily access. In irder to replace the oil filter element.

Have any of you guys with higher mileage X3 M's & those of you who like the peace of mind in working on your own cars have any viable / worthwhile suggestions on tools or procedures that make this job a touch more (easier to complete)... ?

[kzg1969]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

..... any viable / worthwhile suggestions on tools or procedures that make this job a touch more (easier to complete)... ?

just change the oil and leave the filter.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

just change the oil and leave the filter.

LMAO...

[spta97]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

just change the oil and leave the filter.

I always felt this was like taking a shower and reusing the same underwear you wore all day

[kzg1969]

Lads, plenty racers do it. The guy who builds my race bike engine tells me to do this. And dont forget, this is an interim change that isnt even required.


.....and when i have a shower, i turn my underwear inside out afterwards!

[spta97]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

Lads, plenty racers do it. The guy who builds my race bike engine tells me to do this. And dont forget, this is an interim change that isnt even required.


.....and when i have a shower, i turn my underwear inside out afterwards!

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by kzg1969

Lads, plenty racers do it. The guy who builds my race bike engine tells me to do this. And don't forget, this is an interim change that isnt even required...

That's a good way to look at it & I never thought it about this way until you mentioned it.

[cosmicdebris48059]

Couple of questions after watching the oil change video. #1) Why in the world would you change the filter then run the engine with the dirty oil? Turning the vehicle around in the the driveway and putting it on the ramps was plenty to warm the oil before draining. #2) Why would you check the oil level while it was still on the ramps? If I'm not mistaken my F30 won't let me check the oil level unless it's somewhat level.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by cosmicdebris48059

Couple of questions after watching the oil change video. #1) Why in the world would you change the filter then run the engine with the dirty oil? Turning the vehicle around in the the driveway and putting it on the ramps was plenty to warm the oil before draining. #2) Why would you check the oil level while it was still on the ramps? If I'm not mistaken my F30 won't let me check the oil level unless it's somewhat level.

1) you shouldn't
2) you shouldn't

[M3coco]

My husband did the oil change a while back. Took a while, but nothing overwhelming. I'll have him do a write up to help

[spta97]

Anyone know what the torque specs on the drain plug and oil canister are?

I would have liked to see how Gsavarese got the oil filter cap off but I suspect he wanted to cut out 30 minutes of swearing on camera

[Gsavarese]

Originally Posted by spta97

Anyone know what the torque specs on the drain plug and oil canister are?

I would have liked to see how Gsavarese got the oil filter cap off but I suspect he wanted to cut out 30 minutes of swearing on camera

Oh I haven’t done an oil change yet since I’m covered under the factory service and drive a helluva lot less these days. But you bring up a good point with these DIY videos. They always shoot the bolt that’s easy to get to or “preloosen” the filter cap off camera. All the cursing and bloody knuckles are edited.

[Gsavarese]

My interest was piqued and found this follow up to the video I posted a while back. I think he’s using the wrong oil but he goes into more detail about removing the filter. No torque specs but tightening the drain bolt and filter housing is usually tight but not too tight.
***edit - manual says 0W-20 or 0W-30 so if that’s what he’s using (touch to see) it’s correct

[spta97]

Originally Posted by Gsavarese

My interest was piqued and found this follow up to the video I posted a while back. I think he’s using the wrong oil but he goes into more detail about removing the filter. No torque specs but tightening the drain bolt and filter housing is usually tight but not too tight.
***edit - manual says 0W-20 or 0W-30 so if that’s what he’s using (touch to see) it’s correct

Ah - thanks for clearing that up. I thought you were the creator of the YouTube vid. I did ask in the comments on the first vid but he said he didn't have the specs.

I'm sure for the most part "Tight, but not too tight" is fine but having snapped a few bolts in my time I like to get the exact specs.

Thanks for the part 2 - will check it out!