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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

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Ziggythez4
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Ziggythez4 » Sun Jan 17, 2021 10:54 am

Hi I’m a newbie so sorry if it’s been asked before and I couldn’t find it.
My ziggy 2.5 2003 is now on 112,000 and due a inspection 2.
As I intend keeping him a few years more I’m thinking long term mainatiance, so
Should I change the dif and gearbox oils- I’ve seen and heard mixed views, but after 112k surely putting some fresh oil in got be a god idea.
Like wise thinking of changing the fuel filter.
Welcome your thoughts advice and anything else I should do ( I know about the clutch andbackbox delete :-)j

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jabber
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by jabber » Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:09 am

I had them changed on my old e85 now noticeable changes so I would say go head
Z less again
14 E89 Z4 2.0 msport grey gone now
10 E89 Z4 3.0 Black auto now. Very sadly gone
Gone 04 E85 z4 3.0 Maldives blue smg

Ziggythez4
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Ziggythez4 » Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:51 am

Hi jabber thanks for reply.
Did you change diff gearbox oil and fuel filter?

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Rucky
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Rucky » Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:05 pm

I have changed both Diff and Auto Gbox oil on both 2.5 and 3.0si.
BMW "Lifetime" oil I think is for the lifetime they warrant the car.
Makes sense to change all of the fluids.
Diff was straightforward , plugs are a bit tight access wise,
Both cars were auto boxes - so replaced filters as well on the 3.0si the filter is integral with the sump so gets completely replaced.
I used Mann fiters. Lot of fuss made about Auto boxes being tricky but as long as you warm the box up to its operating temperature, refill it running, shift through the gears etc it will be OK. A manual box is straightforward but again do it hot.
#I used a garden spray pump 5L to pump the oil into the boxes but still had to lay under a running car up on jacking pad blocks - so be careful.
04 2.5i Titan silver - 1st Z4 now sold on
07 3.0si Silver Grey M Sport pak.
X5 and assorted motorbikes

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Chris_D
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Chris_D » Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:38 pm

Many here, including myself, do intermediate oil changes and it’s seen as a contingent practice on 100k+ milers.
I’ll also be moving to 5w40 from 5w30 next change.
As you have a dipstick you could also take advantage of utilising a Pela pump to suck your oil out instead of draining. I consider pumping way more convenient and possibly also extracts more oil than draining although this usually generates animated debate around here. :oops:

Gearbox oil change was something I did when I first got my E85 3.0 and it transformed the gear change. I still skip 2nd and 4th when changing up and until I get some heat into the box.
E85 3.0i roadie (03) 'Benny'. E93 320d M-Sport Cabrio (11) 'Bob'.
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jabber
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by jabber » Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:19 pm

Ziggythez4 wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:51 am Hi jabber thanks for reply.
Did you change diff gearbox oil and fuel filter?
Yes did all 3 :thumbsup:
Z less again
14 E89 Z4 2.0 msport grey gone now
10 E89 Z4 3.0 Black auto now. Very sadly gone
Gone 04 E85 z4 3.0 Maldives blue smg

Nash3vans
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Nash3vans » Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:12 pm

Rucky, did you do a write up on the auto box oil change ?
2005 merlot 2.5 auto.313s.e46 m3 front brakes.Strut brace,poly bush’s front, m front bumper,modified grilles,bc racing coilovers,facelift lights all round,modified rear bumper,s/wheel retrimmed, Merc slk seats. scorpion exhaust, many interior mods.

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Rucky
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Rucky » Sun Jan 17, 2021 5:22 pm

Will have a look back but made this comment on another post:
Thu Jun 18, 2020 2:43 pm
If you climb underneath there is a sticker on the plastic sump detailing exactly which box you have.
The type determines the Oil.
This is what I used on the wifes 3.0si with the 6 speed auto with paddles.
I purchased a replacement MANN Sump/filter online, actually came from Germany.
The oil to BMW / Shell Spec was purchased from Smith and Allan in Darlington
https://www.smithandallan.com
For the 3.0i ZF 6 speed Auto : ATF M1375.4
It is supplied in 5L bulk (x2) and they do delivery
A Hozelock 5L garden pressure pump to fill was very useful.
04 2.5i Titan silver
07 3.0si Silver Grey M Sport pak.
X5 and assorted motorbikes
04 2.5i Titan silver - 1st Z4 now sold on
07 3.0si Silver Grey M Sport pak.
X5 and assorted motorbikes

Ziggythez4
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Ziggythez4 » Sun Jan 17, 2021 6:47 pm

Many thanks for the advice , now got a plan to sort the gungy bits, then I can start on tidying up the interior .
Thanks again.
When i can work out how to upload a pic i will !

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Rucky
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Rucky » Sun Jan 17, 2021 7:07 pm

I didnt actually do a write up but there are a few partial ones in and around if you search the forum
The 2.5 with a 5 speed + rev auto can use Castrol spec oil - see their website.
The filter is bought separately and just slips in on Orings.
Car needs to be Hot, Level and high enough to work under easily basically just
Check fill plug can be loosened before draining oil.
Drain hot gearbox oil.
Drop sump and replace filter.
Refit sump with new gasket and drain plug seal
Remove fill / level plug and Pump in oil until it runs out.
Run engine and cycle gearbox through gears - topping up all the time- this ensures the gearbox is fully primed and the cooler full.
Wait for gearbox oil to get back up to temp and when it wont take any more oil refit filler plug.

I am sure others will quite addition steps or ways but thats how I did the 2.5.
The 3.0si ( current) has the 6 speed + rev paddle shift box and needs a specific oil to BMW spec M1375.4 which is extrremely expensive hence I quoted Smith and Allen agricuktural who sell ATF M1375.4 spec oil at a fractiin of the price.

Hope this helps
04 2.5i Titan silver - 1st Z4 now sold on
07 3.0si Silver Grey M Sport pak.
X5 and assorted motorbikes

Ziggythez4
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Daft questions from a newbie re oil changes

Post by Ziggythez4 » Mon Jan 18, 2021 2:11 pm

Thanks rucky , i thought i was replying to all who had replied not you individually _doh
but thanks again for coming back, especially the tip about running through the gears

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