DIY oilchange

[goon]

How easy is this,I got ramps but their very steep and I know I'll scrape something (not got planks),can it be done using a jack,do the wheels have to come off,can the drainplug be accessed easily without removing the undertray or take it to a local garage with lift.

 

[Bish]

I stumbled on this which may answer some of your questions. I haven't carried out myself yet so cant vouch/offer any first hand advice.

http://www.billswebspace.com/Z4MS54OilChange.htm

hope it helps

 

[TheHoff]

Very easy.

No need for the wheels to come off. No need to remove the undertray. Possible with a jack, but for Christ's sake, be careful. Long arms will help. Ensure you have a large enough oil pan and many towels...just in case.

Everything is easier with a lift.

 

[goon]

Yes looks a damn sight easier than my A4 which needed full tray removal which was when I then cut a hole in it, at least BMW give you a way in.

 

[obewan]

You could get some ramp extensions for about £15 on E-bay - dead easy and SAFE then

 

[Adam D]

Or suck it out the dipstick tube ? With such an easy to change oil filter it makes for quick intermediate oil changes if you have a suction pump.

 

[obewan]

if you have a suction pump

AND a dipstick tube
Unfortunately I haven't but Adam D is correct, great bit of kit
Costs a bit more than the ramp extensions but worth it if you have a few cars to service

 

[goon]

Got underneath car but undertray has to be fully removed to access drain plug. B******s.!!!

 

[Conquistador]

Did mine yesterday.

The hardest part I found was getting the car up high enough to get myself under it. The oil change itself was a piece of p1ss. I drove the car up onto a platform of paving slabs for each wheel then a big trolley jack at each side for a little more lift so I could get my head and shoulders under, but I got myself under the car from the front, unscrewed the plastic access cover for the sump plug and let the oil run out. I undid the plug with a socket, 17mm if I remember correctly (be careful not to lose the crush ring in the pan of oil if you don't have a replacement!).

No need for any undertrays to be removed or anything, but it seems it's different for an Z4M.

 

[goon]

No I was wrong should have gone to specsaves easy job half hour £73 for 2 gallons and a filter,will now do regular changes in between insp 1,2 etc.

 

[allanhelen]

Or suck it out the dipstick tube ? With such an easy to change oil filter it makes for quick intermediate oil changes if you have a suction pump.

This!!!

I bought an oil extractor when my wife had a smart car (they don't have a drain plug) I use it for all my oil changes now it is a dodle. Wish I had discovered these things when I was younger maybe if I had spent less time on my back on a cold concrete my back wouldn't be as bad as it is now

 

[NathanZ4C]

Or suck it out the dipstick tube ? With such an easy to change oil filter it makes for quick intermediate oil changes if you have a suction pump.

This!!!

I bought an oil extractor when my wife had a smart car (they don't have a drain plug) I use it for all my oil changes now it is a dodle. Wish I had discovered these things when I was younger maybe if I had spent less time on my back on a cold concrete my back wouldn't be as bad as it is now

Yeah they are great if you actually have a dipstick

 

[Dewi]

Or suck it out the dipstick tube ? With such an easy to change oil filter it makes for quick intermediate oil changes if you have a suction pump.

This!!!

I bought an oil extractor when my wife had a smart car (they don't have a drain plug) I use it for all my oil changes now it is a dodle. Wish I had discovered these things when I was younger maybe if I had spent less time on my back on a cold concrete my back wouldn't be as bad as it is now

Yeah they are great if you actually have a dipstick

Never felt the need to suck the oil out anyway, most cars are easy enough to drop the oil via the sump drain. I usually leave them draining overnight if poss. I changed the engine oil in the Z last week: jack it up & secure it on stands or run it up a ramp, drop the little trap door and remove drain plug, then watch the old oil drain out. The only difference between the Z and most other cars is the oil volume - up to 7 litres to drain out. I had to use my two catch trays to accommodate it all - then there was the gearbox and diff oil to get out on top of that, I ended up with about 2 gals of oil to get shot of.

Make sure the drain plug is back with new sealing washer, pop in a new filter with new seals and put in 6.5 litres of engine oil (LL01 or LL04), take the car for a run to get it hot and check oil while you're driving - takes a few minutes for it to compute. Mine told me it was ok, so no more oil required. Easy peasy

 

[Geezah]

Got the job done by National Tyres on my 2.0 for around £38 all in. I couldn't even buy the oil alone at that price. Check them out.

 

[Yorkie Z]

Got the job done by National Tyres on my 2.0 for around £38 all in. I couldn't even buy the oil alone at that price. Check them out.

Neither can they. Think you must have some cheap and nasty oil slopping around inside your engine mate

 

[Geezah]

Yes, it's called Castrol Edge.