oil change questions

K

KenSmith

Member
Ok, I've had my 2006 Z4 3.0si for a few months and I think it's time for oil change. I am new to BMW so forgive me with not knowing how to change the oil and reset the oil change service warning light. I know full synthetic oil, I have both 5-30wt and 5-50wt. I live in California where it's 110 degrees in the summer and maybe 30 degrees in the winter. So maybe use the 5-30 Mobil 1 synthetic? Now I looked for a dip-stick to check the oil but could not find one. That kind of freaks me out since every car I have owned had one. So anyone have a good website that give some good explanation on changing the oil and filter? Type of oil, amount? Typical filter and size of filter? I'm sure there is a drain plug but haven't gotten under the car to check. I tried to find a you-tube video but didn't see anything for my car. I did a search but came up blank again for my car. Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is my first fine German car.... :driving:
 
Hi Ken,

Looks like your US members have missed your post. . . .?

Wouldn't like to specify an oil for your climate but all the information needed should be available from your dealer.

Then if you do a search on the forum here you will find some postings on oil changing - with good descriptions and quantities, sizes and torque settings for fasteners etc. (Better check they are the same in the US)

The 3.0si doesn't have a dip stick but uses an electronic system to measure the oil. In your handbook you'll find that the oil is checked through pushing the right hand oblong button which is sited between the speedo and the rev counter (may be the left button on your left hand drive versions? You check it when the engine is warm and running and it takes about a minute to run through the check. It only tells you to add oil when a litre is required.

I would much prefer a dipstick myself!

Everything I've read on the forum points to this being fairly straightforward. (The drain sump plug for example is behind a special plastic door set into the bottom engine cover.

Hope you get sorted - if so post up a US how to :D

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Can't help with the grade for your climate but can't imagine it would be far off 5w30.

Changing is a breeze, though I would say that the oil service light is far too optimistic for my liking, mine still said 7000 to go when I changed it and the oil was black. My routine now will be to carry out a change at half the initial interval and reset the indicator at the second change.

I don't have a filter size as I got the oil and air filters online after looking up my car, you could always go to the dealer as they're not massively expensive (over here at least) but are still double the OEM (MANN) cost.

You'll need 6.5 litres of oil, which is a splash under 6.9 US quarts (whatever they are...).

You will need a filter removal tool, the housing is on top so very easy to access, Laser 3119 is what you need, should be able to get it from Amazon or at least the spec. I'm not sure I'd trust a universal tool with the plastic.
The drain is in the centre covered by a flap, raise the car and it should be obvious.

Well worth doing DIY IMHO
 
Oil Service Indicator Reset

First production to 2005

Manual Reset

1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press and hold the TRIP ODOMETER button in the instrument cluster and turn the ignition to Accessory.
3. Keep the button pressed for 5 seconds until OIL SERVICE RESET (RE) or INSPECTION RESET (RE) appears in the display. Then release the button.
4. Press and hold the button again for 5 seconds until RE or RESET flashes in the display. Then release the button.
5. With the display flashing
6. Turn the ignition off and start the engine to verify the indicator has been reset.

2006-2012

Manual Reset

1. Turn ignition to Terminal 15 which is one turn of the key or one press of the START/STOP button.
2. Press and hold the Instrument Cluster Set/Reset button for 10 seconds.
3. The upper display in the Instrument Cluster will be illuminated with a Service Item. The lower display in the Instrument Cluster will indicate the remaining time or mileage left for that Service Item. Pressing the button repeatedly will allow the display to scroll through all of the Condition Based Service Items.
4. Press and hold the Instrument Cluster Set/Reset button again and the lower display screen will indicate “”OK”” or “”DUE””.”
5. Pressing the Instrument Cluster Set/Reset button again will allow the “”RESET”” to appear in the lower window for that service. Releasing and reapplying the button one more time will reset the service displayed in the upper window only. ”
6. Turn the ignition off and start the engine to verify the indicator has been reset.
 
Thanks guys! :thumbsup: I'll be searching for the special tool. I have always done my oil changes but never on a BMW. Kind of freaks me about the no dip-stick to make sure the right amount of oil is in the motor. I just don't have trust in electrical warning VS seeing for myself. Also I like to see the color of the old oil which tells me if it needs changing sooner than the indicator might tell me.
 
As I understand it the oil level sensor also contains a oil condition sensor build into it that measures the conductivity of the oil (can't imagine it can measure any other property) but I still don't trust the extended intervals.

You'll know how much is in if you drain it :lol: the tool needs to be 86mm with 16 flats.
 
Ok, finally got the Laser 3119 filter tool and replaced the oil and filter. Was easier than I had anticipated. Today I did the manual reset for the 2006 Z4 3.0si (I think). I followed the instructions above and when I turn the key to the on position after doing the reset it shows 9500 for service. I am guessing this means I have approximately 9500 miles before I need to change it again. Let me know if this sounds right or wrong. The prior owner told me the car will let you know when oil service is needed but I like to keep my oil clean and don't trust electronics more than my own bookkeeping. I also don't go more than 7500 miles between changes with synthetic. I used 5-30 wt. Mobil 1 full synthetic. I also was confused on the way to check oil level. From what I read the car needs to be driven for at least 6 miles and running in order to check the level. This seems strange since oil is circulating during the check and I would think this would not give an accurate level? Still learning about the car....thanks :thumbsup:
 
Sojourner said:
Did you put the car on a lift or other method to access the underside of the car?
Click to expand...

I have ramps. Drove the front onto the ramps which lift the front tires 6" off of the ground.
 
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