BMW X3 - Engine Oil and Filter change

Here's a DIY on how to change the engine oil and filter on a BMW X3 (or any BMW for that matter with the N52 engine)

I think an oil change is the easiest and the foremost step in working on your own cars - so this is a humble attempt to motivate several of my friends and acquaintances on starting to do your own DIY oil changes.

Parts you need to order:
a. Oil Filter adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/Assenmacher-Specialty-Tools-410-Housing/dp/B000XML6DU/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1505610584

b. Engine Oil 0W-40 - 2qty of 5qt:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-0W-40-Advanced-Full-Synthetic-Motor-Oil-5-qt/23636902

c. Oil Filter: replacement kit:
https://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-HU-816-Metal-Free-Filter/dp/B001DRHMRI/


Procedure:
Here we go:----

1. Safety first - we start with raising the front of the car - I use a set of rhino ramps which are excellent and really convenient for an oil change. I do have a floor jack and a set of jack stands - but these work best for a quick oil change. So highly recommended. Dont buy a cheap brand. Stick with Rhino Ramps.
Also get a set of wheel chocks and put them on front of the rear wheels as shown.
You dont want to be crushed under your own car - That will be very sad.

2. Then locate the engine oil drain bolt - as shown in the pic above. You need a 17mm socket to get this guy loose, Make sure you have a drain pan underneath to collect the old oil

3. Dont forget the drain plug - remove it and keep it aside. Let the oil drain..........

4. Open the hood (when was the last time you did that?) - lets try to locate the components. Top left you see the port for adding engine oil. Bottom-mid right - immediately to the left of the spliney green  thingy is your oil filter head.

5. Use the oil filter adapter for BMW (link above) to loosen the filter head. Keep a rag or something behind the head to collect any runaway oil

6. Use something to catch the oil filter without creating a mess in your engine bay. I use this self-created holding thingamagy that I created from a used juice bottle.

7. Like So...........

8. This is what the oil filter base looks like when you take out the filter. Clean it up as much as you can.

9. I use a turkey baster to suck away any remnant oil. You dont have to be Mr. or Ms. Perfectionist  - but try to get as much out as you can

10. This is how it looks when its somewhat cleaned up. Use a rag as well

11. Get your new filter kit ready. You get a filter element (yellow) - 2 o-rings and 1 crush washer in the kit (see above for part# and details)

12. Remove the old filter element from the head

13. Use a screwdriver to remove the old o-rings - there are 2. And then use a rag to clean up the head as much as you can

14. Install the new o-rings and the filter element in the head assembly. This is how it should look like. Push in the filter element till it locks in

15. Install the oil filter head assembly back in the housing

16. Torque it to 25N-m (18.5 lb-ft) using a torque wrench (yes you need to buy one)

17. Replace the old crush washer with the new one from the filter kit 

18. Hand screw the drain bolt and then torque it to 25N-m (18.5 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. (Yes you definitely need a torque wrench. Dont be stingy)

19. Locate the oil fill port on the engine and open it

20. Use a funnel to pour in the fresh new oil. I use Mobil 0W-40 European formula synthetic oil. You can of course use the BMW official oil - but I never had an issue with Mobil 1. You need 2 cans of 5qt each, Buy it from Walmart - they have it cheapest. Anywhere from $28-$30. Add exactly 6 qt

21. After adding oil - close the oil fill port. Take the vehicle down the ramps (dont forget to take off the wheel chocks). Then take it for a short test drive. Check the oil level with the fancy smanshy digital oil level sensor. In my case it was good. If its low add more oil (maybe 0.5 qt) and check again

22. This last step is the most important and not to be forgotten. Open a can or bottle of your favorite beer and pat your self on your back for a job well done. You just connected heart and soul with your car and this is indeed a special relationship. Celebrate it !!

PS: Dont forget to take you old engine oil to your nearest recycling center. Advance Auto parts or Autozone do it for free. Be a responsible citizen of the earth. Enjoy the beer