Bizzyfingers Posted July 4, 2009 Report Share Posted July 4, 2009 After looking around on the net I found that there was no real information on the oil change procedure for the E46 320d. So after having a little fun with wrong oils (long story) ive decided to make my own, hopefully this will help some folks out there a little. BEFORE YOU START Please remember that if you drop any bolts or tools down behind the engine it may be hard to extract them so be careful!!!!! Take you car out and let it warm up (the oil will drain better) To start with the tools required are, An set of allen key's (cant remember exact size) A pair of latex gloves A 17 mm socket or spanner An extension bar A clean rag A flat bladed screwdriver (this is for ease of use not mandatory) A 36mm socket (and upsize adapter to 3/4 inch drive) A posi/star screw driver A ratchet A power bar An elbow (makes things easier with sump plug) Im sure you know how to jack up a car but please use axle stands to secure the car. Safety first. First off the tools I used Here is the oil filter housing I found that to make it easer I removed the engine cover (5 allen head bolts) and slides out (beware of the grommit to the right of the cover) just push it towards the rear of the car, it may take some budging. Here are the bolts. make sure you keep them safe and not lying on the engine bay. Now locate the sump cover/flap, undo with posi/star screw driver The sump plug is hidden underneath (17mm socket + elbow), when loosening off remember the oil will come out quickly and will be hot/warm so remember to have a container ready!!!! When the oil is draining you might as well remove the oil filter (36mm socket and extension bar/power bar), cover the oil filter housing with a rag (stops anything falling/flying/crawling/being dropped into it) Here is a picture of the sump nut washer (must be replaced) and the oil filter gasket (must also be replaced) This is the location of the old filter gasket, I found that it it was better to use the flat bladed screwdriver than picking it out with my hands. Now after the old oil has drained out, MAKE SURE THE WASHER CAME OFF WITH THE PLUG, mine didn't it was stuck to the sump. Replace the sump plug and washer, re-fit the oil filter (tight, not sure on torque setting but make sure its nipped up). Re-fit the engine cover and sump cover. Use a funnel/half cut bottle to start pouring the new oil in. I believe it takes 5 litres but use 4.5 first as its better to be under than over, you can always top it up not always take it back out. Lower the car off the jack/axle stands, start the engine (before hand the dipstick will seem like it has loads in until you have the car level (off jack/axle stands) and the filter has had a good time to soak through. After a few minutes check the oil level and fill accordingly. If i have missed anything out please feel free to let me know. I hope this helps. BIZZY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizzyfingers Posted July 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 how are my picture's not showing without clicking on them? ill edit it when i know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
///Marty Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 Have you clicked on the image code in photobucket? Right click and copy in photobucket, then paste into your post. It should have image code Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 Good write up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richy_Boy Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 I bought an oil pump from ebay last week.. what an awesome tool! Did an oil change on my car in about 15 minutes - not a drop of oil was spilt. The sump was sucked dry, leaving me just needing to swap out the filter and pour in the fresh oil. It was only £25 too. I'm never getting under the car for an oil change again! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 Sounds like a awesome tool Rich! Do you have a link? So to confirm, you didn't even have to drain the oil from the sump plug?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richy_Boy Posted July 6, 2009 Report Share Posted July 6, 2009 That's right, you don't even have to look under the car. Suck the oil out the dip-stick, change filter, pour in new oil. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...alenotsupported The worst thing I can say about this particular kit is it only holds 4L of oil, so you have to empty it somewhere once in the process if you have a 6 pot. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momo Posted July 6, 2009 Report Share Posted July 6, 2009 Think that may have to be next on my list Rich! Thanks for that! Just found a 6ltr one from Machine Mart for approx £44! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizzyfingers Posted July 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2009 i have updated with pics... enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistrmo Posted September 26, 2009 Report Share Posted September 26, 2009 Hi mate whats the best oil to use? may have to do this in the next couple of weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted September 26, 2009 Report Share Posted September 26, 2009 mobil 1 esp 5/30 fully synthetic or equivelant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistrmo Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 sorry to resurrect such an old thread, would castrol 5w-30 be ok? (did try to search for oil but search tool wouldnt let me!), my dad drove the bm the other day and ran out of oil!! then put cheap 15w-40 oil in it, now white smoke is comming from exhaust, hopefully puting the right oil in will solve this. any advice appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 Yeah, BMW recommends Castrol. As long as it meets BMW LL04 and is fully synthetic it will be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistrmo Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 thanks mate (its funny how you replied last year, and now youve replied again Rob ) what is BMW LL04 ? the one i got is 5w-30 magnatec fully synthetic, and its going into a diesel engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 Best use Castrol Edge. Magnatec doesnt meet BMW specification as far as I can see. Can you take it back and swap it? TOOM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistrmo Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 Best use Castrol Edge. Magnatec doesnt meet BMW specification as far as I can see. Can you take it back and swap it? i got it from halfords so i think so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stealth05 Posted November 24, 2010 Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 halfords do their own brand of oil in longlife (LL) oil ,and it is very good , i use lucas oil in mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesy Boy ACS3d Posted November 24, 2010 Report Share Posted November 24, 2010 Just had an Oil Service done at National Tyres. Usually I would do an oil service myself as its easy and doesn't take long. But the Oil Service only cost £38, which included; oil filter, engine flush, Castol Edge 5W30 oil (approx 7ltrs). Couldn't complain at that price as the oil alone would have cost more than that from Halfrauds!! So got it done cheaper than doing it myself and just sat in a nice warm waiting room for 40mins (better than working under the car in this lovely weather)!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swilton325is Posted November 25, 2010 Report Share Posted November 25, 2010 Good write up!! This will save so much time and effort, GREAT find.... Just a little note, if you go to the sellers shop link below its £22.99 FREE postage http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4L-OIL-FLUID-EXTRACTOR-HAND-LIFT-PUMP-great-4-boats-/350368521473?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item5193975d01#ht_864wt_905 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodeye Posted January 10, 2013 Report Share Posted January 10, 2013 Many thanks for your post - I was thinking about doing this at the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin2017 Posted June 19, 2017 Report Share Posted June 19, 2017 Thanks for the neat write up! Was going to do this at some point to my 320. Well done! Markus5000 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Moo Posted January 15, 2018 Report Share Posted January 15, 2018 . Replace sealing washer on drain plug. Reinstall drain plug when oil has finished draining (oil will be slowly dripping out). (Tightening torque specifications: 25Nm (18 ft-lbs)) Reinstall oil pan access panel. Reinstall oil filter cover. (Tightening torque specifications: 25Nm (18 ft-lbs)) Hope that helps.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasa Posted January 15, 2018 Report Share Posted January 15, 2018 i dont bother with dropping the oil now,,i have a vacuum syphon pump,,lot easier,,as long as you can position the car so the dipstick tube is the lowest point..ie on a sloped driveway etc..only around £15 from scum bay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasen Posted March 27, 2019 Report Share Posted March 27, 2019 hello,how can i tell which type oil is suitable for my car ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...