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
