The BMW E90 oil change interval is something you should know about if you wish to keep your engine running as optimally as it should. Most people rely on mechanics when it comes to changing their oil and filters. It should not surprise you that some people cannot point out the BMW E90 oil filter location, much less the BMW E90 oil filter housing gasket. If you fall into this category, there is no reason for concern, as you, too, can understand what it takes to change your oil.
Changing the oil in your car is a simple process that you should finish within twenty minutes. It will not cost you much money, and it allows you to get a better feel of your car. Thus, put aside any worries you may have as to this process. Do not go with what your mechanic told you about this being a difficult task. After all, it is their job to make you feel that you need them. And yes, you do need them for several tasks, but in this case, you’ve got it covered.
Why do you need to change the oil? Well, this oil lubricates the engine and keeps it working through the seasons. When the oil is dirty, engine performance reduces, and you thus get less joy out of the car. It is, therefore, vital that you change the oil as often as is necessary. Know your BMW E90 oil type and ensure that you use that in your car. It seems pretty easy to figure out, does it not?
The truth is that many people do not change their oil until it is evident that the car has a problem. Why is this the case? Well, there is this general rule of thumb that states that you should change the oil based on the mileage. You probably know how many miles more you have got before you go in for a check. While this is an excellent way to gauge oil changes, it can also be misleading. This rule of thumb does not take into account the age of the car, the driving conditions, the oil used, and other such factors. As such, you may need an oil change sooner than you would think.
When the oil is clean, it keeps the engine running as it should. However, the oil breaks down over time and reduces its optimal performance. This breakdown should take place around the time that you hit your target mileage. But it could happen sooner, and the only way to know for sure is to watch out for warning signs. They are as follows:
When is it time for an oil change?
- You should have an eye out for an oil change light, which alerts you as to a problem with the oil. It could be that the oil in the system is not adequate, and you can check for this using a dipstick. In some cases, the engine light goes off, which points to a problem in the engine. You should not ignore any of these warnings as they could be the difference between engine failure and engine performance.
- Two, listen to the sounds in the engine. When the oil is clean, it forms a layer over the engine parts, and this prevents the brushing of metal parts. As such, your drive should be smooth and devoid of noise. However, when the oil is not clean, this protective layer reduces, and you start hearing sounds. In some cases, you can hear rumbles and knocks, which is a sign that your engine lacks lubrication. Ignore this, and the engine will tear itself apart slowly, and the costs you incur in damages will be high.
- The color of the oil also indicates the need or lack thereof of a change. When the oil is clean, it has an amber hue that leans on translucent. Over time, it accumulates dirt from the engine, and it turns dark. You will not see the change immediately, and it thus helps to check the engine oil monthly. Do this by removing the dipstick and cleaning it, then dipping it into the oil. If you cannot see the dipstick when inserted in the oil, it indicates a need for an oil change.
- Are you familiar with the smell of oil? It is sickening to most people and can make a short drive very uncomfortable. Where this is the case, you could have an oil leak, and you need to get the car checked as soon as possible. Where you smell fumes, it may be an indication that the car is overheating. In both cases, a trip to the garage is necessary, lest you put yourself and others at risk of harm. The same goes for exhaust smoke coming through the tailpipe, which could indicate a faulty engine or an oil leak.
- Look at the mileage on your car and figure out if it is time to get the vehicle checked. Cars vary, such that yours may need an oil change every three thousand miles, while another needs one every six thousand miles. Go through your owners’ handbook and get the oil change timing, which you should discount based on your car’s condition. It could be that the driving conditions result in more oil changes than you would expect.
If these signs point to the necessity of an oil change, you should do so immediately. Oil changes are simple processes that will not cost you much. Plus, they aid in protecting your car from damages such as the wear and tear of the engine. Below are the steps you should follow when making an oil change. Note that this also covers how you should change a filter. If you change the oil and leave an old filter in place, it will only be a matter of time before you need another oil change. Save yourself time and money by making both changes at once.
What oil should I put in my BMW 3 Series?
You can either have a petrol or diesel version. The former does best with 5W30, while the latter works best when using 5W40 synthetic oil. The upside to using synthetic oil is that you prolong the engine life and enjoy a smooth drive.
How do you change the oil filter on a BMW 328i?
Once you figure out the BMW E90 oil filter part number that works for your car, gather the tools you need for this process. You will require car ramps, a socket wrench, an oil filter wrench, and seven quarts of high-end synthetic oil. The BMW E90 oil filter wrench size is a 17-millimeter socket wrench that should not cost you more than ten dollars. You also need the BMW E90 oil filter Mann that works for most cars in this series.
The Process
Make sure that you have all the tools ready before you start working on the car. You need to dedicate at least half an hour to this process, more so if this is your first time. That said, let’s get started. The first step is to elevate the car by driving it onto the ramps. Where these are not available, you are free to use jack stands and a hydraulic jack. When using a jack, take caution when working underneath the car. If the ramps keep moving under the car’s weight, it helps to stabilize them with heavy materials.
Next, locate the oil cap and the oil filter housing. Start by unscrewing the oil cap where you will later pour in the new oil. In doing this, you will allow the old oil to drain out smoothly once you open the plug. From here, unscrew the oil filter housing using a wrench.
How many quarts of oil does a BMW e90 take?
Move underneath the car and locate the cover that hides the drain plug. Note that you will need a socket wrench to remove the oil drain plug so that you can drain the old oil. You will also require an oil pan that can hold up to six and a half liters of oil. Remove the cover first using a finger or screwdriver then unscrew the bolt to loosen it. Place the pan under the bolt before removing the bolt and letting the oil drain. It should take about five minutes for this process to end, and you can use this time to replace the filter. Note that the drain plug comes with a crush washer, which you should replace with a new one.
Go back to the housing and locate the filter which you can remove by lifting upwards. Ensure that you also replace the o-rings. Where you cannot get a good grip on the rings, you can use a screwdriver for this, ensuring that you do not damage the threads. After replacing the rings, you can now insert the new filter. You are almost there. Finish up by fastening the new filter such that it can withstand high pressure and not leak in the presence of the same.
You can now head back underneath the car where the old oil should have drained by now. Ensure that you use a new crush washer and replace the drain bolt. The bolt should be tight such that leaks are not possible. Place the drain plug cover where it was and proceed to replace the oil.
How much oil does an E90 325i take?
It is now time to pour in the seven quarts of oil using a cone filter so that you do not make a mess. After you level the car, you can check if the oil level is okay and if there is a need for a top-up before you drive the vehicle. Your work is now over, and you can enjoy a smooth ride next time. Congratulations!
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