DIY: E36 Oil Change - For the new DIYer

[m3f_JPoland]

Again, good helping out. This forum has been turning around over the past few months. It's good to have quality info still being added.

on both comments. I was also impressed with the contribution even though Derek sold his E36 (which was a really nice example if I may say so).

[m3f_hypebeast408]

Derek you are the man !

[m3f_Leviathan]

..Also, technically, the hockey pucks aren't made to support the weight of the vehicle. You're supposed to remove them, put a rag or some newpaper inbetween the unibody and the jack stand, and support the car without the hockey pucks in place. I leave them in place, personally, but just an FYI. I believe the reason why many people loose their hockey pucks (i've dumped one on an autoX course actually ) is that they deform from supporting the weight of the car...

interesting-did not know that...what are they for, btw?



PS-ACS type IIIs

[m3f_EpDarks]

Thank you! I've been looking for a good oil change DIY. It really helps us amateurs.



Re: hockey pucks. From what I understand they are meant for jacking the car but NOT supporting it w/ jackstands. I will do some research and report back.

[m3f_T2]

And u forgot to mention you accomplished the T2 method of polishing ur oil filter cover while doing ur oil change

[m3f_M3Works4Me]

I use ramps & my driveway is sloped away from the house, so when the car is on the ramps, it is almost level, not quite, but better than if I jacked it up.


Also, I don't understand how the hockey pucks are not designed to take the weight of the car, is that not exactly what they are there for?


I have used them with a floor jack every time I swap wheels, and as a matter of fact, if I jack the back one up a little farther than I need, the front on that side comes off the ground as well, so I can swap both wheels on that side quickly.


Who says these cars are not stiff? Even opening & closing the door on that side is no problem..


Anyway, great DIY, especially for those who have been asking.

[m3f_ANT'S M3]

Great write up D! I've been wanting to make one, but I cheat and use a lift so that would not help noobs in the jacking aspect of the oil change since that is the method most use. I don't know if I'm the only one but I remove the filter in cartridge cars before performing an oil change (unless the design doesnt let me).... Habit?? I guess...

[m3f_JPoland]

I typically just start draining the oil first and while I'm letting that drip out as much as will go, I change the filter. Then go and plug the drain pan up.



It may be seen as not the best way b/c "what if you forget to plug the pan back up" (oil everywhere when I put in the new stuff ) but I am in a habit of doing it this way so I always know plugging the pan is the next step after pulling the filter.

[m3f_das borgen]

Wow - I've been performing the process correctly all along

sweet write-up for noobs .



I know I'm a car guy and all but sometimes it's actually advantageous to have a mechanic do your oil. Effectively when you are paying the cost of oil to have the wole job done, it's worth it.



That's the case at at least on my bike because my mechanic uses Mobil 1 Racing 4T, which is what I use



not 4 me though, because I use awesome oil

[m3f_kerph32]

nice DIY derek, but what about one for a non-Lux?

[m3f_Mark_c]

Great writeup - nice one

[m3f_fiveightandten]

RE: Hockey pucks...


From the Pelican Parts tech articles...

Now, turn your attention to the underside of the car. There you will see a round plastic cover that is used as a locator for shop lifts (Figure 4). It's quite possible that these have been removed and lost before, so your car may or may not have them in place. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry out the plastic guide from underneath the car (Figure 5). The remaining hole and reinforced plate is the area where you want to mount your jack stands. You have removed the plastic locator because the jack stand would be unstable if you simply placed it under the plastic locator and lowered the car.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...Jacking_Up.htm

[m3f_fitchesbass]

Thanks for all the comments folks. Happy Holidays

nice DIY derek, but what about one for a non-Lux?

If joo haz de "sports package" then joo must take it to the $tealer!!!!!

[m3f_Isis M]

LOL thanks guys. I know it's not exactly cutting edge stuff here - but for new owners it's a step in the right direction of DIYing. I learned a lot about DIYing from my E36 and it only makes sense to pass it along to others.


I have not seen a good DIY with pictures either so hopefully that helps.


-----


Funny story from CarTalk (the NPR car talk show): There were two woman friends that tried to change a husband's car's oil to save some money. They were at the time stay at home moms. Anyway, they ended up draining the trans fluid and then adding oil to the engine and driving the car. Essentially driving around with twice the amount of engine oil and nothing in the transmission.... So let's avoid this type of situation

Funny enough someone I know actually did this as well on Subaru Forester. I'm not a real fan of Subaru, but the car was driven about 20 min. or so with double the oil and no tranny fluid, and it ended up being fine once the fluid situation was sorted out.

[m3f_fitchesbass]

^ wait that sounds familiar - maybe it's the same story LOL.


It was a guy that called into car talk telling the guys that his wife did it... perhaps your friend was covering up his own mistake. I believe the car on the show was ALSO a Subaru forrester.