Changing engine oil and oil filter (BMW 7 Series E38)

Prolonged skin contact with used engine oil is quite dangerous. Use barrier cream or wear rubber gloves when performing the procedures described below.

Frequent engine oil changes are the most important preventative maintenance procedure available to the amateur mechanic. Over time, oil is susceptible to dilution and contamination, leading to premature engine wear.

Draining engine oil

Engine oil can be sucked out using a probe through the dipstick guide tube.

1. Warm up the engine to the operating temperature of the coolant.

2. Jack up the car and place it on supports, or drive it into an inspection pit.

3. Remove the filler cap. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to open the cap in the lower engine compartment shield under the oil pan and place a suitable container under the drain plug to collect the used oil.



4. Remove the drain plug from the oil pan and allow the oil to drain completely.

Be careful not to burn your hands with hot, leaking oil!

5. Check the condition of the used oil. If it contains a large amount of metal shavings and wear products, this indicates the presence of scoring, for example, in the crankshaft bearings and connecting rod bearings. To avoid damage after the repair, thoroughly clean the oil channels and hoses, and, if equipped, replace the oil cooler.

6. Clean the drain plug and screw it in new sealing ring into the oil pan. Tighten the drain plug to the required torque (see Specifications).

Replacing the oil filter

1. On engines where the oil filter housing is closed with a cover with a central bolt, unscrew the central bolt of the oil filter cover and remove the cover together with the bolt; on models with a screw cap, unscrew it.





2. Allow the oil to drain from the filter housing and remove the filter element, then wipe off the leaked oil.

3. Install the new filter element according to the instructions provided on it.

4. Clean the oil filter cover and replace the seals on the center bolt and/or cover, after lubricating the seals with engine oil.



5. On models with a central bolt, press the cover down and, making sure the bolt enters the hole in the bottom of the filter, tighten it to the required torque. On models with a screw cap, tighten it to the required torque.

Filling the engine with oil

When changing, use the same type of oil and, if possible, the same brand. For this purpose, it is recommended to attach a label to the engine indicating the brand and viscosity of the oil each time the oil is changed. Engine oils of the same type and the same brands, but of different viscosities, can be added during the appropriate time of year. Before adding oil of a different brand, the lubrication system should be flushed.

1. Fill with engine oil (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control) with a volume of approximately half a liter less than indicated in the Specifications.



2. Start the engine and let it idle while checking for engine oil leaks. Pay particular attention to the filter and drain plug.

3. Wait 5 minutes, then check the oil level and adjust it if necessary.

4. Test drive the vehicle and recheck the drain plug and oil filter for leaks. Tighten them slightly if necessary. Check the oil level again and adjust it if necessary.

[Original publication posted on the website «www.bmwman.ru»]