D.I.Y oil + filter change

[Bozzy]

Any help and advice on what engine oil to use on my 2.8 Z3. After loosing faith in the garage i've been using for years i've decided to start doing as much as i can on my car and van my self but its years since i got my hands dirty working on cars so any advice is more than welcome. My z has done 85000 miles if that makes any difference ? I was kindly given a service light reset tool and an air bag light reset tool at the 'drive to the wall' at the weekend by a .org member from Newark,and because of my 2 minute memory can't remember his name ! Not sure how they work either other than plugging them into that big round thing under the bonnet.So what make of oil,quantity,filter with 'o' rings ?,copper sump plug washer and the best place to buy it from ?. If any one on here needs the use of the reset tools you're welcome to borrow them. Thanks in advance.

 

[GazHyde]

I'm currently running 5w40 Carlube Fully Synthetic (from GSF Car Parts). I'm running slightly thicker oil as the old girl is getting on a little at 111k.

They supply MAN air & olf filters (including the 2 seals) which seem good enough quality as well.

EDIT: Changed oil spec due to typo

 

[t-tony]

Most after market BMW oil filters will come with a new copper washer for the sump plug Steve. The filter will have it's own new "O" ring too. If memory serves me my 2.0 holds 6.5 litres of engine oil. A good quality oil. Andrew Page sell Carlube oils which are very good, you could get oil and filter there.
IF you would like some shelter for doing it yourself, my garage is open.

Tony.

 

[pgunter]

@GazHyde I believe thats 5w40 lol.. not 50w40. More oil than sludge..

 

[Bozzy]

Most after market BMW oil filters will come with a new copper washer for the sump plug Steve. The filter will have it's own new "O" ring too. If memory serves me my 2.0 holds 6.5 litres of engine oil. A good quality oil. Andrew Page sell Carlube oils which are very good, you could get oil and filter there.
IF you would like some shelter for doing it yourself, my garage is open.

Tony.

Thanks @GazHyde and @t-tony its good to know that the oil filter comes with the o rings,i read in the article on here that it's important to renew them with the filter. I'l have a look where my nearest Andrew Page is,seen there vans around here.

 

[pgunter]

@Steven Bostock @GazHyde used an oil additive before changing the oil so that it cleared out some of the build up. Might be worth looking at if you don't know when the last oil change was. Gary, what was it called ?

 

[Bozzy]

@Steven Bostock @GazHyde used an oil additive before changing the oil so that it cleared out some of the build up. Might be worth looking at if you don't know when the last oil change was. Gary, what was it called ?

Thats a good idea,Wynne's do that i think.

 

[GazHyde]

used an oil additive before changing the oil so that it cleared out some of the build up

Mine was specifically to see if it helps clear out the crank case vent which we think is sludged up and causing high oil usage. It was Valvoline Professional Series Engine Flush.

 

[t-tony]

There are lots of different type of oil flush, preferably get one with good lubricating qualities too. Not all do have. Best to ask. Fortes product does, I use this. You can buy it on line.

Tony.

 

[Bozzy]

Thanks for all the feed back,i'l let you know how it go's. @t-tony thanks for the offer of use of your garage IF needed

 

[Rha]

Hi Steve, I've used Mobil one for last eight yrs and never had to put a drop in between changes,don't know if that's due to the oil or the way I potter around in it. Do sometimes think I'm probably paying for the name rather than the quality. Like you I and my mechanic friend do all the servicing and repairs (that's a bit of a fib cos he does the real nasty jobs) but I make sure I'm available if he needs a second pair of hands. Can and have done some engine rebuilds in the past but nothing that was governed by computer, don't crawl under motors any more but will have a go over the bonnet when needed. I buy all the parts then we agree when to fit which suits him and being retired I can work around his other commitments. Good luck and hope you've got a extended high powered magnet tool as I've just today lost a nut and bolt down under the front bumper which I could see but couldn't find my magnet, cost me best part of an hr to retrieve it with blue tack and fence wire. Not funny when the wife's on the phone telling you your dinners in the dog if you don't get right back.

 

[jonco]

There will always be lots of different opinions on oil flush/additive so here's mine

If you don't have a consumption/burn problem then just go for a good quality oil and increase the frequency to ~5000 miles or 12 months irrespective of what indicators say and change filter even more regularly ~2500 mile/ 6 months - the cost of filters is minimal and it takes little time with no oil loss.
I have followed this logic for the last 4 years and noticed the improvement on my 1.9 with 75k on the clock - I use Fuchs TITAN SUPERSYN 5W-40 from Opie oils.
You may wish to have a look at this (I guessed your year so change as necessary)
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-2354-lo...72:0,98438:0,98578:0,119227:0&yearFilter=1999

 

[Bozzy]

Hi @Rha your lucky having a mechanic friend,not looking forward to crawling round under the car tbf just hope i don't do my back in ! The wife just reminded me what i was i like when i used to do all my own repairs on the old bangers we used to have,if it went Pete Tong i'd start throwing spanners up the garden .But at least now i have @t-tony for help....Phew

 

[Bozzy]

There will always be lots of different opinions on oil flush/additive so here's mine

If you don't have a consumption/burn problem then just go for a good quality oil and increase the frequency to ~5000 miles or 12 months irrespective of what indicators say and change filter even more regularly ~2500 mile/ 6 months - the cost of filters is minimal and it takes little time with no oil loss.
I have followed this logic for the last 4 years and noticed the improvement on my 1.9 with 75k on the clock - I use Fuchs TITAN SUPERSYN 5W-40 from Opie oils.
You may wish to have a look at this (I guessed your year so change as necessary)
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-2354-lo...72:0,98438:0,98578:0,119227:0&yearFilter=1999

Thanks @jonco it seems every one has preferences with different oils,what a big choice. The oil and filter was supposedly changed by the dealer i bought the car from,done 5000 miles since then so thought it best to change it soon as i can't be sure how honest the dealer was,although the oil looks quite clean on the dip stick and smells ok.

 

[Rha]

Hi @Rha your lucky having a mechanic friend,not looking forward to crawling round under the car tbf just hope i don't do my back in ! The wife just reminded me what i was i like when i used to do all my own repairs on the old bangers we used to have,if it went Pete Tong i'd start throwing spanners up the garden .But at least now i have @t-tony for help....Phew

Well Steve, it's a good job we don't have a dog here, I know how lucky I am having a mechanic friend that's why I keep him on my Chrismas list and invite him to all family functions and pay him a decent rate, the fact the vehicle is in fairly good condition is mainly down to him. Shame I won't see you Sunday, have a good one in the Beacons and take care. Roy.

 

[Bozzy]

Well Steve, it's a good job we don't have a dog here, I know how lucky I am having a mechanic friend that's why I keep him on my Chrismas list and invite him to all family functions and pay him a decent rate, the fact the vehicle is in fairly good condition is mainly down to him. Shame I won't see you Sunday, have a good one in the Beacons and take care. Roy.

I wish i could be at the Mill and the Beacons but they're on the same day it would of been nice to meet you,should hopefully see you at future events. Never seen that part of Wales but have seen Shepshed too many times . I'm not realy antisocial,just prefer to be buzzing round in my z

 

[Rha]

Maybe you'll be able to attend Grump's meet at the end of the month, if so meet you there. Roy.

 

[Bozzy]

Maybe you'll be able to attend Grump's meet at the end of the month, if so meet you there. Roy.

Yep we'r on for that one as well.See you there might even let you buy me a cuppa

 

[t-tony]

Maybe you'll be able to attend Grump's meet at the end of the month, if so meet you there. Roy.

And I'll be at our Grandsons Christening.................................................................... I love him to bits.

Tony.

 

[Hugo]

Motaquip have brought out a BMW grade 5-30, it cost me £24 for 5 litres.

5-30 MQC mid- saps.