Z3 1.9 M43 oil change advice

[Firelizard]

Hi all, I'm about to do my first oil change on my 1999 Z3 1.9 (M43, B19 engine) and would appreciate some advice. I've done lots of oil changes on various BMWs over the years (E46, E91, E90, F30, F31) but access to this looks a bit tricky and given the expected fragility of some of the plastic components and MAF connections, I'm a bit wary! You can't get a strap wrench to it and my 76mm cup wrench will fit, but is little room to operate with the air intake components there.

The wiring connector immediately above the oil filter cap seems a likely one to remove. If removed, is there sufficient room to extract the oil filter?

Do people remove the air/fuel intake parts to get better access and if so, is there a minimal set of bolts to remove? Anything to avoid??

Thanks in advance

 

[colb]

Changed the oil on my M43 today, the filter housing cap is in an awkward place, disconnect the plug above it and place it out of the way, I use a chain strap wrench but have to be careful you don't damage the plastic when undoing or doing it back up. I have found wrapping some cloth around the cap gives the chain a better grip and less chance of damaging the plastic. You should be able to get your 76mm cup on it but you may need a wobble socket adapter to get a good angle to put the extension bar down onto it then ratchet it out and put it back when you have changed the filter. I must get a 76mm 14 flute cup for the next time.

 

[Firelizard]

Changed the oil on my M43 today, the filter housing cap is in an awkward place, disconnect the plug above it and place it out of the way, I use a chain strap wrench but have to be careful you don't damage the plastic when undoing or doing it back up. I have found wrapping some cloth around the cap gives the chain a better grip and less chance of damaging the plastic. You should be able to get your 76mm cup on it but you may need a wobble socket adapter to get a good angle to put the extension bar down onto it then ratchet it out and put it back when you have changed the filter. I must get a 76mm 14 flute cup for the next time.

Thanks for that. I'll remove the plug above and see whether it gives me full access for the 76mm cup wrench.

If you're buying a 76mm 14 flute cup wrench - beware ! Mine is pressed steel ('Laser' brand I think and £10 years ago) and I've found previously that the 3/8 drive socket hole in the top of the wrench is through thin sheet metal and doesn't allow it sit fully home on the oil cap with the 3/8 extension bar fully in - it protrudes too far down and fouls the top of the oil cap. It works - just, but I was always worried about damaging the oil cap plastic and usually used a rubber strap wrench instead. I've been looking for a better cast steel one, but have yet to find one (not sure cast aluminium would be good choice of material). Some are low profile and I'm not sure they would work, as there is a definite dome above the oil cap flutes.