G31 Oil change

[JamesP]

Hi, I have recently bought a 2020 520d Touring G31 and I want to do an oil and filter change. I have not this on a car before, I know it’s pretty simple, but just wondered if there were any  YouTube sources that you’d recommend please? Also which is the best oil to use? I want to save some money on labour and start to do some jobs myself but want to select the best products. I have had a bit of a look online but not sure if the sources I have found are recommended within the community. Thanks in advance for any pointers 🙂

[Greydog]

Morning James

Welcome to the Forum

You will find several Videos online that should help this is one of the simple jobs that with some basic tools is easy to do

Tools I use are 

Oil Filter Cap 36mm Socket (You can buy special filter cap sockets) Oil Drian plug 17mm spanner Large oil Catch tank (mine is 16ltr) magnet  Funnel, Ramps Trolley jack and axel stands a few disposable cloths

Parts   Oil around 7ltrs (I use Mobil 1. 5-30 LL04 which meets BMW specs Oil Filter OEM filters are MANN which I get from my local Auto Factors. I always fit a new Copper Crush washer to the Sump Drain Plug 

Method 

I run the engine to warm the oil then drive the front wheels onto the ramps, put the trolley jack under the rear diff and raise the rear until the car is level and put the axel stands under the rear jacking points. Next working above I undo the Filter cap and remove the filter have a cloth handy to catch drips and spills I put the filter into plastic bag (donated by a local supermarket) wipe the filter housing clean add a little oil to the "O" rings on the new filter and put it in and replace the cap. Now under the car there is a drop down flap that covers the Drain Plug take it off then slide the catch tank under the drain plug and remove the plug allow the oil to drain.

If you dropped the drain plug into the catch tank that's when you will need the magnet (We have all done it) recover the drain plug remove the old crush washer and replace it then put the drain plug back and tighten it, hand tight is OK it doesn't need to be Gorrilla tight. give the area a wipe so it is clean and you will see any leaks.

Now up top put the Funnel into the oil filler and fill with oil after putting in 5 ltr let it settle and check the level and underneath for any signs of leaks, start the engine let it run a short while turn off and let it settle check the level and top up check underneath for any leaks and replace the drop down flap. Chack around the filter housing wipe everything down.

The old oil you can now pur into the oil cans that the new oil came in wipe out the catch tank and put all thoily cloths into the bag with the fiter ready for taking to your local tip

Job done

Hope this helps

Dave

[JamesP]

Thanks @Greydog, I really appreciate your advice and all the detail!

Where do you get the copper crush washers from? Also, I’ll be purchasing the required tools as don’t have anything suitable (only worked on bicycles previously!) Would you recommend any particular online retailer for tools. I imagine I’ll be purchasing a fair few in the coming months as want to be able to do other servicing jobs including replacing brake discs and pads.

With regards to the oil, as you know you can get 5L and 1L bottles, can I get 2 x 5L and then keep the remainder for the next oil change, or does it not keep? 

Thanks again! 

[JamesP]

Hi again @Greydog, when you say “Oil Drian plug 17mm spanner” is that just a socket? Thanks &nbsp

[Greydog]

Morning James

First tools Halfords will probably have everything you need the same applies to most Motor Factors. Remember to check prices don't assume that your getting the best price

I use EuroCar Parts for most spares if they don't have it in stock generally they can get it in 24hrs

A decent Socket set and decent set of Combination spanners (open one end ring at the other) plus Flat and cross head screw drivers would be enough to get you going, get a box of rubber gloves as well saves a load of scrubbing later😁 If you need sockets bigger than those in your set you can buy them singley, same applies to Combination spanners 

Sump plug a 17mm socket is fine, slacken it off then unscrew with your fingers (remember to buy a magnet on and extending handle so you can fish it out of the old oil in the catch tank) 

Your engine will hold around 6 or 7 litres 2 4.5/5ltr cans are fine and oil stores well, my thought is transporting the used oil to your local recycling centre for disposal you will have more than will fit into a 5ltr can so you may well need to find a couple of plastic bottles to help out

Dave