Change the oil yourself?

[DeutschRennfahrer]

Do you guys change the oil yourself or have the dealership do it? The guy I bought my Z4 from always took it to the dealership, but I've always changed oil myself.

What do you recommend?

[bgeorge0049]

Out of warranty, I always change the oil myself. The only time I have someone else do it is if the car is in for service and it needs to be done.

[DeutschRennfahrer]

Is there any kind of special procedure I should keep in mind, or is it essentially the same as any other car?

Also, do you guys always use BMW oil, or is it fine to use any quality synthetic oil?

[bosstones]

While it was under warranty, if I put on enough miles, I did mid-interval changes myself and let the dealer do the rest. Otherwise, the dealer did 1 low mileage oil change for that year. Now that it is out of warranty, I do it all myself.

Other than needing a new crush washer and o-rings, it is just like any other car.

I've been using the BMW 10W-60 but damn is it pricey. I may switch to something else when my current stock of oil is done.

[StickMon]

You put 10-60 in an ///M.
The ///M has fussy rod bearings. Lots of debate on oil there.
I think the 3.0i gives you more options, and uses a much lighter oil.

Changing your own is easy-peasy. The oil filter is a lot less messy than the conventional screw-on can.
The filter comes with new crush washers and O-rings.
Make sure you put 1/2 a liter in the canister before putting the filter back in to prime the pump.

[DeutschRennfahrer]

Thanks for the info! What kind of crush washer and orings do I need?

[StickMon]

I think this is what you're looking for.

You might be able to get better prices from getbmwparts.com or thebmwminipartstore.com.

Do a search and you'll probably turn up an endless discussion on whether Red Line is better, or Mobile-1; either of which you can probably pick up at AutoZone for a lot less than the BMW stuff.

[Efthreeoh]

OP, I also have a 2006 E90 with the N52 with 273K miles. I've changed the oil 18 times on that car and once on my new to me E86. You'll be fine using BMW oil and original equipment filters. The deals on line for oil change kits are the same or slightly lower in price than going to a parts store. My advice is ONLY use OE or OEM filters for the N52. Now properly lifting the car may be the most difficult part of the process for you.

[RADRACR]

I buy filter kits (includes rings) in bulk from getbmwparts.com and gallon jugs of oil from Redline. And use a kitchen measuring cup when needed.

[DeutschRennfahrer]

Thanks guys!

Another noob question here: I've never owned a convertible before, so I want to know if all the popping and snapping sounds are normal. I think its coming from where the roof locks into the windscreen. Is this normal or is something wrong?

[wasupdu]

I religiously change my oil every year in the Z4 and it's a piece of cake. Very simple drain and refill. Usually use Mobil1 5-w30, but have used Mobil10W-40 in the past

[KevinC]

For my last change, I switched to LiquiMoly 10W-60, technically not BMW-certified for the M engines, but recommended for same by the fm'r and also lauded by the E39 M5 crowd. It's cheaper than TWS and available with free shipping from Amazon. Smokin' deal.

[Aries326]

I glad you brought this up. I'm going to start doing more of the work myself on my Z4. Here's a video you may find useful.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by KevinC

For my last change, I switched to LiquiMoly 10W-60, technically not BMW-certified for the M engines, but recommended for same by the fm'r and also lauded by the E39 M5 crowd. It's cheaper than TWS and available with free shipping from Amazon. Smokin' deal.

Interesting as there is a thread about Castrol TWS 10W60 being available at O'Reilly Auto Parts now and one of the M3 posters(link below) mentioned Liquid Moly was problematic in his car(froze in low temps)... I am using Greddy 10W60 currently. No issues so far.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showp...7&postcount=15

[David70]

Not buying into any oil freezing (turning into a solid).

[bgeorge0049]

Originally Posted by David70

Not buying into any oil freezing (turning into a solid).

Agreed. I can't imagine how cold it must have been for oil to freeze.

[chickdr]

No idea- just posting what the guy who purchased it said(see the linked thread). He also said his car ran hotter than with other oils.

[dustyrah]

Originally Posted by DeutschRennfahrer

Is there any kind of special procedure I should keep in mind, or is it essentially the same as any other car?

Also, do you guys always use BMW oil, or is it fine to use any quality synthetic oil?

I use Liqu Molly and am quite happy with it. I also use a pump to just suck out the old oil.

[DeutschRennfahrer]

Where is the filter located?

[David70]

Originally Posted by dustyrah

I use Liqu Molly and am quite happy with it. I also use a pump to just suck out the old oil.

Same on both counts for me.

[Taylorguy74]

Originally Posted by David70

Same on both counts for me.

Do you find the pump pulls out a significant amount more than a simple drain plug pull? I've seen the youtube videos for all sorts of cars this way, but have not found any first hand info on the Z4M using a pump to pull oil out the stick hole. (Yeah - I said stick hole!) I don't know if it's worth the trouble changing my oil that way even once a year. Plus my E90 makes me get under the car anyway with it's lack o'the old dipstick.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by chickdr

Interesting as there is a thread about Castrol TWS 10W60 being available at O'Reilly Auto Parts now and one of the M3 posters(link below) mentioned Liquid Moly was problematic in his car(froze in low temps)... I am using Greddy 10W60 currently. No issues so far.

Yeah, I saw that in that thread. My impression: that dude's a goof. And it sure ain't gonna freeze out here in Phoenix.