As owners of high-end German cars like BMWs well know, BMW X5 Repair the cost of even something as simple as an oil change performed by the dealer can be quite expensive around $124 in dealership and $74 in independent shop. By following some simple procedures, though, just about anyone can spend a few hours changing the oil on their BMW X5.
Getting Started
1. Simply buy an BMW oil change kit from your dealer, which will have a filter, a new crush washer for the oil drain plug and an O-ring for the filter housing. Buy the appropriate oil (7.5 liters, usually 5W30 weight) from an auto parts source such as Pep Boys or AutoZone. You’ll also need a 3/8-inch torque wrench, 3/8-inch wrench, a 36-mm socket, a 17-mm socket, a socket extension (and any socket adapters that are neccessary) and a flat blade screwdriver. To make it more convenient, use wheel ramps to lift the car up, though this isn’t necessary if you place the car on jack stands.
Removing the Old Filter/Oil
2. Open the hood and remove the oil filter cap on the top of the motor near the front of the car with a 36-mm socket by turning counterclockwise. You need an extension on the socket to reach the filter cap. Remove the filter, wipe up any spilled oil and soak up the excess oil in the filter housing.
Now move to the bottom of the engine. Two plastic trap doors are under the motor. Open the smaller one by prying with a screwdriver. Remove the trap door and set it aside. With a 17-mm socket and an extension turn the oil drain plug counter clockwise to remove it.
Caution: The oil will come out quickly, so be ready with whatever oil container you are using. After the oil has drained out, install a new crush washer on the drain plug, using your finger to oil it. Replace drain plug and torque to 18 lb-ft with the 17-mm socket and torque wrench. Clean the area with a rag and put the trap door back on. Move back to the engine bay.
Installing New Filter/Oil
3. Pour a bottle of oil over the filter to thoroughly soak it and then install the filter in the filter housing along with a new O-ring. Lube the O-ring with oil. Place the filter and housing cap back on the housing and tighten with the 36-mm socket to 18 lb-ft. Pour the remaining 5 liters of oil into the top of the motor with a funnel.
Put the car back on level ground and let the oil settle for a minute, then top up the remaining 1.5 liters of oil for a total of 7.5 liters. Use the dipstick to make sure that the oil is not under or overfilled.