How to Change Oil in a BMW 325is E36

1. Warm up the engine so the oil drains out more easily. The engine should not be fully hot, however as this will prevent working on it. Lift the front of the car with the floor jack and lower it onto jack stands on either side. Alternatively, drive the front of the vehicle onto ramp-style jack stands.
2. Open the hood. Remove the oil cap on the engine and set it somewhere safe. Loosen the cover on the oil filter canister located at the front driver's side of the engine.
3. Place the oil drain pan under the engine. Remove the drain bolt with a socket and a ratchet. Set the bolt aside. Allow the oil to drain out, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove the oil filter canister lid and pull out the old filter. Dispose of the old filter properly.
5. Clean the oil drain bolt. Reinstall and tighten it in the oil pan with a new crush washer. Tighten the bolt to 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
6. Lubricate the oil filter O-rings with new oil and install on the oil filter assembly in the same order as you found the old ones. Pour one quart of oil into the oil filter canister. Install the filter into the assembly. Install and tighten the canister lid.
7. Pour the remaining oil into the top of an engine with a funnel. Reinstall the oil filter cap.
8. Start the engine. The oil pressure light may stay on for a few seconds while the new oil circulates. Check for oil leaks under the car. Lower the car back onto the ground. Remove the oil dipstick and check the oil to ensure enough oil is in the engine. Fill if needed.