How to Change the Oil on an E36 BMW 3 Series


1. Drive the car until it reaches normal running temperature. This will make the oil flow out better. Park the car on a flat surface. Put on safety gloves and open the hood of the car.
2. Find a place to apply the force of the jack in order to lift the car.
Some BMW models have a jack pad behind one of the front tires. If not, find a solid area to put the jack. Jack the car up high enough to be able to slide the jack stands underneath. Put the jack stand on a solid part of the chassis and release the jack slowly so the car will rest on the jack stand.
3. Locate the oil plug under the car on the bottom side of the engine. Put the oil pan underneath the oil plug and unscrew the plug and washer with a 17 mm socket wrench. Let the oil drain out for 20 minutes to make sure all of it drains.
4. Clean the oil plug and put the new washer on it. The new washer will come in the box with the new oil filter. Replace the plug by hand, but do not overtighten. Take the oil pan out from under the car and remove the jack stands.
5. Detach the cover of the oil filter housing. The filter will be located under the hood, unlike other types of cars that have them underneath the car. Use a 13 mm socket wrench to remove the oil filter housing cover.
6. Remove the filter and replace it with the new filter. Apply clean oil to the o-ring before replacing that, as well. This will help the filter attach better.
7. Use the funnel to put new oil through the filler cap located at the top of the engine. Check the owners manual to determine how much oil should be used. Replace the oil cap and start the car. Check the underside of the car in a few minutes to make sure no oil leaks out. Dispose of the used oil at an auto parts store or an auto garage.