DIY Oil Changes: Is it worth it?

[aarondrs]

As a fellow victim of the credit crunch I am considering doing some of teh regular servising on my BMW. The oil service lights are now all out and the car 2003 e39 530i) has 109,000 on the clock.

Its always been serviced by my independent garage but I now think I may attempt teh oil and filter changes myself before our regular trip to the South of France

Dont know how many of you DIY but any guidance appreciated. Last car I 'serviced' myself was a 1976 Mini 1000 back in 1990 but I kno wmy way around a little.

[john_p]

It is a simple job, just ensure you get the right oil and filter. You may wish to compare the cost of oil alone against the cost of taking it to an independent and getting some sort of stamp in the book, especially if you start having to buy a trolley jack, axle stands etc..

[Denis O]

I did an Insp 1 on my lads 2002 530 Sport a couple of weeks ago. It's not rocket science and an oil/filter change is dead easy. Bought Castrol Edge from ebay and got the filter from the Stealer.

You may need to borrow/buy a large socket for the filter cover as they become very tight. Can't remember the size but something like 37mm.

Warm the oil
Drain the oil
Out with old filter
In with new filter
Drain plug replaced with new crush washer (will be in the new filter box)
Refill with new oil
Find freindly indy to re-set your service lights
Bobs your...etc...etc...etc

[aarondrs]

Very helpful, thank you both. Like many people I understand what there is to know about internal combustion, pistons and petrol but servicing oneself is a whole different ball game.

Thanks again.

[sidpinup]

I have a E38 728i and I have done my own servicing and its a very simple job as stated. I also replaced the air filter at the same time as this is part of the normal oil service. I have also replaced my own discs and pads as its also simple and saves a fortune. Oil service took me 20 mins including having a cuppa while the oil drained.

A couple of tips on saving money on the right parts. I shopped around and found that Motormec are bay far the cheapest and all you have to do is call them up give them the registration and they tell you what parts you need and they are genuine items too not cheap coppies....simples.

I also got a trolly jack and axel stands very cheap from Wicks on line...I think it was £15 for the lot and work fine for low use. I also bought a cheep service light reset tool (draper) for about £10 but I understand you can do this with a couple of bits of wire.

Edited by sidpinup on Monday 29th June 12:18

[aarondrs]

sidpinup said:

I have a E38 728i and I have done my own servicing and its a very simple job as stated. I also replaced the air filter at the same time as this is part of the normal oil service. I have also replaced my own discs and pads as its also simple and saves a fortune. Oil service took me 20 mins including having a cuppa while the oil drained.

A couple of tips on saving money on the right parts. I shopped around and found that Motormec are bay far the cheapest and all you have to do is call them up give them the registration and they tell you what parts you need...simples.

I also got a trolly jack and axel stands very cheap from Wicks on line...I think it was £15 for the lot and work fine for low use.

Cheers for that, i have a trolley jack and a pit in the garage so no worries on access. I think I'll have a go this week and report back, no doubt that the issue of service lights will have to be overcome but so long as I know thats alright I guess.

[LeightonBuzzard]

Re-setting the service light - (if your model DOESN'T have a under-bonnet diagnostic connector)

1.Switch Ignition OFF
2.Press and hold button A(bottom left which usually resets trip counter
3.Turn ignition to position 1
4.After 5 seconds the words 'OIL SERVICE' or 'INSPECTION' are shown together with the message 'reset' or 're'
5.Keep button A depressed. After a further 5 seconds the message 'reset' starts to flash.
6.Release button A. Press and release button A again.
7.The new service interval is now displayed.
8Press and release button A. The message 'END SIA' is now displayed.
9.Switch ignition off.
10.Switch ignition on to see new service interval.

This whole lot can be done diagnostically and will have to be done diagnostically if you have a under bonnet diagnostic connector.

Also when you have put new oil in run it for a couple mins then top the oil up as it would have gone down a tad. A garage will only charge you £30 odd to just change the oil and not serice it if you provide the parts.

Tom

Edited by LeightonBuzzard on Monday 29th June 13:22

[Killwilly]

LeightonBuzzard said:

Re-setting the service light - (if your model DOESN'T have a under-bonnet diagnostic connector)

1.Switch Ignition OFF
2.Press and hold button A(bottom left which usually resets trip counter
3.Turn ignition to position 1
4.After 5 seconds the words 'OIL SERVICE' or 'INSPECTION' are shown together with the message 'reset' or 're'
5.Keep button A depressed. After a further 5 seconds the message 'reset' starts to flash.
6.Release button A. Press and release button A again.
7.The new service interval is now displayed.
8Press and release button A. The message 'END SIA' is now displayed.
9.Switch ignition off.
10.Switch ignition on to see new service interval.

This whole lot can be done diagnostically and will have to be done diagnostically if you have a under bonnet diagnostic connector.

Also when you have put new oil in run it for a couple mins then top the oil up as it would have gone down a tad. A garage will only charge you £30 odd to just change the oil and not serice it if you provide the parts.

Tom

Edited by LeightonBuzzard on Monday 29th June 13:22

Thanks Tom, a great bit of advice.

[aarondrs]

LeightonBuzzard said:

Re-setting the service light - (if your model DOESN'T have a under-bonnet diagnostic connector)

1.Switch Ignition OFF
2.Press and hold button A(bottom left which usually resets trip counter
3.Turn ignition to position 1
4.After 5 seconds the words 'OIL SERVICE' or 'INSPECTION' are shown together with the message 'reset' or 're'
5.Keep button A depressed. After a further 5 seconds the message 'reset' starts to flash.
6.Release button A. Press and release button A again.
7.The new service interval is now displayed.
8Press and release button A. The message 'END SIA' is now displayed.
9.Switch ignition off.
10.Switch ignition on to see new service interval.

This whole lot can be done diagnostically and will have to be done diagnostically if you have a under bonnet diagnostic connector.

Also when you have put new oil in run it for a couple mins then top the oil up as it would have gone down a tad. A garage will only charge you £30 odd to just change the oil and not serice it if you provide the parts.

Tom

Edited by LeightonBuzzard on Monday 29th June 13:22

Thank you Tom, I will try this, I think I've tried something similar before but the lights stayed resolutely orange and red.

Cheers,

Aaron

[Neil_Sc]

Denis O said:

Find freindly indy to re-set your service lights

Or buy the tool off ebay, only cost me £12 and it resets the inspection light and oil service light on my 2004 330i.

A handy tool for those of us who do our own servicing.

[christer]

Neil_Sc said:

A handy tool for those of us who do our own servicing.

ahem....

[fastka]

Denis O said:

You may need to borrow/buy a large socket for the filter cover as they become very tight. Can't remember the size but something like 37mm

i bought a 38mm this weekend just for that job and it fits fine