Oil Change + Brakes
 

editeddddddddp

Rockauto.com
bimmerworld.com
autozone

Change the filter when you can get a chance, dont let it just stay in there.

I just used one of those rubber strap wrenches instead of a filter wrench. It was like 2 bucks at harbor freight. It was a little tricky getting in position, but once it's loose you just take it off with your hand.

If you're lucky, Oreilly's might have one of those filter sockets. I just ordered one from BavAuto when I ordered a filter. Bimmerworld has OEM front brake rotors (if yours are non-vented) for $20 each http://store.bimmerworld.com/blowout...ors-p1076.aspx . Nobody can come close to that price, even aftermarket. I have them on my car now, good stuff.

i bought the wrench from my local auto shop for like 6 bucks and works perfect

Since you have a '98, you should check to see if you currently have vented or solid rotors on the front brakes. I believe 4/1998 is when they made the switch from solid to vented, the vented brakes are the same ones that were equipped on the 323/328 models.

Hi all, another related question.

Changed my oil and filter the other day and noticed small leaks right where the oil drain plug is. I figured it was an issue with the sketch washers I guy from auto zone so I went to the dealership and picked up a new bolt and washer set. Today I removed the old one with the car cold and put in the new one very carefully and then topped off the oil. Once again there are small puddles right under where the bolt is. Am I simply not torquing it enough? I'm afraid of stripping it so admittedly I party it safe but I felt like I definitely torqued it enough this morning...

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Don't over-torque the drain plug!

The leak is most likely the oil filter gasket. The oil naturally flows down and settles near the drain plug.

Hmm, I changed all of the gaskets when I changed the oil filter.

Had a friend take a look at it and we used his torque wrench to torque it to about 19 ft-lb (25 Nm, which is what the manual says). I guess it was a little too lose. So far no oil but we'll see tomorrow morning.

I should really invest in a good torque wrench to avoid these issues...

They are talking about the gasket under the oil filter tower, it leaks with age.

There is a good writeup on here about it...

Dave

Here's the writeup on the oil filter housing gasket

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20854

If your car has 148k and that hasn't been replaced, it's almost certainly leaking.

Yep that's a good write-up but thankfully I don't have to do it right now! Checked the morning and driveway under my car is clean enough to eat off of. Just didn't torque it enough. The fear of stripping is such a deterrent.