Oil Change (First Time)

[NoahChamberlain]

Well... I sound like a bum. But I need assistance;
I bought my Ti at 100,900 Miles. I got an oil change at 104,000; the mechanic (a well-know BMW and Audi guy in my area) said they go about 5k between changes, as opposed to my Pontiac which needed every 3k. Now, I bought it in December in New England, and I got the last change in February, it's been too cold for me thus for to really explore my car. But, I'm at 108,650, getting reallll close to a necessary change. So, I'm basically looking to hear from anyone, as far as advice or input on how long it would be to change the oil, what kind they use (synthetic, castrol, mobil, 5w-30, 10-30), filters (Mobil 1, K&N, etc.), and how long it should take to change/difficulty/special tools. I don't know, I think I'm just intimidated by a foreign car and not wanting to screw it up or break something. I do have access to a Oil Change reset thing for the onboard computer. It's going to be 50 here on Wednesday and I want to get it done. I don't own a Bentley manual, so if anyone has any info for a newbie please let me know. Really appreciate it.

[motorsport]

i would use Mobil High Mileage, get a filter from your local $tealer, im sure they will rape you on the price. the oil drain plug is a 17mm i think, and the oil filter is a 12 or 14mm. make sure you replace all the seals, and copper washers correctly. good luck

[aceyx]

the m44 motor (96+) requires a 76mm/14side filter removal tool. pep autozoneplace boys carries them usually for around $3. drain plug is same 17mm.

buy the filter from the dealer because it comes with the rubber gaskets (3, apply a light coat of oil before reinserting) and a crush washer for the drain plug (throw the old one out).

the filler cap is about a 1/3 twist before it comes out; do not try and unscrew it the entire way. works the same as the gas cap.

i use mobil1 10-30, but i've been using that for over 100k. i think dealers use castrol dino juice, 5-30 for your weather at the moment (there's a small guide in the owner's manual).

using ramps and jackstands, takes me about an hour max from start to finish. have a plastic bag handy, since the filter insert will drip once you take it out. new insert requires a bit of pressure to get on to maintain a seal, but not a lot.

[barische]

i used the filter from pepboys that comes wiht all the necessary stuff like crush washer and gaskets for the oil filter housing. i get mobil sythetic blend 10w-30 im located at south jersey so it usually drops below 30. it took me about 45 mins fairly quick thing to do. the car feels like it got a new engine everytime i put oil in it.

[motorsport]

yea by the way which year is your car, i forgot you might have the M44 i have the M42, and that is how my oil filter is removed.

[CirrusSR22]

Go to eap4parts.com and buy filters. You get good Mahle or Mann ones for only $4.39

Go to you local Mercedes dealer and buy a metal filter wrench. (If you've got the M44) Part #103 589 0209 00. I believe mine was under $9 with tax. I had a local part store plastic one but it stripped and is a POS.

[Boxbrownie]

Going to change mine this weekend too, I had a quick squint under the car recently and noticed there are two undershields fitted, to save me a little time which one requires removing to gain access to the drain bolt? Or is there an access flap maybe?
I've got about 7000miles to go before the next inspection 2 comes around so an oil, filter and plug change will do no harm for summer.

Best regards David

[sKunkman]

One thing to be careful of - on the 1.9L engines (may be true also on the 1.8L) when you remove the drain plug, the oil SHOOTS out of the side. So be ready to catch it to avoid any oil spills. Nasty stuff, that oil is.

[Boxbrownie]

All done.....what a POP.........it took just over 5 litres!!!! BMW filter was three times the cost in the factors but at least it'll look good when it goes for its Inspection 2 in 7000miles time! Yes there is a little flap to gain access to the drain plug (17mm thin wall socket) held in place with a 8mm screw. Now tomorrow it's time for the spark plugs! NGK's at the ready gentlemen.....LOL

Best regards David

[sKunkman]

GL on that

[Boxbrownie]

Took a look tonight.........shouldnt be a problem.....looks easier then my Alfa was and the Lotus! LOL

[aceyx]

i think that drain bolt cover is unique to EU-spec cars.

best way to keep the oil off your garage floor, hands, face, is to keep pressure on the bolt while loosening. when it "clicks" (when the threads release), pull it out quickly. the oil will go about 8" from directly below it, so have your pan set accordingly. when it slows to a drip, it'll fall straight down.

for the first timers, you may want to wear gloves (used oil is carcinogenic, not to mention a sheer bitch to clean) and have some kitty litter handy (to clean up spills).

[demeegod]

I personally found the oil change pretty easy plus I have a collection of torque wrenches handy with Nm readings so I could set it to spec.

I simply lifted the front by the two hockey pucks. Took a 17mm to the drain plug. Drained into recycled oil container. Took the rachet and put on a small extension and oil cover removal tool. Took off the cover and oily filter. Took off the oil cover on the engine top.

I put the filter on the recycled oil catch container. I replaced the 3 seals and put on the new filter. Went inside and watched some tv for a half hour while it drained. I put the new filter in and torqued it. I then put the new washer over the bolt and torqued that in. I poured in my 20w-50 Royal Purple and was set. Car sounds better and even has a slight more kick to it, believe it or not.

Spark plugs were pretty easy. Take off cover with flat head screwdriver. I put the blue pull tool to take off wires in combination with a long phillips screwdriver (i put it in the special pull tool hole) and pulled them off. Took a ratchet with extension and socket plug and took them off. I replaced them with NGK Iridium IX. I first used original gap recommendation but then increased it by .002 and noticed a much smoother idle and clearer acceleration.

I took of my old plugs which were Bosch +4's and they had some carbon build up... then again i have no idea how long they were in this engine for either. No oil on the plugs, no seizing or burn. ... figure maybe next time ill get a warmer plug to keep the plug cleaner.

[aceyx]

oh yeah, i generally wait to remove the filler cap and filter assembly until after the drain plug is out. once it's out, pop the cap and it drains wicked fast (5 mins or so). motor should be at operating temp.

[Boxbrownie]

Plugs......another POP.......I love these cars! Idles at 700 now rather than 630-680, they needed changing.
All I have to do now today is sneak the 50% plus H1's out of my wifes car and slip them into the Beema.........hee hee.......
This 1.8ti is a gem to work on........so far.

Best regards David