changing the oil in 323iT

[richie the rocket]

Hello,
I just purchased a 2000 BMW CPO 323iT. What is the deal with the oil changes. I was at the local BMW dealer and overheard them talk about oil changes being $68.00. Now they told me that I only have to have oil changes every 15000 miles but what if I dont want to spend 68.00 at the dealer and do it myself.

What do all of you do for your oil changes

Thanks

Rich

 

[codex57]

we use synthetic oil, which is why it costs so much. $68 isn't that bad actually. At $5 a quart when you need 7 quarts along with an oil filter (@$10), dealer's only charging you like $20 for labor.

When I hit my first oil change (6000 miles or so), I'm gonna do it myself. That way I save $20 and don't have to go through the hassle of making sure the dealer doesn't reset my oil change computer. It's easy to do on an E46 model 3 series. The oil filter is up on top so if you get an oil extractor (basically a big pump), you don't even have to jack up the car.

 

[wood_e]

This may sound blaspemous to you BMW owners... but if Wal-Mart carries them for BMWs the Supertech filters are made by the same company that makes mobil filters. I've been using them on the SHO and they're pretty darn good for only like $2.

As far as filters go NEVER buy Fram filters.

 

[jonnyz16]

My dealer here in honolulu wants $200 for an " oil service " He says they do a general look over when they're changing the oil..Yeah right

 

[smokedE46]

code-X...why dont you want the dealership (stealership) to reset your oil change computer? I only ask, because I dont know how to reset my oil change computer (1999 323i) and was wondering how to do it.

 

[William330]

It's easy to do on an E46 model 3 series. The oil filter is up on top so if you get an oil extractor (basically a big pump), you don't even have to jack up the car.

Hmm, how much is this oil extractor thingy, and where can I get one? I've got a 2003 330Ci.

I was thinking about ramps to raise the car for the oil change, but the 330Ci is really low. I don't think it will be able to drive up most 'handyman' oil-change ramps available in Sears, etc...

 

[codex57]

You can buy an oil extractor from Griot's Garage. Costs about $99 there. I believe you can find the same item for cheaper elsewhere though. Just search online.

I don't want the dealer to reset my oil computer b/c that will extend teh time to the next free one. Currently, I have 3500 miles or so on my car. I plan on changing the oil at 5-6000 miles. My first free oil change isn't until 15000 miles. If I take it in at 6000 and the dealer resets the computer, that means my first free oil change won't be until 21,000 miles instead of 15,000. If I change it myself, no worries about the computer. If you're out of warranty, it doesn't matter either if the dealer resets it or not.

 

[William330]

You can buy an oil extractor from Griot's Garage. Costs about $99 there. I believe you can find the same item for cheaper elsewhere though. Just search online.

Thanks for the additonal info.

Is this the device?

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10122

It seems like a great idea, except that won't using a pump from the top of the engine leave dirt and sediment in the engine, since such gunk tends to sit in the bottom of the oil pan?