I have a "new to me" 1995 BMW 325is manual trans. I'm leaking a lot of oil. Started happening after recent oil change at a local non-BMW shop. After some diagnostics, it looks to me to be coming from the oil filter canister - but can't tell exactly where. I've obtained a new filter with o-rings, etc. from BMW dealer. How do I properly change the filter and put in new o-rings? Do I need to drain oil to do so? (There's less than 100 miles on this oil.) I've worked on cars all my life but this is my first BMW. Advice appreciated. Thanks.
Those Bmws have a canister filter that is notorious for breaking. To get the top of it is best to use a band filter wrench and hold the canister with large channel wrench while taking the top off. Also check inside the housing to make sur none of the lower gaskets are not stuck in the bottom of the canister. O yeah I work at one of those non Bmw oil change places. If they cannot tell you how many quarts of oil your car takes they probably haven't worked on many and you should leave.
I would first clean up the oil around the housing with brake cleaner. Take the car for a quick run and see where the oil is coming from.
If the housing looks good, then simply take the cap off of the oil filter housing. Remove the existing filter and discard the o-rings. Make sure you lubricate the new o-rings with some oil before installation. This could be why it is leaking now. It may have been overlooked.
Once the o-ring is seated drop in the new filter and replace the housing cap. Tighten the cap to 18 ft lbs. Start the engine, making sure the warning light goes out, showing you have oil pressure.
If your oil is that new then I would not bother with a changeover.
I hope this helps. It is an easy filter to change. BMW doesn't make too many things easy.
Good luck
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same problem here. looking for answers. please
Where is the oil filter on a 2003 - 325i? I cant find it and i'm not sure where to look!
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