Oil changes...DIY or dealer?

[Blivit]

Do you change your own oil or go to the dealer/shop?

If you do your own, do you use the BMW oil or something else?

Always a controversial topic online, I know. I have always changed my own on previous cars. From my introduction thread though, first BMW here.

[omgboost]

Easiest oil change ever. I do it myself. Many videos on youtube on how to do it. Many threads on oils to use, but for the N55, I use Castrol Edge 0W-40 European formula. You are able to buy 5 quart jugs on Amazon or Walmart for $23.

[Blivit]

Originally Posted by omgboost

Easiest oil change ever. I do it myself. Many videos on youtube on how to do it. Many threads on oils to use, but for the N55, I use Castrol Edge 0W-40 European formula. You are able to buy 5 quart jugs on Amazon or Walmart for $23.

Thanks. Yeah, not at all concerned with the difficulty. Definitely easier than any of my other cars. I cuss up a storm every time I have to do it in my mustang with where the damn filter is located.

Seems the LL01 spec is really the only thing I need to look out for regarding the oil?

[omgboost]

Yes, back when the car came out, Castrol was the OEM for the BMW oils and I think the Edge is very similar to the OE BMW oil the dealerships sell you. Mobil 1 use to be approved LL01, not anymore. Haven't used any other oils. I change mine around every 7500 miles. I need to get a oil analysis done next oil change. I keep procrastinating.

[f_chaney]

I,ve used royal purple in all my cars. what do yall think about using it in x5 50i ?

[X5 MAN]

DIY is fine as long as you are ready to slide under the car and get splattered with oil on yourself and the garage floor..and disposing off the oil is not easy Also got to have correct size wrench and filter holders. Know to torque the oil pan nut correctly.

For me, the money saved is not worth the hassle. I buy my own oil and take it to the dealer. Castrol Edge 0-40

[yco]

if i would have some equipment i d try.. seems you have equipment for this.. go for it..

[ncmoore12]

Was pretty easy on my X5 M (s63/n63), got oil everywhere because I tried using the same Pan i used for my 335i (n55), a lot more oil comes out at once.

Used:
2 x 5W30 Special Tec LL Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2249
BMW Engine Oil Filter Kit - Mahle OX353-7D

Sounds like you have a 35i (n55). So filter should be on top and should be easy. I would just find a guide on here and it should be a breeze!

Good luck!

[ntailor]

Its pretty easy like most oil changes. DIY here

[BMWerkeUS]

If indeed you have N55, here is a DIY:
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595783

[Poppyboy]

Why use 0W-40 instead of 5W-30 for the N55? The owner’s manual shows both. Is it just a matter of 0W for colder climates at startup? If so, why 40 for colder climates vs. 30 at running temperature?

[Blivit]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Why use 0W-40 instead of 5W-30 for the N55? The owner’s manual shows both. Is it just a matter of 0W for colder climates at startup? If so, why 40 for colder climates vs. 30 at running temperature?

Good question. I used to live in a climate that would see cold and snow but have now lived in Florida for the past 12 years. All of my previous and current cars (Ford) have required 5w30 (5w20 in some cases with newer ones) but I have always used 5w30 in all cases. Even now in Florida I use the same.

I am still unsure which to go with in my new to me X5. I will be changing it myself and have seen 5w30 and 0w40 recommended.

[omgboost]

I think it really depends on what you can get your hands on. For me, Advance Auto sells 0W-30 at $10 a quart. Amazon/Walmart has 0W-40 for less than $30 for 5 quarts. Also, the engine runs really hot so I think 40 would be better than 30. My winters here in the Northeast can get pretty cold so the 0W would help as well.

[Poppyboy]

So why is 5W-40 not even one of the manual’s recommendations?

[Blivit]

Originally Posted by omgboost

I think it really depends on what you can get your hands on. For me, Advance Auto sells 0W-30 at $10 a quart. Amazon/Walmart has 0W-40 for less than $30 for 5 quarts. Also, the engine runs really hot so I think 40 would be better than 30. My winters here in the Northeast can get pretty cold so the 0W would help as well.

I usually buy from the local wholesale club near me. They sell mobil 1 for ~$30/6qts. They only carry a few weights but do have the 0w40 european. I know this isn't LL01 compliant anymore but I don't really plan on going 10,000 miles or whatever it is so I think it should be fine.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by omgboost

I think it really depends on what you can get your hands on. For me, Advance Auto sells 0W-30 at $10 a quart. Amazon/Walmart has 0W-40 for less than $30 for 5 quarts. Also, the engine runs really hot so I think 40 would be better than 30. My winters here in the Northeast can get pretty cold so the 0W would help as well.

ditto

My x5 50i runs extremely hot. 40 would help here and 0 is for the Pennsylvannia winters and snow.

[boneca]

I buy my own oil and filter:

Oil - 5W-40 Liqui Moly (Molygen)
Oil Filter - Mahle

and up until last change was also buying Liqui Moly Engine Flush!

I try to change oil between 5k-7k miles so I think I've done enough flashing to this point.

I usually paying around $80 for the oil and filter and go to my Indy for oil change that another $20

Even if I still had a garage (don't have it anymore) I would still go to Indy, the time, mess, disposal etc., just not worth it for me!

[cbakking]

Originally Posted by boneca

I buy my own oil and filter:

Oil - 5W-40 Liqui Moly (Molygen)
Oil Filter - Mahle

and up until last change was also buying Liqui Moly Engine Flush!

I try to change oil between 5k-7k miles so I think I've done enough flashing to this point.

I usually paying around $80 for the oil and filter and go to my Indy for oil change that another $20

Even if I still had a garage (don't have it anymore) I would still go to Indy, the time, mess, disposal etc., just not worth it for me!

I heard if you use Liqui Moly car doesn't burn oil or much less than OEM - is this true?
Since I have to top-off every ~1000 miles, thinking about converting to Liqui Moly.

[boneca]

Originally Posted by cbakking

I heard if you use Liqui Moly car doesn't burn oil or much less than OEM - is this true?
Since I have to top-off every ~1000 miles, thinking about converting to Liqui Moly.

this is not true, I burn about 1q every 3k miles so the way it works in my case: I buy 10q use 9q for the change and in between the changes I top-off that 1q left from the previous change which is caring me over to the next one.

[Modern Autos]

I use Mobil1 5w-30 from April to November and Mobil1 0w-40 from November to April. For oil filter used Bosch and Mann. I buy my own and do it at Indy shop. Every 5000 miles or 4 months (don't drive it much).
I don't recommend Mahle oil filter for the X5, because in my case it failed (Oil started leaking from the filter housing cap, when checked oil filter was broken in the middle of it/in two halves and gasket was busted🤔 ) in 1400 miles after the oil change.

Last time changed it at the dealer with a coupon for $80+taxes.

[boneca]

Originally Posted by Modern Autos

I use Mobil1 5w-30 from April to November and Mobil1 0w-40 from November to April. For oil filter used Bosch and Mann. I buy my own and do it at Indy shop. Every 5000 miles or 4 months (don't drive it much).
I don't recommend Mahle oil filter for the X5, because in my case it failed (Oil started leaking from the filter housing cap, when checked oil filter was broken in the middle of it/in two halves and gasket was busted🤔 ) in 1400 miles after the oil change.

Last time changed it at the dealer with a coupon for $80+taxes.

changing oil on X5M at the dealer is twice more expensive vs regular X5, I owned both so I know, u might get a coupon once in a while but still...

as far as Oil filter goes Mahle on one of the best brands out there, sometimes I have to wait for that filter to be available at the supplier. Sorry for u bad experience with the brand but I'm assuming it was a bad one (as it happens sometimes with any brands)

[Poppyboy]

I’d still like to know why/how 40 is better than 30 in cooler climates.