1997 E36 Compact Oil Filter Question

Hi,

I'm new to BMWs and have been stuggling to carry out the simple task of changing the oil...

I understand the filter is a not a disposable cartridge style one but a housed filter and is located under the bonnet/hood - however, I can't work out which canister the filter housing is.

There only seems to be one that it can be - the only other canister reads ATF oil which I assume to be gear/power steering oil.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i225/ldbrook1/DSC02616.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i225/ldbrook1/DSC02615.jpg

This leads to my second problem - if this is the oil filter housing, how do I take it apart - shouldn't it have a ratchet/nut top or perhaps a screw down the middle? Do I need a boa-constrictor style oil filter wrench to unscrew the top?

Also, if I do open up the housing, will the oil spill out if I don't drain the sump first with it being at a similar level to the sump?

Thanks,

Louis

Oil filter/dump is undeneath the car, not up in the engine bay. Unless they've changed it from the E36-E46, the pan, filter, and all that good stuff is at the bottom of the motor.

Is that right? I've read a few guides suggesting it is up in the engine bay? I can't see anything undreneath the car resembling the filter housing. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks,
Louis

Every time I've had the oil changed, they are underneath the car. Its under a little cover that you have to take off. I can't really explain it with out pictures, but it is underneath the car.