oil change 1997 328i

[johns97328i]

I got this car, my first BMW, last year and it's the first time I'm changing the oil. I haven't looked under the hood much. Where is the oil filter and how is the best way to get access to it? Is the oil filter a dealer part or can I pick one up at the local auto parts store. Thank you.

[Cornelius]

Originally Posted by johns97328i

I got this car, my first BMW, last year and it's the first time I'm changing the oil. I haven't looked under the hood much. Where is the oil filter and how is the best way to get access to it? Is the oil filter a dealer part or can I pick one up at the local auto parts store. Thank you.

The oil filter is under the hood a little to the right. it has a 1 inch to 1 1/4 inch top on it for a wrench, but be carefull because the entire oil filter housing is plastic. Just unscrew the top and out comes the filter. You can buy the filter at meijer, autozone, etc.

[soapsuds22]

I used Mobil 1 synthetic in my 3 series. I would suggest that if you are going to put alot of miles on the car between oil changes Mobil one synthetic is a great choice of oil.

[Antiburn]

The oil filter is right infront of the intake manafold. Its a 13mm bolt that holts down the lid. Replace all the washers and o-ring that you get with the filter. Your drain plug im sure you know where they are, its a 17mm. Your engine takes 7 quarts of castrol synthetic 15w30 (thats what dealers use) And to reset your oil light theres other threads in this forum that give you a how-to, Do a search