Oil Change

[spoore]

I own a 2001 BMW 325 i. I am going to change the oil in it soon and was wondering if I have to use synthetic, synthetic blend, or if I can use regular oil? My dealership wants around $100 to change the oil and I would like to do it myself.

Also, if I can do it myself how do I reset the maintence mileage counter?

Thanks,

SP

[daniel 61]

Yeah , for this car you have to use a good synthetic, which meets, BMW specification (BMW LL98 or LL01), or at least ACEA: A3 (read the oil bottle back label to find this).The following brands and grades of motor oil are exemples, which meet these spec. : Mobil 1 0w/40 , Castrol Syntec 0w/30, 5w/40 and 5w/50, Pennzoil 5w/40, Valvoline 5w/40 or BMW High Performance Synthetic 5w/30(very good one !).Do not use any other 5w/30 grades(except BMW one), because they do not meet mentioned above spec. and in most cases are only ACEA:A1 or A5 approved.
Regarding reseting oil service indicator, check e-site below:
http://www.bimmerzone.com/resettool.htm#3

[Domingues]

far u have to buy a tool to reset it :S that sucks

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by Domingues

far u have to buy a tool to reset it :S that sucks

You can do it other way by connecting 2 wires for few sec. in dignostic connector, but you have to know how to proceed with that-too risky !

[xtreme barton]

use synthetic oil ... drive to autozone and have them clear your code

[pada]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

You can do it other way by connecting 2 wires for few sec. in dignostic connector, but you have to know how to proceed with that-too risky !

Go to www.BMWe30.net and click on Articles and Tips ... you may have to search around for it a bit, but I saw a posting in there on exactly how to reset the lights on various systems without the tool, but with a homemade fused wire. I've done it twice on my 89 e30, once for Oil Service and once for Inspection II. Works like a charm IF you do it exactly like it says!

Actually, I just found the link ... http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacg...042&Section=02

That site is GREAT!!!

Good luck!

Paul (pada)
89 325iA
204k and still looks new!

[xtreme barton]

the synthetic oil i really like is the platinum penzoil .. excellent oil...

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by xtreme barton

the synthetic oil i really like is the platinum penzoil .. excellent oil...

Yeah, for japs and american cars only.....

[xtreme barton]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

Yeah, for japs and american cars only.....

wrong

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by xtreme barton

wrong

Does Pennzoil Platinium meet ACEA: A3 ? NO !
Does it meet BMW LL 98 or LL 01 ? NO !
Does it have HTHS> 3.5 cpp requirments for eureopean engines ? NO !

So you are wrong, big time wrong !!!
Best regards.
D.

[Antiburn]

For a 2001 3 series you reset your light through the instrument cluster, not under the hood. Only 99/00 E46's you reset under the hood.

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by Antiburn

For a 2001 3 series you reset your light through the instrument cluster, not under the hood. Only 99/00 E46's you reset under the hood.

Agreed !

[xtreme barton]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

Does Pennzoil Platinium meet ACEA: A3 ? NO !
Does it meet BMW LL 98 or LL 01 ? NO !
Does it have HTHS> 3.5 cpp requirments for eureopean engines ? NO !

So you are wrong, big time wrong !!!
Best regards.
D.

nobody said penzoil platinum did ..

&

you said synthetic is for jap and american only !! sorry dude ... some synthetics dont meet all the requirements. but they do have synthetics that do meet the above you listed.

do your homework

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by xtreme barton

nobody said penzoil platinum did ..


they do have synthetic for cars other than jap or american though ... so you are wrong in that statement. which is what i pointed out.

This is a BMW forum and we exchange here information regarding BMW cars not American and Japs.
Btw Gentlemen above has asked question about oil suitable for E46 3 series BMW.

[xtreme barton]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

This is a BMW forum and we exchange here information regarding BMW cars not American and Japs.
Btw Gentlemen above has asked question about oil suitable for E46 3 series BMW.

really ?? cause thats what i read too. i was just following up your post. wher you mentioned american and japs.



and here is a little something for you to read

Castrol SYNTEC European Formula is engineered to meet the Mercedes Benz 229.5 specification. Exceeds European ACEA: A3, B3, B4; VW 502 00, 505 00, 503 01; MB 229.1, 229.3, 229.5; BMW LL-01; GM-LL-A-025, GM-LL-B-025 and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF-3 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils.

thats one for example ..


so your wrong !!
Big Time !!

Best Regards !!