Loading ...This answer is applicable for many BMWs in addition to the one listed below.
Q
How do I change the engine oil on my 1997 Z3 with the 1.9 liter engine? Where is the oil filter?
A
We have an oil change article in the Fall 2004 issue of our Fast Times newsletter (see the link, below). In the article, we use a 6-cylinder model BMW. However, the 4-cylinder will be similar. Many late-model BMWs have a plastic splash panel under the engine, covering the oil pan and drain plug (the Z3 does not have this). On models that do have the under-engine splash panel, the panel should have an access panel, or door, under the location of the drain plug, allowing access to the plug without removing the complete panel (some models require removal of the panel).
You should be changing the oil and the filter at about 5000 to 7000 miles (or sooner, if the oil is turning black and opaque, when viewed on the dip-stick) ….. assuming you are using a high quality synthetic oil, such as our Lubro-Moly and Red Line oils.
The oil filters on most BMWs are accessed from under the hood (current model V8s have the filter mounted under the engine, in the rear area of the oil pan). See the photos below for examples of the 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder and V8 oil filter locations, for most models from the early ’90s-on. Note that there are some exceptions, such as the V8s mentioned above.
Your 4-cylinder (M44 engine) Z3 has the oil filter housing located just under the forward end of the engine’s intake manifold, at the front of the engine, on the driver’s side of the engine.
We do have the oil filter cap removal tools that properly fit the 4, 6 and 8 cylinder underhood oil filter caps, easing the removal of the cap and the filter.
Once the oil has been changed, you can reset the oil change reminder by using a reset tool. We offer two options for resetting your oil change and inspection reminders.
1) Oil change and Inspection reset tool – This tool ONLY resets the oil and inspection reminders and works on models up through 2000 (and some 2001 models). This is all models that have the under-hood diagnostic plugs.
2) Fault code reader and reset tool – This tool reads and resets the engine management fault codes (that are stored when the CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on), plus it resets the oil and inspection reminders.
Click below for the Fall 2004 issue of Bavarian Autosport’s Fast Times newsletter (Oil Change DIY article):
Click below for BMW oil filters:
Click below for oil filter cap removal tools and oil change drain pans and kits:
Click below for synthetic motor oils:
Click below for reset tools:
