Drain and change the oil filter on BMW 3 Series E36

To begin, open the oil filler cap to avoid an air vacuum and the oil not flowing properly.

Secure your car with a jack and a jack stand

Slide under the car and unscrew with the 17 socket. Sometimes you have the cover under the engine, don't panic, there is a small hatch held by a single small screw to remove in order to access the drain screw.

Let the oil drain well. The oil is more liquid when hot

Now we are going to change the oil filter. Take your 13 socket (from memory) and unscrew the filter screw.

Then take out your old oil filter

Clean the bottom of the jar and replace your new filter

On the rod that you unscrewed there are small seals, change them also (they are normally supplied with the filter)

This is what your used oil filter looks like in its jar. It is imperative to change it because it is full of iron filings and other things.

Here is your brand new filter with the seals for the rod that secures the cap of the jar where the filter is located as well as the metal seal for the drain plug under the engine.

Slide under the car one last time to replace the drain plug. There is a metal gasket after this nut that must be changed too (it is also with the oil filter).

Above all, do not tighten this bolt too tightly. Tighten it but sparingly (aluminum housing).

Pour in the oil. Go slowly and check the level (clean the dipstick before putting it back in).

Once you reach the closed level of the oil filler cap, start the engine for 1 minute then turn it off. This operation is necessary for the oil filter jar to fill up. Wait and refill the maximum level

Always take care to clean your gauge before checking the level to avoid making a mistake.

A small diagram to avoid making a mistake when checking the oil level