I have a 98 z3 bmw and want to find out how hard is it to give it an oil change are there any special tools or

Answer 1

Generally speaking, oil changes on Z3 cars is relatively easy. However, depending on what engine you have, you may need different tools.

There are two ways to do an oil change: 1. you drain the oil from the oil pan or, 2. you use an extraction tool to suck the oil out of the dip stick tube. Both work equally well, but obviously #2 is easier and does not require putting the car on ramps.

The oil filter on modern BMW cars is located on top. Depending on the engine, you will need different tools to open the oil filter cap. If you have a straight-six non-M motor (2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0), likely you will need 36mm hex socket. If you have an M motor (3.2L) then you will need a 13mm socket. If you have a four cylinder, you will need to use a traditional oil strap wrench. You can buy Mann (BMW OE) oil filters online for about $6-$8/filter.

Oil capacity for the straight six motors is about 7qts. However, you are not likely to drain all of it, so a refill takes about 6.5 - 6.8 qts.

Use BMW approved motor oil to be safe. Look for the BMW-Longlife approval rating on the back of the bottle. Some examples are: Mobil1 0w-40, Valvoline Synpower 5w-40, and Castrol 0w-30 (made in germany variety).

I personally use the Mityvac oil extraction tool on my Z3 3.0i. An oil change takes about 15 minutes and I can do it with out getting messy at all. Doing oil changes on my BMWs is a LOT easier than doing them on my Toyotas.

For reference, below you will find several online DIY instructions on doing oil changes on BMW cars. Hope that helps...

Answer 2

I have an 01 325 and it was the easiest oil change that I have ever done. You will need a special jack to jack the car up as the other person said. I actually have a delSol too so I already had a low profile racing jack that worked perfect. I'm not sure about your car, but mine uses a canister oil filter. The filter is in a canister on top of the engine, not below it. You need a huge socket to open the canister, but it is the same size taht you would need for a Ford diesel oil filter. If this is the case with you get the Ford tool because it is half the price of the BMW tool. The drain plug was out in the open under the car and I didn't even need to take the lower cover off. Beware...my BMW took a tone of oil! I had to put over 7 quarts in it which is amazing for a 2.5L 6 cylinder. I had been used to putting 3.5 quarts in my delSol.

Answer 3

it will be hard to get under car as it is so low to the ground. u will need special ramps to do this. i have the same issue with my del sol. i bite the bullet and take it to walmart. u might want to call first to see ifthey carry the oil filter. u can carry in your own filter that u bought someplace else and they will adjust the price for u. btw. i read that u need a special tool to turn off/reset the "change the oil" warning light.

Answer 4

No more than any other it would help to get a manuel if your unsure how to do it