An annoyance, but also a curiosity... - United Bimmer Community

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 04:55 PM

Is there a rational explanation, other than BMW's penchant to make the simplest of things more complicated, why the oil filler opening on the M50 engine is located so far back, toward the firewall, rather than at a more convenient (and sensible) location like the center if not the front of the engine

?

**xsperf** · 01-28-2007, 05:20 PM

umm, the oil filter on an m50 IS in the front, its in that little canister right behind the intake manifold, towards the radiator

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 05:35 PM

No, no

, oil FILLER opening, not oil filter...

**Dudesky** · 01-28-2007, 06:22 PM

I dunno, it's location doesn't bother me at all

If you want it further forward, buy an M3- IIRC they're on the opposite end of the valve cover.

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 06:59 PM

I find it rather awkward, certainly not conducive for the placement of a funnel to make it easier for pouring the oil in. It just seems unnecessary and illogical. It reminds somewhat of a feature of BMWs in the late '60s and early '70s-- the turn signal was located on the RIGHT side of the steering column. Now that's creating a market niche for ya...

witeshark · 01-28-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3050rpm

I find it rather awkward, certainly not conducive for the placement of a funnel to make it easier for pouring the oil in. It just seems unnecessary and illogical. It reminds somewhat of a feature of BMWs in the late '60s and early '70s-- the turn signal was located on the RIGHT side of the steering column. Now that's creating a market niche for ya...

That must have been for left side driving so signaling and shifting can be done at the same time

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 07:34 PM

But I believe Germany is, and always has been, right side driving (meaning direction of travel on the roadway, not placement of the steering wheel). So once again,

...

witeshark · 01-28-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3050rpm

But I believe Germany is, and always has been, right side driving (meaning direction of travel on the roadway, not placement of the steering wheel). So once again,

...

I have to agree

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 07:44 PM

Ah, if only life's other mysteries (or even annoyances) were so inconsequential...

**mullethunter3** · 01-28-2007, 08:47 PM

You simply have to be an engineer to understand. Not that I'm saying that you are dumb, but most things that BMW and other German automakers do just make sense to me. I can't explain it.

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 09:12 PM

Not fair, you gotta give some reason!

(not really,

)

**xsperf** · 01-28-2007, 10:01 PM

well true amanda, but not quite because on the later models like the m52 they are back in the front.. so...

**2002obsession** · 01-28-2007, 10:18 PM

Ask BMW that question and they will send you a pre-written "Thank you for your inquiry, we at BMW are always trying to..." letter without a real answer.

The real answer is that they put it there to incourage dealer service rather than DIY. The company's passion has shifted from making fine cars to making fine amounts of money.

And I love my right side turn signal stalk

**3050rpm** · 01-28-2007, 10:41 PM

By Jove I think he's got it!