Oil Change Question - United Bimmer Community

**aarontran** · 08-25-2005, 10:47 AM

How easy is it to change the oil on a bimmer?

I asked because I need to change my oil but can't afford to bring it to the BMW place. They charge around $100. I also know that after the oil change, you have to reset the gauge. How do you do that and where would that reset bottom located. (95 325is)

Thanks

**VANCE** · 08-25-2005, 10:52 AM

very & they make a tool to reset the lights

**Dudesky** · 08-25-2005, 11:37 AM

It's easy as pie, and certainly not worth $100 at the dealer. You need to order an oil filter kit from someone- BavAuto, Autohauz, whoever. The kit includes the washers and o-rings you'll need along with the filter itself. Then it's off to the races you go:
http://www.logun.org/oil.htm

To reset your oil service light, find the data link connector on the passenger side of the engine bay, next to the shock tower. Twist off the black round cap and find pin #7. Then turn the ignition to the 2nd position. Place a wire from pin #7 to the battery ground post for 3-4 seconds, and that will reset the oil lights. If you ground it for 13-14 seconds, it will reset the inspection service lights.

**komodo** · 08-25-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky_E36

To reset your oil service light, find the data link connector on the passenger side of the engine bay, next to the shock tower. Twist off the black round cap and find pin #7. Then turn the ignition to the 2nd position. Place a wire from pin #7 to the battery ground post for 3-4 seconds, and that will reset the oil lights. If you ground it for 13-14 seconds, it will reset the inspection service lights.

Yep, I do that everytime. Taking a coaxel (tv) wire and stripping it all except the middle wire makes it nice and easy. Turn the ignition to position 2, touch those pins for a few seconds, and it'll reset itself.

If you need more detailed instructions on this part, I can get you a DIY with pictures and such.

What I usually do is take my car to some small local mechanic and do the oil change for cheap, then reset the oil indicator myself since they don't have the tools.

However on a BMW changing the oil is almost easier than most other cars.. it's very easy to drop the oil pan (i've heard).

And I might have said it before, but welcome to United.

**aarontran** · 08-25-2005, 12:39 PM

komodo
I understand how to remove the filter and oil, but to rest the oil light; yeah that's when I'm lost from Dudesky_E36 post. Where is this “data link connector” and what does this data link looked like?

Any help from anyone is greatly appreciate
Thanks

**komodo** · 08-25-2005, 01:14 PM

It's the data port that's (i think) bmw-only.

Open your hood and look for a black, round cap near the left strut tower. You should be able to unscrew the top and it'll be held by a teather. When you look under the cap, you'll see about 20-25 female pin connectors. This is used for connecting to the BMW computer for things like resetting indicator lights (ie: oil, airbag, etc).

What year/model car do you have by the way? We don't want to give you information that's inaccurate because of your car.

**xsperf** · 08-25-2005, 01:38 PM

just remember, unlike most cars, our BMW's take 7.5 liters of oil, dont put 4 or 5 in there and think your ok! lol

**aarontran** · 08-25-2005, 01:53 PM

I have a 95 325is (auto)

**B3M2W5i** · 08-25-2005, 02:11 PM

not my engine bay googled it but i circled the port and DS is driverside.

**Dudesky** · 08-25-2005, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

However on a BMW changing the oil is almost easier than most other cars.. it's very easy to drop the oil pan (i've heard).

Uhhh, drop the oil pan? That would be the hard way of doing it . . . I prefer to just unscrew the drain plug