BMW E46 Engine Oil and Filter Change

Procedure demonstrating how to replace the engine oil and filter assembly on a BMW E46 (3 series) BMW with the 3.0 litre 6 cylinder motor. The procedure is likely near identical to other models of BMW. Recommended engine oil for a E46 330xi is Castrol Syntec 5w30 weight oil however, in my video I used the German spec'd 0w30 synthetic oil because it has better wear specs over the North American version of Castrol Syntec oil. You could always use other synthetic oils if need be as long as it meets the oil requirements of your bimmer.
For reference the oil filter "kit" is BMW part #: 11-42-7-512-300
You will need 7 litres of engine oil if you're servicing a BMW E46 330xi.
Enjoy

[@michaelsecrest1388]

In all my years of viewing KZbin DIYs, you are definitely among the BEST when it comes to explaining a particular procedure. You tell the proper way and the reason of what and what not to do. Your succinct and informative manner is a welcome relief from some of the KZbinrs who feel it necessary to tell their life's story instead of just getting to the point. Keep up the great work!

[@piercedasian]

lol, glad you liked my video! Many folks actually have complained that I'm TOO verbose and detailed but unfortunately for them that IS my style and I'm sticking to it :). When it comes to safety and reliability that I'd teach PROPERLY rather than teach a half baked DIY fix it job that will result in people messing up their cars and possibly comprising their safety.

[@wiredmusic915]

for a 2013 video, great video; very informative i appreciate you taking the time to make this.

[@piercedasian]

you're most welcome.

[@landonyoungblood6690]

For a 2017 comment, great comment; very informative i appreciate you taking the time to make this.

[@marymoody656]

hey man love your films. you have the right level of instruction/ speed. thankyou.

[@SwiftMcGriff]

Best instructional video for an oil change on a BMW that I've seen. Thank you!

[@piercedasian]

sweet! Glad you liked the vid. Subscribe for more car repair vids!

[@DerkaDerka66]

Appreciate the thorough walk thru! Thanks a lot. Feeling like my first time doing an e46 oil change will be a cake walk because of this video. Cheers

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked the vid!

[@MarcusYam]

Wow, that looks so easy. Thumbs up for the "enthusiast's" choice in oil!

[@forbiddenlovealive]

That would be very few DIY vehiucle service videos that you don't need to scroll back to see or replay the video. Great explanation and details. Thanks man.

[@piercedasian]

+sharad vaidya Glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching! Consider subscribing to my channel if you haven't already :)

[@VS-mm8wy]

Very calm, easy to understand and something that I will begin doing myself. Good video.

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching!

[@jeweltucker7747]

Thanks for taking the time to make this! Very helpful 👍🏻

[@piercedasian]

you're most welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@paschalia100]

thanks for the video. you explained everything I was looking for in the right amount of detail without wandering off. thumbs up from Ireland :)

[@piercedasian]

glad you like my video. Thanks for watching!

[@brewsadertv6795]

Thanks for the video! I know how to do oil changes but haven't done one on my new car (e46 330xi) and was just curious on exactly how to do it and, well your video answered all of them! Thanks once again.

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked the vid. Don't forget to subscribe so you receive updates when I publish new car repair videos!

[@jakoblaier5777]

a good advise for the future, is to loosen the filtercover before you drain the oil, because then the oil filter is turning upwards it will not drain all the oil in the filterhouse, until you loosen the filter,

[@d.h.9239]

@Razvan Cojoc He means just what he said. Before you drain the oil from the oil pan, loosen the oil filter cover.

[@timothykydd3959]

Excellent video. Very informative & straight to the point. Look forward to more of your videos. Cheers!

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching!

[@susansehmel]

I just got my first bmw....its a 92 325i with performance modifications. I will be doing my first oil change in few days and found your video very helpful..ty

[@piercedasian]

+Susan Sehmel Glad you liked it. If you like my channel consider subscribing :)

[@michaelzijffers1583]

This is one of the best instruction video's i've ever seen. Thanks so much. Will be doing an oil change this weekend on my 316TI.

[@piercedasian]

+Michael Zijffers thanks for the positive comments! Glad you liked my video. Good luck with your oil change :)

[@sylvainlacroix8586]

Great job with the oil change video. Very informative and to the point. Thanks ...

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked it.

[@undraybraswell1308]

Thanks it really helps that these type of videos here out here for our information it's a great help thanks again.

[@piercedasian]

You're very welcome!

[@SeattleCastro]

awesome video, straight to the point. looking forward to more on BMW E46 series. thx

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked my vid. Thanks for watching.

[@chefp0l065]

Thank you for this video! It was very informative, and helped me step-by-step to get one of my favorite cars to run properly. 🦖!

[@piercedasian]

Glad it helped!

[@karimwatson]

Very informative video, perfectly narrated and demonstrated.

[@piercedasian]

+Karim Watson thanks for watching!

[@keithhartwig6095]

Very thorough and professional video. Great job! Will help me with my 328ci e46.

[@piercedasian]

Thank you. Glad you liked my vid.

[@docf1xx]

Excellent video with concise instructions! Thank you.

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching.

[@kbunch51]

Great video. Just what I was looking for.

[@piercedasian]

Glad it was useful to you!

[@davche5922]

excellent , thank you for posting I like to do my own oil changes just for the fact you mention , so that I know that some individual doesn't over torque the bolt and strip the oil pan. look forward to more of your post on the e46.

[@piercedasian]

Hi Dav, thanks for watching! Yes fixing your own car brings me a lot of satisfaction in that I know it is done RIGHT and not hacked by some idiot that doesn't care about your car.

[@seanmarquez5966]

Nice clear and detailed. Appreciate it! I wonder if previous mechanics have been replacing the o-ring gasket and the copper crush washer seal.... hmmm.

[@piercedasian]

some do and some don't. I know of a lot of mechanics that will re-use seals (I sometimes have to) but best practice is to always use new orings / washers / gaskets whenever possible. Why risk a leak when the part cost is so minimal and the added effort is next to nothing.

[@VHSpal]

That was a very helpful video! Thank you. I will try it on my own car.

[@piercedasian]

good luck :)

[@TheJaxlu]

thanks for the video - i appreciate including all the small steps

[@piercedasian]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marlocj]

Great video, just changed oil & filter in my 2003 325-first time. No issues. Thanks!

[@piercedasian]

glad that all worked out for you!

[@miglez96]

Great video! Just bought an 01 330i and can't wait to do this myself!

[@piercedasian]

+Miguel Gonzalez Nice car. DIY maintenance will be fun!

[@piercedasian]

you could do that BUT: 1. Dealerships in my neck of the woods charge upwards of $150 to do the oil change (yes it is ridiculous). 2. You get the satisfaction knowing YOU did the work. 3. I know what went into my car and how it was driven/cared for.

[@kendallruffin6948]

Omg I really appreciate it this video so simple and easy saved me another $100 bucks

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked the video!

[@ardalanaudine1199]

Fantastic video. Thank you kindly. Look forward to other videos you upload.

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for stopping by!

[@rjdom]

good vid, well explained. I always do oil on the 325 E46 myself saves money time and peace of mind it was done right!

[@piercedasian]

rjdom yep, that is why I try my best to do all my own car work. I have major trust issues with people touching anything of mine. I won't even let my spouse edit my videos for me b/c I feel that if you want something done right you gotta do it yourself :)

[@lusurama5080]

Thanks to you, my first engine oil change was successful

[@piercedasian]

Great job!

[@jeraldtowle2718]

Thank you. The video was informative and concise.

[@kingjinx1]

nice work sir, rated, subcribed and commented well deserved!

[@nielslund9359]

Adding my opinion that the video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@piercedasian]

thanks for that positive feedback. Glad you liked it!

[@shanesamson800]

Best Video ever thank you so much very helpful, will now do all my services myself

[@piercedasian]

glad you like my video. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelsecrest1388]

Simple and to the point: well done!

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked it!

[@darrencrawshaw7320]

grate video I'm going to do my first ever oil change on my 330i il be using this as a good reference thank you

[@piercedasian]

+Darren Crawshaw glad you liked my video. Good luck with your first oil change. Thanks for watching!

[@StudiosRGB]

Thanks for this video. Very good tutorial.

[@piercedasian]

you're most welcome!

[@scc1976]

Thanks for the vid man. Saved me lots!

[@piercedasian]

+scc1976 you're welcome. Thanks for watching :)

[@cougarking1968]

Excellent write up! Thanks buddy

[@piercedasian]

you're most welcome!

[@georgehugh3455]

Nice job; well-narrated

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@davemanuel6225]

Thank you very much. Thats pretty straight forward. Could you show us how to do proper radiator fluid change on N52 engines.

[@piercedasian]

Hi Dave, watch the video BMW E46 water pump change and that will give you an idea of how to change out the coolant. It isn't a perfect method but I'll be darned if I could do it any easier doing any other way :)

[@charlesl8347]

Agree with other commenters. This was clear, informative, and extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@piercedasian]

You're welcome, I try my best to be informative. Being equipped with the proper information is better than not having enough.

[@ericpatermo3282]

Thanks! This was really helpful!

[@piercedasian]

you're most welcome!

[@JG-oc8ov]

I'm glad bmw made it easier on the e90 and f30, no need to remove the plastic underneath the car. They just made a flap that opens up and the drain bolt is right there. I love that the oil filter is on top of the engine bay aswell. By far the easiest cars to do oil changes on

[@piercedasian]

yeah the BWMs are a pleasure to work on (for the most part).

[@kayadread2006]

Great info. I have a 2011 323i and would like to install a K&N Cold Air Intake on it, Do you have any videos on it? And what are your thoughts on CAI?

[@piercedasian]

@ Zeno Gashi - thanks for clarifying that.

[@akshayalingam]

Very nice video.. Very informational and useful. Thank you

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked it!

[@akshayalingam]

@@piercedasian I followed your video and replaced the oil filter. Thank you .

[@NalgasWangas11]

Helped a lot, i just did one on my e46, thnx

[@piercedasian]

Glad it helped

[@dddorv.v5181]

Great video! Super useful.

[@piercedasian]

Glad you found it useful!

[@redbach23tube]

great video.... very informative. do you have a video on changing serpentine belts and pulleys?

[@piercedasian]

If you look at my BWM E46 water pump replacement video I show the removal of the serpentine belt and the pulleys. You can skip the sections that actually show the water pump replacement. Enjoy my other vid :)

[@jomiahbernard8483]

gr8 video and well explained,Thanx.

[@piercedasian]

+Jomiah Bernard glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@piercedasian]

@ jakob laier - good tip. I'll have to remember that for next time :)

[@tyronedumas9363]

piercedasian My e46 323i 1999 BMW cuts off when I drive some times like it's losing power or something it doesn't do it often but I would like to know what's the problem is if you can solve this problem it would be very helpful thanks

[@thewolf6691]

Living in Utah I used Amsoil 5-40 on the same exact model car and it never ran better. Definitely go get the filter from BMW

[@piercedasian]

Amsoil oil is awesome. I like their transmission and differential oils. I've never used their engine oils before because I'm still leery on its longevity but I think I just need to try it and conduct a used oil analysis to really convince me. Tranny and diff oil I'm not as worried about since some folk NEVER replace it in their cars with no real ill effects (until of course the miles are SUPER high).

[@josephhood4425]

Hello this video was very informative

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked it!

[@KashQureshi]

Just watched your video, excellent.

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@bradgraves9530]

Most helpful clear explanation and video thank you - notice you wore disposable gloves which is a good idea !

[@piercedasian]

yeah I used to not wear gloves at all but given the fact that one could over a long period time can develop all sorts of nasty skin conditions including cancer that I started thinking smarter and taking reasonable precautions to limit my exposure.

[@sathyabalakrishnan8729]

many thanks for this video. I wish I cud have viewed this video earlier I could have saved $$$$ so much of money and also would have got satisfied by doing myself. here after I shall do by myself.

[@piercedasian]

+Sathya Narayanan Balakrishnan that's good to hear. Why pay someone when really you can tackle it all on your own?

[@piercedasian]

It costs $150 in my neck of the woods + dealership shop fees and taxes... an oil change on this car can easily be over $165 with everything said and done with.

[@VS-mm8wy]

you will end up saving money in the long run. Look for sales on oil. I buy the big jug (5qt) of oil at Walmart for @$25, sometimes they have them on sale for 22 bucks; get your filter. Buy two jugs since you need 7 qts., save that other 1/2 for the next oil change. Yes, the tools may cost you, but they're yours, and in the long run they will pay for themselves. Not to mention the satisfaction of doing something productive for yourself.

[@jondoe144]

Thanks for making this video...

[@TonyLatigo]

Excellent. Thank you very much. The only difference is I use the BMW spec 5w30 from the dealership which works out to be cheaper than the other stuff. Make sure your oil is euro spec 5w30, not U.S. spec 5w30. There IS a difference.

[@piercedasian]

+Tony Latigo I should have mentioned that.... yes I am using the euro spec'd oil. I'm sure there likely won't be any long term harm using the US spec'd oil (if you couldn't find german spec'd oil)under typical driving conditions. I would never use any other oil other than what the manufacturer's suggest if I were going to "track" my car.

[@sj6449]

Great video and details

[@piercedasian]

+Greg Sun glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching!

[@elaineboodhoo7228]

very good and very helpful thank you

[@piercedasian]

you're welcome!

[@smarzig]

your vids are the best.

[@piercedasian]

@ smarzig - lol thanks! I try my best given I am mostly a 1 person film crew!

[@tommyleejonesqoq5157]

Great video Gonna change the Oil/ filter today or tommorow Bmw318ise 2002 petrol Bought 10w 30 mobile 1 Thanks

[@piercedasian]

+TommyLeeJones QoQ sweet! Good luck with your oil change!

[@bocon007]

very good video - thank you

[@piercedasian]

you're welcome!

[@AngelRivera-uv5fc]

Very well presented!

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked the vid!

[@piercedasian]

thanks!

[@giangulli]

Great video, thanks for that!

[@piercedasian]

You're most welcome!

[@gradybeck5641]

Very helpful thank you.

[@piercedasian]

you're most welcome!

[@jasongramke6363]

Very thorough, thanks!

[@piercedasian]

+Jason Gramke glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching :)

[@piercedasian]

@ walter n - depends on what you want to do with the car. If you are using it for a daily driver and need it to last for as long as possible then I do NOT recommend a cold air intake that typically makes use of either an oiled cotton gauze, oiled foam or fine mesh screen. Why? Because in independent testing it has been proven over and over and over that higher flow filters do pass some degree of extra fine dirt into your motor. Silica levels in used engine oil analysis has proved that engines are dirtier with a high flow intake. If you're using your car for racing or you really want that extra pep then a high flow intake is definitely beneficial. Cold air intakes are great for helping generate more power but there are tradeoffs such as more dirt being ingested, potential for sucking in water which will literally destroy your motor since water is not compressible and they can be pricey and break if not installed properly. Don't get me wrong, I am not against K&N or CAI or performance products that do work - just remember there are ALWAYS trade offs. I run a AEM cold air intake on my CRX but I will refuse to put a K&N in my daily driver minivan. Why? My CRX is a car mean to be driven they way Honda designed it - peppy and fun to throw it into corners. I even tracked it once so I needed all the power I could get. Noticeable performance jump with a CAI on the CRX with stock motor especially on the low end torque. Minivan - using stock Honda cotton/paper hybrid filter element for maximum filtration to maximize the life of my family hauler. No speed or performance records to be broken so why bother with a high flow filter system? Hope that helps shed some light on your question.

[@kayadread2006]

piercedasian Thank you, Most helpful. Makes a lot of sense

[@piercedasian]

Glad to be of assistance :)

[@alkarimsumar7124]

very good clip. makes life easy

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked my vid. Thanks for watching!

[@olivergarcia1411]

pretty interesting... it will help me with my car

[@piercedasian]

+Oliver Garcia glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching :)

[@hcelik9126]

Thank you very usefull i love to see more of it pls

[@piercedasian]

subscribe and you'll see PLENTY more of car repair videos. :) Thanks for watching.

[@redinstrumental7535]

Awesome video ! Thank's 👍

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@heliezerhernandez8987]

Thanks bro very very very helpful

[@piercedasian]

Happy to help

[@trebor229]

Great video man! But.. am i the only one with a little cover in the bottom splash cover, wich can be removed with just one screw to get to the oil plug?

[@piercedasian]

I can't remember anymore but I don't believe this BMW I worked on had the little cover otherwise I sure as heck wouldn't have taken the whole thing off.

[@flowjoe100]

Great video !

[@piercedasian]

+Joe Jackson Glad you liked my video. Thanks for watching :)

[@DC-wp6oj]

Very well explained

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@dkrhymes]

Great video thank you!

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked it!

[@bigstilla]

Nice job buddy! I’m going to be attempting to do my own oil change, just like you said, to save some money. I have a older 03 325xi Does bmw sell an oil change kit or do I have to order the parts separately? Can you tell me the parts list you used. Much appreciated!

[@piercedasian]

The oil change is super easy. BMW doesn't formally sell a kit per se. Just go to the parts department and tell them you want to do an engine oil change and they will set you up with everything you need.

[@voodoochild2319]

Good video very helpful

[@piercedasian]

Glad to hear that

[@DS-ss7vl]

Good job dude. Thx!

[@blackpassenger]

great vid even if just gonna let a mechanic here in tokyo do mine in a couple days. found a 2000 320i 4 months ago, with a whopping 33K kilometers, as in 21K miles on the clock. paid 120,000 yen for the thing, 1100 bucks. eleven hundred bucks for a damn near new bmw. only in japan. in four months ive driven it 10K kilometers and now its time for an oil change.........and belts, pulley and thermostat replacement.

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked my vid. Wow $1100 for a minty BMW is a steal! Thanks for watching and have fun cruising in your car!

[@nathancaleb21]

great video!

[@piercedasian]

you're welcome!

[@matthewburch3015]

Hella good job my boi!!!!!

[@piercedasian]

Thanks!

[@PhotoMonarch]

very easy to follow video

[@piercedasian]

Glad you liked the video!

[@Jagg61]

A very well done vid.

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked it.

[@jonpfeiffer7754]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@piercedasian]

Glad it helped! Thanks for stopping by.

[@ammarmdalati]

Thank you for this!

[@piercedasian]

you're welcome.

[@zenog8497]

btw it takes 6.5L

[@richardnaffa5953]

Thanks, it was helpful

[@piercedasian]

+Richard Naffa glad you liked the vid. Thanks for watching.

[@user-id5ml6yj2x]

very helpful . thank you

[@piercedasian]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@AJ-ms1vg]

Very good only thing is my 3 series 2005 has electronic oil level checking no dipstick, although some may say there is one behind the steering wheel! 🙂👍🏼

[@piercedasian]

Yeah, the electronic dipstick is something I don't think I could ever get used to. I like cars that have tactile functional pieces to validate levels... I'm too old school to use something like an electronic dipstick...

[@nathanield.4527]

Nice work! Where did you get the new crush washer for the oil drain plug bolt?

[@piercedasian]

You can get a new crush washer from BMW.

[@nathanield.4527]

piercedasian Thanks buddy.

[@rombierto]

Have you replaced the flexible ribbed pvc hoses?

[@percio317]

Explanation Exelente !!! Thanks ! This 3.0 Engine 6 Cylinder From Bm has Some Facts What I wanted View !!!! Give them lot of maintenance ?

[@piercedasian]

Percio Morais Junior thanks for watching. Subscribe to my channel for the latest in DIY tutorials!

[@justinedwards5907]

Great video

[@piercedasian]

glad you liked it.

[@NeilBaylard]

OMG is it really that easy? I thought you would take out half the engine or something, because the dealership charges over 200 dollars!

[@midnightpassion43]

+Neil Baylard hahaha, that was funny. I know, the dealership prices are ridiculous. I just purchased a 2006 325ci 3 series and I'm scared to even look up the hood of it, because of what people say and all those wires, pipes and hoses, just scare the hell out of me. I'm use to working on my 2006 gmc canyon.

[@ZekeMagnum]

Nah 200-250 is standard here too.

[@Drew-eo2oj]

79.99 must be non synthetic. Or, maybe labor only; ) Really, 80.00 seems way low, 200.00 way high. And hell if I'd go to any of my local dealers for that unless they were running a special, or I desperately needed them for something else (not likely!!). Unfortunately, the 2 relatively local BMW 'service centers' I've been to in the past 15 years, are both equally, overall, horrible to deal with. But, I digress. Wonderful video! Looking forward to my first oil change on a recently purchased lo mi 2002 330ci vert. What a great car. It's no wonder EAG is getting large$$$ for E46s. It's the one to own imho.

[@n8neiTen8n]

Because it' eauropean and USA workshops think they can steal money of BMW owners. And almost everything in these cars (e39 and e46) you can do by yourself.

[@CapitalSHAUN]

Neil Baylard its crazy right im boutta learn everything i need