BMW Service - Oil & Filter Change

How to change the engine oil & oil filter on your Oilhead BMW Motorcycle. This procedure applies to all Oilheads from the 1994 R1100RS up to the 2004 R1150 and R1200C/CL models.

[@antonoat]

It's a pleasure to watch and listen to someone who actually knows what they are doing, if only all technicians were as knowledgeable and diligent, the world would be a better place. Cheers tony

[@ChrisR.Harris]

+antonoat Thank you.

[@InterimExec]

Chris. What a service these videos provide for thos of us with oilheads. The fact that you struggle gives you coinfidence and knowledge that you will encounter struggle and Chris shows you a way out. I had 2007 Gs 2016 Rt and nOw returning after 7 year lapse to a 2001 R1150R. After watching your videos and wrenching i actuallly became fond of the old girl. And with Beemer Boneyard i trust i can addrees her weakmesses. Thanks a million

[@Kobe29261]

For the record and to confirm; my 2004 R1150R Rockster was leaking oil on Synthetic after watching this video I switched back to Dino - oil leaks have seized so far - Thanks Chris!

[@demosthenescotto2190]

Thank you Chris, As a new owner of a 1998 R1200 C your information and advice saved me some money. I'll pay tribute through your Patrion. Hope to see more of your videos in the future. Thanks . Mas-

[@Johnnysday]

I watch this video probably 15 times in everything by heart. It’s so reassuring to watch this video before I doing oil change on my RT. In fact, it gets me all stocked and ready to do the job. It’s like I’m some freaking BMW technician…Chris, you’re like Marcus Welby MD. You have a tremendous bedside manner.

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

I've been changing oil on my bikes for thirty seven years and I still learned something, you're the master!!

[@edwardalt2182]

Thanks Chris! Did my first oil change on my new to me '98 R1100R with just under 7000 miles using Valvoline 20w50 which is ranked 5th according to oilassay. Thanks again Chris for your instructional video!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, glad to have helped. I only use the oil that was specifically designed for these engines... Spectro 4. No, I do not sell it but it is readily available. Enjoy your R11R. They are wonderful machines.

[@mrln5526]

Still watch this stuff even though I sold my R1150GS Adventure. Cheers Chris, hope you are well.

[@boxwoodgreen]

So wise to regularly refresh the basics for watchers. I had a buddy circa 1978, we bought our first bikes brand new, his a Kawi KZ1000, mine a KZ650 Custom. I changed my oil as soon as it lost it's clear amber in the level window. He never did, just added oil when the level dropped. I got to the point of offering free beer to get him to drop the bike off for me to do a free change out. Nope ! When his engine seized the mechanic said the inside had no oil at all only "jelly".

[@capt.danieldavidson6291]

Hey Chris: You have just saved me 6 hours on the highway (three hours each way) to the nearest BMW Service Centre, and a whole whack of $$$. The best past of this is that it's the very first time that I've had the guts to try this myself, and thanks to you my 2002 R1150RT is purring nicely in the back yard waiting for me to jump on her and go for a wee cruise. Can't thank you enough, Chris!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks Capt. but get going already! Don't let that motor idle for more than a minute or two. Enjoy your test ride.

[@PrinceKlutz]

I just got a 2000 R1100RT and am putting together a video notebook of procedures. Great job!

[@buzlby]

Excellent and practical video. I've been servicing my 82 R100RS for years, yet still learnt plently from your other videos.This will help with my newly acquired R1150RT Much appreciated Buzlby UK

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you buzlby. More videos coming this year, Chris

[@edge1307]

Just changed the oil myself for first time on my 2017 R NineT Pure. Removed oil filter, let it drop in the drain pan. I had remembered what you had cautioned about the gasket. Looked with mirror to see oil filter mounting flange underneath engine and saw the gasket there. Picked up the oil filter, and sure enough, the gasket was missing! I'm so glad I saw your video and remembered your warning! Like you said, i surely would have had a nasty oil leak if I tried to install the new oil filter on top of the old gasket.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Great, thanks!

[@kirkbrooks9447]

Much thanks for the practical and helpful video, I have a '99 R1100r that needs an oil change and I didn't want to fork over the $$$ to BMW dealer. Especially after he told me "All of our customers bring the bike here because they can't do it themselves on a BMW" !! What a dinkus!!! Thanks again!!

[@anselmomantovani9908]

thanks bro, you are a master mechanic for the people...keep on trucking and teaching us what to do, blessings.

[@cmfogarty1]

Hey Chris, I always watch you videos as a reminder before I do any work on my bike (even easy stuff like this). Thanks for doing this & all your videos!

[@bfitz7480]

Great video Chris, at the moment can't think of a single question.

[@blues-indianer8667]

The man knows, what to do and teaches really well! Thänx!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

blues, thank you. This video is old. There will be better ones coming soon for oil head and K bikes. Stay tuned!

[@michaelberesni7630]

My 1999 R1100RT, Thanks to you project number two completed Mike

[@ChrisR.Harris]

That's great, Michael.

[@gizzync1525]

you got a new subscriber. I am a motorcycle tech too, but the experience tricks & tips I am getting from you especially on the older air head beemers is invaluable. many thanks & keep up the good work!

[@vinjofin1972]

Thnx for your video. Very educational. I am about to purchase a 2002 bmw r1150rt in mint condition and the easy tasks I want it to do myself. I now have a 2014 vstrom dl1000 and I cannot get used to it. I am a BMW fanboy and rather want an older BMW then a newer other brand bike. Once you have ridden an beemer its hard to get back on a Japanese bike. Its an addiction.

[@bmbikerr]

Great vid Chris. I have done it many times still learnt to take filter off first and use old oil. I have always used the old oil . only because it is handy, now I have another reason. Thanks.

[@donaldleavy4379]

All that being said.. You did a perfect service on that Machine… seriously good job & a good informative Vid.. Nice BEEEEEEEEMERRRRRR

[@decocatani]

So nice to have such great videos on YT. Thanks a lot for sharing, Chris!

[@joninio58]

Hi Chris, Just changed the oil on my 96 R1100RS - used a HiFlo filter and everything worked a treat, just like in your vid (almost). Wouldn't have done it without you. Thanks for your excellent vids. Keep up the good work.

[@reptalk101]

Just got a 2000 BMW r1100rt and this video is going to save me money!

[@garethmason9255]

Your the best on this whole site pall. Loads of information and you are straight to the point.. blunt but honest. I have saved your video and other videos and especially the electrical lead for ignition.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you, Gareth; stay tuned for more soon, Chris

[@markatkinson3336]

Thanks for the torque settings Chris .

[@jasong4388]

I love this guy. The man is talented. Many thanx from the UK.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you!

[@ayellowbeard]

So glad I watched this video! Now just to return the synthetic oil I picked up for my pending R1150gs oil change and get the right stuff!

[@benswanepoel5173]

I like your way off doing maintenance straight forward no-fuss.

[@scottsikora2651]

You are awesome! No BS and you are easy to listen to. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in an extremely effective way.

[@detenator890]

Thank you for making this video. I have been changing oil for years and I still learned new tricks today.

[@eloyex]

me too !!!!!

[@abz124816]

I wish you had a shop in Detroit. You obviously care to do a good job.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks, I think!

[@paisley3518]

Great video!!! I admire a confident technician. I ride a 2003 r1200clc so I will greatly benefit from this. Thanks a million.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome. I'll have more chrome head material coming soon.

[@petersharp9900]

Thanks Chris, really found your videos fantastic in working on my R1100RS, great listening to your tips and jokes! Look after yourself as I know you have had a few hurdles to clear recentlyCheers Peter- all the way from Melbourne Australia

[@ChrisR.Harris]

+PETER SHARP Thank you Peter

[@boxwoodgreen]

Thanks for all the extra information along the way. I'm always learning something new. I never heard the reason to use old oil to pre-lube the oil filter gasket before. My youngest daughter has a similar toy pig. She uses it to scare off her sisters kats when she is snacking. They are both sneaky mooches. Not all that different from a certain Parts Dept. :)

[@jenmac287]

Great info..just bought 1999 r1100.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Yes, after vacation / some time this fall. I'll be filming lengthy service videos (model specific) for sale as well. Thanks, Chris

[@glennpowell2150]

I wanted to say thank you sir!!! Great video as I am on the hunt for a Sport tourer and BMW of this range is my first choice but have alway been intimidated my some of their basic Maint...I am a DYI guy...after this vid feel much better!! Thank you!!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome. good luck!

[@efrainrosario779]

Chirs, thank you very much for your excellent videos, very informative and I commend you for the fact of sharing all this experience with us, specially people like me, who are newcomers to the BMW bikes world and don't have the time or funds to give the, oinc, oinc, greedy BMW shops all the money they ask for anything they do, even looking. Again, thank you very much and keep up the EXCELLENT JOB Chris!!!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[@efrainrosario779]

Thanks. By the way Chris, Besides BMW, Where can I get 5 or 10 crush (sealing) washers for the drain plug? I have looked all over and the "best" I found that fits (16mm) are an auto parts drain plug seal that has a rubber o-ring on each side of the washer. Nothing else fits. Could these be used? Please help, thanks.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

www.beemerboneyard.com/oilfiltersetc.html

[@efrainrosario779]

Thanks again Chris, God bless you, your family and all of your endeavors.

[@paulbayley8087]

Great video easy to follow straight to the point thank you well done

[@dandaimler]

Hi Chris - great video, great job . just got a 1998 R1100RT.Great video! Thank you for taking the time to create and post it! Kind regards from Germany Dan

[@jamesdunn9714]

I use Hi Flo filters too. Thx for confirming they are a good choice Chris.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome.

[@williamdepitio5594]

Hey Chris...I am not computer savvy and this took me 15 min just to sign in and create a google account so I could reply...tried doing a reply to you directly but that is another story...anyway...I just bought a 2004 BMW R1150RT w/33,000miles and switched to Spectro4 20w50...my question is after I ride and get back to my garage I can smell burnt rubber and I am thinking it may be the alternator belt...not ever owning a BMW I have no clue...any ideas....oh and by the way...I got rid of that charcoal canister after watching your video(s) Thanks for all you do! William

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Check the belt!

[@williamdepitio5594]

Will do! Thanks Chris

[@tommybarbarossa]

I have a 2003 R1100S...Thanky you Chris!!! Greetings and cheers from munich/Germany

[@garyhardy7145]

Thanks. Yet another great video. It is the little tips such as tipping the drain plug that I think are invaluable. Keep up the good work.

[@tomeks.f.8057]

Thanks Chris, I use mobil delvac 15/40 on my 02 1150rt, this same I use in my 18 wheeler, used oil from all my wehicles ( allso Delvac) Volvo,saab,toyota echo(218000 mil. no "0" problems) I mix ( dump in to tanc ) with my fuel in Kenworth

[@sharpnr445]

Are you saying you mix used engine oil with your road tractor fuel? I mix w my Kubota fuel as well.

[@jeanluclaurent8596]

Hi Chris, you are simply the best. 😊

[@duke7888]

Thank you Sir! Thanks to this I am ready to pop my cherry (changing oil) on my 04 Rockster :-)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Good luck! Add 3.75 liters only and you'll be at the middle of the window when level after warm up and shut down.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

I'd guess that it was likely over-filled at some point in the bikes life. Drain the airbox at each oil change and see if it stops accumulating in the airbox. If not then you might be looking at new rings but I would certainly perform a leak-down test first. Thanks & good luck, Chris

[@ivankiefer3886]

excellent information. thanks

[@babispd]

Excellent video, I will definitely do the next oil change on my own! Thanks and greetings from Italy!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

+babispd Good luck

[@clovisferreira3374]

Hi Chris! Good video. I like yours videos every day, I have a Suzuki GSX 750F/95 but maybe I change it to BMW r1150r rockster. Here in Brazil motocycles repair is very expensive so I like do make it by myself.

[@joshuayoung3184]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to create and post it!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you for writing. Stay tuned for more BMW material.

[@SW-tech]

Thanks Chris! Excellent videos. Useful and much appreciated.

[@pettermathersimonsen6029]

Nice clear instruction and good style. Thanks.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you, Petter. Stay tuned for more, Chris

[@carstenkrause8370]

Maybe you don´t understand german but you are realy a "prima Kumpel" your Videos are helping me to save money ! Now I m facing my first Oilchanging on my BMW RT1100R by my own. It will function, after looking your Video. Take care ! Best rgds Carsten (Germany) PS By the way , I m changing the Oil Drain Plug into a Magnetic Inteligent one with Drain Valve and a hose connection, I let you know how it works

[@ChrisR.Harris]

+Carsten Krause Great!

[@yurtmasterflash]

Thanks for all your help Chris. I started with a '76 R75/6 and also bought a '98 R1100GS last year. All of your videos have been so helpful. I really appreciate the effort you put into these videos. My question on this oil change video is, how often do you change oil? Is the 6000 mile interval sufficient, or would something less be better? thanks, ben

[@robghoward]

Love the videos Chris and the pig. did my first oil and filter change following your tutorial. Brilliant. I'm looking to change my air filter, can't find a video......., if you have one can you send a link. Keep up the great work mate ! Rob (R1150RT, 2002)

[@emaeder18]

Thanks Chris. Even if I've Been doing my own oil changes for a while. I learned a few things today!

[@ewinsaerialphotgraphy6854]

thanks great vid, especially about not using synthetic as i am just about to do an oil change.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome EAP!

[@franzkramer6963]

Hi Chris - great video, great job . I learned a lot !

[@WanchoWarrior]

Best how-to out there. Thanks.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Wow, you're welcome and thank you for writing!

[@jeanjacques9980]

Such a professional so knowledgeable, thank you. J

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, Jean!

[@maccas44]

Hey Chris thanks heaps for the great videos and sharing your expertise and knowledge on these fantastic motorcycles Cheers Dave

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, Dave!

[@amandajohnson8539]

Great video! Thank you!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, Amanda!

[@tadrosmoussakhoury3673]

Dear Chris, thank you for your video. It was great to watch it and very useful. I have a R850R and I would like to learn more about maintenance. Kind regards from Spain ;)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Tadros, there will be more oilhead and old K bike videos coming soon. Thanks for writing.

[@tadrosmoussakhoury3673]

..at any time Chris..that´s great I wish I coud to see you changing the Poly V strap or belt..I will keep an eye for all your new videos..cheers! all the best

[@tadrosmoussakhoury3673]

I m sorry for bother you I just realized that there is one video already ...super! ;)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you

[@Vic-ng8if]

Brilliant. Great information put across well my friend.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks, Vic, many more videos coming soon; stay tuned, Chris

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Spectro 4 (non-synthetic) 20w50. If that is not available opt for Kendall or Pennzoil 20w50.

[@a.k1311]

Hi Chris, can you use same oil for the ‘03 r850r..?

[@capt.danieldavidson6291]

Very helpful and informative. Thanks!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome!

[@bluenucleus85]

Chris - you legend - that was great!

[@RobGolden]

Great tutorial. Thanks, Chris!

[@23esparami]

your videos always interesting, I own a 2004 R1150R that sucks up oil like crazy. Have to refill every 200 miles. Any ideas?

[@Kobe29261]

23esparami I have a 2004 Rockster (the same bike as yours) which does the same. I've used synthetic the last couple of oil changes and I'm thinking I'm gonna go back to dino to see if it helps.

[@simonjordan2523]

You is a star

[@ChrisR.Harris]

No, what you have is an aftermarket oil filler cap. Many people install these things to eliminate the oil weeping that the original plastic caps can allow if the rubber o-rings are worn out. If you send me an e-mail with a picture of the cap I can offer an opinion as to the manufacturer. Better yet, remove it, discard it and install the original plastic cap assembly. Just my opinion of course.

[@boxwoodgreen]

Just because we are only 5 weeks away just wanted to mention the BMW Motorrad Weekend at Mosport Speedway just NEast of Toronto Aug 9-11. took my youngest daughter last year and we had a great time. $50 a ticket incl camping, 4 bands, one catered dinner. Heck the gift bag we got from BMW was worth the $50. The Canadian Suprerbike Champ Races are on the raceway free for us too. Did I forget the free donuts? Was very family friendly. Link to BMW Canada for info.

[@eloyex]

freaking nice video. you know your freaking business. thanks ! Now in a serious note, very good video !

[@garymaclean6903]

How do you know the HiFlow filter is better than the BMW filter? Where's the specs that demonstrate which is actually better? I've never had a rusty or dented BMW filter, and if I did it would be handed right back to the parts rep... No comment about riding the bike for at least 30-minutes to bring the oil to operating temperature and bring the contaminant particles into suspension? I find the oil filter is easier to remove when warm. Also, what about pre-charging the oil filter with fresh oil before installing? As far as which oil to use, I've always used Castrol full synthetic 5W50, and after 165,000 trouble-free kilometers on my R-1150-RS I've never had any issues with leaks. Runs like new, and the valves almost never need adjusting.

[@mortenrongsted7006]

Thanks man!!!

[@alexpieussergues1374]

Thanks a lot Chris, all the best!!!

[@mtd0766]

Very Educational! Thank you!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, mtd!

[@RLeunk-lw3ek]

Thank you, very helpfull! 👍 The same on my R850RT 2002?

[@Gesanglehrer]

thump up from Germany bb

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I am reading that the R1150RTcunsumes oil. It that true and how much it consumes? I think it was produced from 2001 to 2005. It is better to get the latest years I think. Very nice video mate. Keep going.

[@jeffpostupack2458]

Thanks for Quattro replies Chris!.. I have to get a better camera as the photos are not clear. it must be some type of secure oil filler plug, aftermarket. I can describe the tool I need as to 'C' shaped prongs, each of which is about 15 degrees of a full circle, 180 degrees apart. this tool fits into the recessed plug to remove it. I may be able to fashion a tool to get it out, and install an OEM plastic cap.

[@vwtaro]

awesome video!thx!!! greets from Belgium!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you.

[@stephenbrooks7240]

Thanks for the information! I recently did an oil change on my R1150 RT and did exactly as you described, step by step. The strange thing is the oil is registering above the red circle on the sight glass. I put in just shy of 4qts and can’t figure out why it’s so high. Any advise would be helpful! Thx

[@blancolirio]

I like yer spirit! No need to duplicate this vid,easy peasy- GOOD JOB! Arschloch-I had to look it up....HAAA! "The word asshole, a variant of arsehole, which is still prevalent in British and Australian English, is a vulgarism to describe the anus, often pejoratively used to refer to people." Wikipedia JB

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You need to drain the excess oil from the airbox. Right now the level is likely high enough that oil is draining from the airbox down the left throttle body and into the cylinder.

[@pamedeir]

Hi Chris. First of all, thanks for sharing the awesome video. Quick question. In the BMW R1150R Service Manual, the torque indicated for the Oil Drain Plug is 32Nm, but you mention 20Nm. Which one is the correct?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The manuals are wrong. The oilhead has a 16 mm drain plug where the K is 18 mm. The K75 - K11 call for 23 nm of torque on the 18 mm screw. Why would you torque a smaller screw to 9 newton - meters MORE?! Torque the engine oil drain plugs to 23 nm NOT 32 nm for all K75, K100, K1100, R850, R1100, R1150 and R1200C models. I work on no others. Good question and good day, Chris.

[@pamedeir]

Thank you!

[@hmroa3056]

I always enjoy your approach and information. One question: why not pre-fill the oil filter with oil before installation?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Hello HM Roa; Filling the oil filter prior to installation results in adding unfiltered oil to your oil filter. Thank you for watching.

[@time0503]

Thanks - very well done - appreciated.

[@almccallie4314]

Why didn’t you use copper anti-seize on the oil drain bolt?

[@edwardfoley6512]

Good video thank you

[@ChrisR.Harris]

+Edward Foley You're welcome.

[@ajkylen]

Thank you for your help much appreciated

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, Joe.

[@jahan451]

Hi Chris, thanks lot for sharing the videos 🌹 I have got a BMW K1300R would you kindly upload a video about how to change the spark plugs? Thanks again!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Sorry, Johnny, I don't even know what that machine looks like. My BMW world ends, happily, with the 2004 model year.

[@dominickhaider9870]

Arschlach, haven't heard that in awhile. Thanks for the no bs videos!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome!

[@adlodewijkx7894]

Thanks for sharing Chris!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You are welcome, Ad. More coming very soon, Chris

[@adlodewijkx7894]

Chris Harris Looking forward. I ride a K100lt and a R1100rt. Doing my own maintenance your vids helped me a lot. I like your straight forward approach and humor.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Then you will be very happy this winter and spring as I muddle through oilheads and K's! Thanks for following along, Chris

[@bobbymacd1978]

Switching from Castrol synthetic to Spectro4 stopped the oil leaks on my 2004 R1150RT. At my last oil change two months ago, I switched to the Spectro4 synthetic blend. No leaks after 500 miles and it seems as if the bike is burning much less oil than with the Spectro non-synthetic.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Great! Minimal oil consumption is not a problem. All good engines consume a small amount of oil between changes. Enjoy!

[@DAVIDTORRESANI]

Important question. I just changed my oil on my 1985 K100 rt bmw. The manual says 1/2 a quart. Only it doesn't even show on the window even after running the bike. Than The dip stick Shows the oil at the 2 level of the stick. The manual says that's how it should be. Only again? The window shows no oil in?