When to replace the Oil Filter on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Oil filter : 12 month / 15000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 325 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 328 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323 Ci View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Tools
Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
All-purpose cleaning spray
Torque wrench
Drive socket # 19
Drive socket # 36
Flat screwdriver
Ratchet wrench
Oil drain pan
Funnel
Fender cover
Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • Replace the oil filter every time when changing motor oil.
  • Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    Open the hood.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Oil Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the oil filler plug.
  2. Step 4
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    Pull up the oil dipstick.
  3. Step 5
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    Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  4. Step 6
    Changing Oil Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 323Ci 2.5 2002 by yourself
    Unscrew the filter housing cap together with the old filter element. Use a drive socket #36. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 7
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    Put the old oil filter in the container.
  6. Step 8
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Step 9
    How to replace Oil Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 2004: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Put a waste oil container with at least 7 l capacity under the drainage hole.
  7. Step 10
    How hard is it to do yourself: Oil Filter replacement on E46 Coupe 328 Ci 2005 - download illustrated guide
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  8. Step 11
    Need to know how to renew Oil Filter on BMW 3 SERIES 2006? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the drain plug. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  9. Step 12
    Changing of Oil Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Drain the used oil.
    Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip:
    Caution! The oil may be hot.
  10. Step 13
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    Remove the oil filter cover O-ring. Use a flat screwdriver.
  11. Step 14
    Replacing Oil Filter on E46 Coupe 2001 330 Ci by yourself
    Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  12. Step 15
    3 Coupe (E46) 325 Ci 2002 Oil Filter DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install a new O-ring to its mounting seat on the filter cover.
  13. Step 16
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 2003 - tips and tricks
    Install the new oil filter to the mounting seat on the filter cover.
  14. Step 17
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement E46 Coupe 2004 325 Ci Oil Filter
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  15. Step 18
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    Screw in the new drainage plug and tighten it. Use a drive socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
  16. Step 19
    How to change Oil Filter on E46 Coupe 1999 - free PDF and video manuals
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
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DIY BMW 3 Coupe (E46) Oil Filter replacement - online guide
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