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) 328Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 325Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 330Ci, BMW 3 Coupe (E46) 320 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

Alternative products

Oil filter

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

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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:

Step 1

Open the hood.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 4

Pull up the oil dipstick.
Step 5

Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 6

Unscrew the filter housing cap together with the old filter element. Use a drive socket #36. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 7

Put the old oil filter in the container.
Step 8

Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.

Step 9

Put a waste oil container with at least 7 l capacity under the drainage hole.
Step 10

Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 11

Unscrew the drain plug. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 12

Drain the used oil.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip:
Caution! The oil may be hot.
Step 13

Remove the oil filter cover O-ring. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 14

Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 15

Install a new O-ring to its mounting seat on the filter cover.
Step 16

Install the new oil filter to the mounting seat on the filter cover.
Step 17

Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 18

Screw in the new drainage plug and tighten it. Use a drive socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
Step 19

Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 20

Lower the car.

Step 21

Clean the oil filter seat.
Step 22

Install the cover of the oil filter housing and screw it on. Use a drive socket #36. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
Step 23

Remove the oil filler cap.
Step 24

Insert the funnel.
Step 25

Pour new oil into the engine in the amount recommended by the car manufacturer.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Professionals recommend:
Use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 26

Check the oil level using the dipstick. Top up oil if necessary.

Please note!
The oil level should be between the Min and Max marks.
Step 27

Install the oil filler cap.
Step 28

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 29

Run the engine for a few minutes.

Step 30

After the oil pressure warning light goes out, stop the engine.

Step 31

Check the oil level 5 minutes after the stop of the engine operation using a dipstick and add oil if necessary.

Please note!
The oil level should be between the Min and Max marks.Make sure that the oil filler cap is properly tightened.Check the threaded plug of the drainage hole and the oil filter seal for tightness. If necessary, carefully tighten them up.
Step 32

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 33

Close the hood.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW 3 Coupe (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
Note that oil pressure warning light, which indicates insufficient pressure in the lubrication system, may be on for a longer time than usual. After a few seconds, the oil will fill all the channels, and the light will go out. To protect the environment from pollution, be sure to dispose of the used filters at special collection points.

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