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 Saloon (E36) 320 i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 328 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change oil filter and engine oil on BMW E36 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Oil Filter for 3 Saloon (E36) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E36. Tools you might need:
Wire brush
All-purpose cleaning spray
Torque wrench
Drive socket # 19
Drive socket # 36
Ratchet wrench
Tap wrench
Flat screwdriver
Fluid container
Funnel
Fender cover
Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E36. Tip from AUTODOC:
  • 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 E36 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW E36 1990 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the hood.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320 i 1991 Oil Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    BMW E36 325 tds 1992 Oil Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the oil filler plug.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Oil Filter on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 316 i 1993 by yourself
    Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  5. Step 5
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    Unscrew the filter housing cap together with the old filter element. Use a drive socket #36. Use a ratchet wrench.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Oil Filter on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 1995: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Prepare a container for the old oil filter.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Oil Filter replacement on BMW E36 323 i 1996 - download illustrated guide
    Put the old oil filter in the container.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Move up the container. The oil starts to drain out of the drainage hole immediately after you have removed the oil filter.
  8. Step 8
    Cover the oil filter housing with a microfibre towel to prevent dirt and foreign objects from getting into the system.
    Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Oil Filter on BMW 3 SERIES 1997? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E36. Tip:
    The vehicle must be on even keel, and if it is at an angle, the drain plug must be at the lowest point.All work should be done with the engine stopped.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Oil Filter on BMW E36 1998 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Put a waste oil container with at least 7 l capacity under the drainage hole.
  10. Step 11
    BMW 3 SERIES 325td 2.5 Oil Filter replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Oil Filter on BMW E36 1991 320 i by yourself
    Unscrew the drain plug. Use a drive socket #19. Use a tap wrench.
  12. Step 13
    3 Saloon (E36) 318 i 1992 Oil Filter DIY replacement workshop manual
    Drain the used oil.
    Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E36. AUTODOC recommends:
    Caution! The oil may be hot.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 1993 - tips and tricks
    Remove the oil filter cover O-ring.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E36 1994 318 i Oil Filter
    Detach the oil filter from the filter cover. Use a flat screwdriver.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Oil Filter on BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 325 i 1995 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW E36 1990 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the new oil filter to the mounting seat on the filter cover.
  17. Step 18
    Install a new O-ring to its mounting seat on the filter cover.
    Please note!
    Make sure to install the filter correctly. Don't mix up the sides of the part.Wait until the oil has completely drained from the drainage hole.
    Step 19
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320 i 1991 Oil Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole.
  18. Step 20
    BMW E36 325 tds 1992 Oil Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Screw in the new drainage plug and tighten it. Use a drive socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
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DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E36) Oil Filter replacement - online guide
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