When to replace the Oil Filter on your BMW 5 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Oil filter : 12 month / 15000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change oil filter and engine oil on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Oil Filter for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models
Alternative products
How to change Oil filter on BMW E39 523i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Oil filter
Tools
Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
All-purpose cleaning spray
Drive socket # 17
Drive socket # 36
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Flat Screwdriver
Oil drain pan
Funnel
Fender cover
Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Replace the oil filter every time when changing motor oil.
  • Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.
  • Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – BMW E39
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the hood.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i 1996 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 E39 530d 3.0 1997 Oil Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the oil filler plug.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Oil Filter on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i 1998 by yourself
    Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.
    Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E39. Professionals recommend:
    The vehicle must be on even keel, and if it is at an angle, the drain plug must be at the lowest point.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525tds 1999 Oil Filter - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Put a waste oil container with at least 7 l capacity under the drainage hole.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Oil Filter on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Oil Filter replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the drain plug. Use a drive socket #17. Use a tap wrench.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Oil Filter on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Drain the used oil.
    Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Caution! The oil may be hot.Wait until the oil has completely drained from the drainage hole.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Oil Filter on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Prepare a container for the old oil filter.
  10. Step 10
    BMW 5 SERIES 540i Oil Filter replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the filter housing cap together with the old filter element. Use a drive socket #36. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Oil Filter on BMW E39 1996 523i by yourself
    Put the old oil filter in the container.
    Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E39. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Move up the container. The oil starts to drain out of the drainage hole immediately after you have removed the oil filter.
  12. Step 12
    5 Saloon (E39) 525tds 1997 Oil Filter DIY replacement workshop manual
    Detach the oil filter from the filter cover.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 1998 - tips and tricks
    Remove the oil filter cover O-ring. Use a flat screwdriver.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 1999 525tds Oil Filter
    Clean the oil filter housing cap. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Oil Filter on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528i 2000 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install a new O-ring to its mounting seat on the filter cover.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Oil Filter on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the new oil filter to the mounting seat on the filter cover.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i 1996 Oil Filter - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole.
  18. Step 18
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Oil Filter replacement: free workshop manuals
    Screw in the new drainage plug and tighten it. Use a drive socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Oil Filter on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520i 1998 by yourself
    Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
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