Recommended replacement interval for the part category Oil filter : 12 month / 15000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318 Ci, BMW 3 Convertible (E46) 318Ci … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change oil filter and engine oil on BMW 3 (E46) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Oil Filter for 3 Convertible (E46) and other BMW models

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Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tools you might need:

                      All-purpose cleaning spray
                    
                      Oil filter cup socket 86/16 F
                    
                      Drive socket # 17 
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Flat Screwdriver
                    
                      Funnel
                    
                      Oil drain pan
                    
                      Microfibre towel
                    
                      Fender cover

Buy tools

AUTODOC recommends:

Replace the oil filter every time when changing motor oil.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW E46 convertible – should be done with the engine switched off.
Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.

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

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

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tip:
The vehicle must be on even keel, and if it is at an angle, the drain plug must be at the lowest point.
Step 5

Put a waste oil container with at least 6 l capacity under the drainage hole.
Step 6

Unscrew the drain plug. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 7

Drain the used oil.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC:
Caution! The oil may be hot.
Step 8

Unscrew the oil filter. Use the 86/16 F socket.
Step 9

Remove the oil filter.
Step 10

Prepare a container for the old oil filter. Put the old oil filter in the container.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. 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.
Step 11

Cover the oil filter housing with a microfibre towel to prevent dirt and foreign objects from getting into the system.
Step 12

Detach the oil filter from the filter cover.
Step 13

Remove old o-rings from the oil filter cover. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 14

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

Install new O-rings and a new oil filter to their mounting seats on the filter cover.

Please note!
Make sure to install the filter correctly. Don't mix up the sides of the part.
Step 16

Remove the microfibre towel from the oil filter housing.
Step 17

Clean the oil filter seat.
Step 18

Lubricate the rubber seal of the new filter with a little amount of fresh oil.
Step 19

Screw the new filter into its place.
Step 20

Screw the cap. Use the 86/16 F socket. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Wait until the oil has completely drained from the drainage hole.
Step 21

Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole.
Step 22

Screw in the new drainage plug and tighten it. Use a drive socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 25 Nm torque.
Step 23

Clean the area of the oil pan drainage hole. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 24

Lower the car.
Step 25

Remove the oil filler cap. Insert the funnel.
Step 26

Pour oil into the engine through the filler. Required amount of oil: 5.5 L.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. Professionals recommend:
Use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 27

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 28

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 29

Run the engine for a few minutes. After the oil pressure warning light goes out, stop the engine.
Step 30

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 31

Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 32

Close the hood.

Replacement: engine oil and filter – BMW E46 convertible. AUTODOC recommends:
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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