Affiliate link disclosure – The BMW Repair Guide uses affiliate links in their site. For more information on affiliate links, please click here.
Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on performing a basic oil change on a BMW E9x M3 series car. Even though we have used a 2013 BMW E92 M3 to perform this installation, this article can be applied to any BMW E9x M3 series vehicle with the S65 8 cylinder engine, including the E90 sedan and E93 convertible.
A BMW E92 M3 oil change is a basic maintenance job for the home mechanic that should be routinely performed every 5000 miles.
The BMW E90 M3 is a masterfully built piece of art. The ingenious engineering that fills the M3 engine compartment still fascinates us here at the Repair Guide; the normally aspirated S65 V8 engine is, in our humble opinion, one of the greatest motors ever produced by BMW. The E92 M3 may be as close to sports car perfection as BMW has ever gotten.
But with this great engine comes one important requisite - it must be maintained regularly and properly. A BMW E9x M3 oil change should be performed every 5000 miles (or less) and you should only use Genuine BMW 10W-60 "M" synthetic oil and a Genuine BMW oil filter. No exceptions.
One of the main reasons many BMW E9x M3 DIY owners cut corners on their oil changes is due to inadequate preparation. Since local auto parts stores do not carry BMW 10W-60 "M" engine oil, a lack of patience usually prevails inducing M3 owners into purchasing inferior engine oil and filters because they "have to get it done today". Don't fall into this trap - plan ahead and order the correct oil and filter well before you do your oil change.
A BMW E9x oil change is very easy...in fact, the most difficult part of the repair is jacking and supporting your vehicle so you can get to the oil pan drain plug under the engine. If you are planning on doing more of your own oil changes in the future, now is a great time to invest in a good "low profile" floor jack and some wheel ramps. The money saved doing your BMW E9x M3 oil change yourself (and avoiding the dealership) will quickly compensate you for the equipment purchase. For more information on how to properly jack and support your M3, please read our article BMW Jacking and Supporting for Repairs and Maintenance .
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
All BMW M vehicles
Original BMW oil for use in many M vehicles with S38, S54, S62, S65, S85 engine. Next generation replacement for BMW's TWS 10w-60 oil offering superior protection and performance in both turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines.
BMW E9x M3 - S65 V8 engine
You wouldn't use cheap oil in your M3, so don't use a cheap or inferior filter. Use a Mann filter, and you can rest assured that you have trusted your engine to a filter that is a favorite among BMW enthusiasts.
All BMW E9x M3 models with production date from 09/2009
The air filter must clean 8000-9000 gallons of air for each gallon of gasoline burned inside the engine, without restricting the air intake. Air filter replacement at recommended intervals lets an engine breathe properly while protecting it from costly damage. Air filters should be inspected and replaced as needed at least once a year, more often if the vehicle is driven in heavily polluted or dusty conditions.
All BMW E9x M3 models with production date to 09/2009
The air filter must clean 8000-9000 gallons of air for each gallon of gasoline burned inside the engine, without restricting the air intake. Air filter replacement at recommended intervals lets an engine breathe properly while protecting it from costly damage. Air filters should be inspected and replaced as needed at least once a year, more often if the vehicle is driven in heavily polluted or dusty conditions.
BMW E90, E92, E93 M3 only
Cabin filters are something that is often overlooked in vehicle maintenance, but these filters are actually very important to both your comfort and health. Traditional cabin filters prevent pollen, dust, and other allergens from entering your vehicle's cabin, keeping your air as clean as possible. Cabin filters that feature an activated charcoal filter layer take it a step further to help eliminate unpleasant smells, especially useful in large cities or when passing smelly areas such as farms.
Section 1 - Preparing Vehicle for New Engine Oil and Filter
- Jack and support your E9x M3 using the "four corner" wheel stand method as shown in our article BMW Jacking and Supporting for Repairs and Maintenance.
- Remove the oil filler cap from the engine. The cap must be removed for the oil to completely drain from the engine.
- Locate the oil pan drain plug underneath the rear of the engine. Position a 5 gallon drain pan under the drain plug.
- Use a 6mm hex socket to remove the drain plug. Allow the engine oil to thoroughly drain from the engine.
- Replace the old drain plug washer with a new one (usually included with your oil filter). Reinstall the oil drain plug and torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lb).
- Using a 36mm low profile oil filter socket, loosen the oil filter cap. Have rags ready for the oil that will spill when you remove the filter in the next step.
- Grasp the filter cap and remove. Remove the old oil filter from the housing.
- Remove the old o-rings from the filter cap with a metal pick. Replace them with the o-rings included with the new filter.
Section 2 - Installing New Filter and Engine Oil
- Install the new filter back into its housing. Use the palm of your hand to apply pressure to the top of the filter until it locks into place.
- Replace the filter cap and torque to 40 Nm (29.5 ft-lb).
- Fill the vehicle with 9 liters of BMW "M" 10W-60 synthetic engine oil.
- Before lowering the vehicle, start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature (about 5 minutes). Check for any leaks around the drain plug or oil filter cap.
BMW E90 M3 Oil Change Finished
