Advice

[E36_325i]

Hi Guys

Joined about 2 weeks ago thought its time I say hi!

Just bought myself a E36 325i, 233k on the clock, very good condition (will post pics soon), my first BMW was E30 318i, been a fanatic ever since

Anyway, time for a service & was just wondering what the best oil to use would be? Also Should I service myself or pay to have it done?

I must admit im abit intimidated by my 1st 6 cylinder. Scared I might break something

Thanks for reading & eagerly await your advice!

 

[328ii]

Hi E36_325i

Welcome and congratulations. Most cars today use synthetic oils. Best is probably Shell.
Trick with oil is to change it regularly. You can NEVER change oil too often..!

As far as servicing goes...if you can read a workshop manual and do know what
a spanner is do it yourself - at least you know its done well and if something
goes wrong, you can only blame yourself. Even good mechanics break things..!

Obviously certain jobs will require special tools - for that you do need help.
Basic servicing and care should not be too hard.

Also, to reset the service indicator or any DME(ECU) work will require an OBD interface.

You did not specify what year model your car is..?

Tip : As the BMW E36 was (and still is) very popular, there is a lot of info
and know-how available - especially on the web ..! Just have to ask & search.

ENJOY

8?>

 

[Mr_Cassidy]

Congrads, Gr8 buy.

- Do the service yourself.

There is nothing that you cant do yourself when it comes to the standard service (Oil, plugs, filters - A/f, O/f, F/f, fanbelt) What kind of service do you plan to do exactly? Brakes? Suspension aswell? Do you have an Auto transmission?

Let us know if there are any problems that you might be having aswell and I'm sure the guys will be glad to assist you. :thumb:

 

[E36_325i]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the advice. My cars a 1995 model, manual.

I actually had the front & rear brakes done last week, With this service I just want standard oil change, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, plugs etc.

Also what type of oil, I know absolutely nothing about oil, except what ive read on here Seems like most would suggest
10w30, is this correct?

Thanks in advance

 

[Laigo]

E36, I think it's 5w30 as I contacted the stealers about it not so long ago, I got the same engine.

After the service you reset the service lights like this:

http://www.bmwe36blog.com/2007/02/24/reset-bmw-e36-oil-service-light/

 

[andrewbuch]

Oil I would say use LiquiMoly TopTec 4100 its 5w40 & is tops

 

[Raybimmer]

E36 325i
Hi there
Oil to use :CCMC-G4 , CCMC-G5 OR API SG , API SH
5w30 ( -30+5 ) synthetic good , may be overkill , Please check before use , IMHO it is for very low temps ( -30 and lower ) and may not last at higher temps ( +5 rating ) .
I use 15w40 ( -20+30 ) as recommended in e36 handbook pg103/104 and am happy with it .
Synthetic oils better than mineral oils , R100 per 5 liter price difference once a year is good investment .
Air filter is remove old and replace - easy .
Oil change - remember sump takes 6.5 liters of oil , so 5 liter container means oil on driveway - take 20 litre plastic can and cut vertically to make tray to lie on its side to take all oil .Try get new copper washer for drain plug , I used the alluminium washer with Fram filter and have oil leak , will have to tighten soon .
Oil filter- loosen nut on canister on left front of engine , remove old filter and fit new one .( I always used GUD but have no problem with Fram )
Spark plugs - remove top covers from engine , loosen coil nuts , loosen electrical clips then remove coils .shine light down spark plug hole and check if there is any oil around plug , clean if necessary . Remove plugs , fit new plugs and reassemble .Fuel filter is stuck away near starter and luckily not replaced often .
Service interval lights reset , I normally use a resistor about 100 ohms with legs bent in loops at ends , mark holes at 7 and 19 with tippex for easy reference .
Cheers , shout for help

 

[caldecrack]

Like laigo I would also say 5w30 for our climate.
If you live in a very very cold area u could use 0w40 (if u can find sum)as this is thinner at low temp and round about the same thickness as 5w30 at operating temp(85c-100c).
I say th 5w as it will make life easier on your engin at low temp.
Going as high as 5w40 is only needed by the big boys in the M3's.

---

Self Service all the way. Dont get ripped because u have a badge.
Like laigo I would also say 5w30 for our climate.
If you live in a very very cold area u could use 0w40 (if u can find sum)as this is thinner at low temp and round about the same thickness as 5w30 at operating temp(85c-100c).
I say th 5w as it will make life easier on your engin at low temp.
Going as high as 5w40 is only needed by the big boys in the M3's.

 

[andrewbuch]

Like laigo I would also say 5w30 for our climate.
If you live in a very very cold area u could use 0w40 (if u can find sum)as this is thinner at low temp and round about the same thickness as 5w30 at operating temp(85c-100c).
I say th 5w as it will make life easier on your engin at low temp.
Going as high as 5w40 is only needed by the big boys in the M3's.

5W40 LiquiMoly toptec 4100 wont harm the engine

 

[james]

Congrats guy. I would take it to a good independent workshop for a normal oil service. Should set you back R1500. They can just give you any codes the car throws out afterwards. %-)

 

[gazza]

hey hey, welcome we all demented here. :thumbsup:

 

[E36_325i]

Hi guys

Thanks for all the advice. Ended up servicing the car myself this weekend & turns out that of all the cars i've serviced this one
was the easiest!