First Oil Change on My 2013 BMW X3

[BMW Dom]

I just thought I would share that yesterday I did my first oil change since buying this car 2 years ago.

The oil service light came on because it was last done 1 year ago, not because of millage.

It was pretty simple and straightforward. I could easily crawl under car while it was parked in garage- I did not use jack or ramps. There were (2) 8mm bolts for oil plug access panel. The 17mm drain plug came off decently easily with a medium ratchet - same with the oil filter. I did use the special oil filter socket and it came off pretty easily.

I filled it with 5.1 quarts of Castrol Euro Car 5w-40. I replaced the filter with the appropriate Mann filter. I tightened the oil filter and drain plug to 25 nm.

With the coupon, at the dealer I was paying 100 dollars for an oil change. It cost me about 35 dollars. I will definitely do it myself again next time it is due.

Next will be brake fluid and differential fluid.

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

With the coupon, at the dealer I was paying 100 dollars for an oil change. It cost me about 35 dollars. I will definitely do it myself again next time it is due.

Plus the satisfaction that comes with it is awesome. DIY FTW! Castrol makes top notch oil. So does Mobil. Can't go wrong with either. I guess you wanted LL01 approved oil.

Next will be brake fluid and differential fluid.

Castrol makes very good drive-line fluids. Walmart.com used to have very good prices on the Euro Castrol gear oils. They have them in two versions, with and without friction modifier. They also make probably the best brake fluid, SRF Brake Fluid.

I'd be awesome to share some pictures.

 

[BMW Dom]

Plus the satisfaction that comes with it is awesome. DIY FTW! Castrol makes top notch oil. So does Mobil. Can't go wrong with either. I guess you wanted LL01 approved oil.


Castrol makes very good drive-line fluids. Walmart.com used to have very good prices on the Euro Castrol gear oils. They have them in two versions, with and without friction modifier. They also make probably the best brake fluid, SRF Brake Fluid.

I'd be awesome to share some pictures.

Yes, I wanted the ll-01 approved oil. I'm thinking of going Liquimoly 75w90 hypoid gear oil and BMW DOT 4 brake fluid.

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

Yes, I wanted the ll-01 approved oil. I'm thinking of going Liquimoly 75w90 hypoid gear oil and BMW DOT 4 brake fluid.

Is it a limited slip diff?

 

[BMW Dom]

Is it a limited slip diff?

I don’t think so.

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

I don’t think so.

Castrol Syntrax Long-Life 75W-90 is about as good as it gets.

I'm a completionist, so I like to stick with one lube brand if they make good lubes all around. Castrol, Amsoil, Red Line are some brands I like. Mobil is focused on motor oils more than anything in the consumer sector, and as such, their engine oils are excellent. They do, however, make excelent lubes for the commercial sector under their Delvac brand.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-Syntrax-75W-90-Differential-Fluid/dp/B004UD9T0A

Take a look at the specs: https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/...654D44C8025843B004F581D/$File/BPXE-BEAQ47.pdf

 

[BMW Dom]

Castrol Syntrax Long-Life 75W-90 is about as good as it gets.

I'm a completionist, so I like to stick with one lube brand if they make good lubes all around. Castrol, Amsoil, Red Line are some brands I like. Mobil is focused on motor oils more than anything in the consumer sector, and as such, their engine oils are excellent. They do, however, make excelent lubes for the commercial sector under their Delvac brand.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-Syntrax-75W-90-Differential-Fluid/dp/B004UD9T0A

Take a look at the specs: https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/...654D44C8025843B004F581D/$File/BPXE-BEAQ47.pdf

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Looks like good fluid. I’m sure the LM or Redline would be good too. Do I need to put Castrol in transmission?

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

Looks like good fluid. I’m sure the LM or Redline would be good too. Do I need to put Castrol in transmission?

That's up to you. Their Transmax fluids are excellent. If you decide to go with Castrol ATF, this is what you want:

Walmart link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-...utomatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Quart/347996675

Specs: https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/...BED5975802586BE00489681/$File/bpxe-99lbrt.pdf