So, you have a 2011 BMW 328i and want to DIY the oil & filter change and are worried if you can do it or not. Then don’t worry because an oil change is one of the most basic DIYs any new enthusiast could perform.
And there isn’t much you could mess up. So, if this is your first DIY then with this step-by-step guide you’ll complete the oil & filter change in your 2011 BMW 328i.
So, let’s get into it.
Step By Step Process Of 2011 BMW 328i Oil Change
So, simply follow the step-by-step guide and you’ll be able to change the oil & filter very easily.
But before starting the process you’ll need some supplies to perform the DIY. So first gather the supplies mentioned below.
Necessary Supplies Needed
- 7 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic engine oil
- Oil filter kit
- Oil filter wrench
- 17mm socket wrench
- Car ramps
- Oil drain pan (10 ltr. capacity)
- Funnel
- Flathead screwdriver
- Shop towels
- Safety glasses & gloves
Here the 2011 BMW 328i has an oil capacity of 6.9 quarts, however, you won’t find 6.9 quarts separately so you’ll need to get 7 quarts. So, gather all these supplies & tools then wear safety glasses and gloves and start the process.
1. Lift Your Car
Now start your car for 10-15 minutes for the oil to reach its operating level. Because warm oil is very easy to drain with any particles in it.
So, now drive your car carefully above the car ramps and apply the parking brakes.
2. Loose The Caps
Now before draining the oil, loosing the oil filler & filter cap which will help the oil drain very easily.
To do that pop up the hood and locate the oil filter cap, which should be in front of the engine intake manifold. Then take the oil filter wrench and loose the cap.
Then find the oil filler cap located above the engine, and loose the cap by rotating it counterclockwise.
3. Drain The Oil
Now go underneath your vehicle and locate the oil drain plug which should be located under a cover. So, use the flathead screwdriver to rotate the small plastic piece lock 180° and the cover will open up.
Then keep the oil drain pan right under the drain plug. And with the 17mm socket wrench unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain into the pan.
The oil should be fully drained under 4-5 minutes. While the oil is draining you could clean the oil drain plug and change the drain plug washer with a new one from the oil filter kit.
4. Install New Oil Filter & O-rings
Then pop up the hood and use the oil filter wrench to open the oil filter cap. Then place some towels around the oil filter housing to prevent any oil spilling mess.
Then slowly & carefully take out the oil filter and separate the oil filter from the cap housing stand by pulling it out.
Also Read: What Is The 2011 BMW 328i Oil Type? (BMW Recommended)
On the housing cap, you’ll see two O-rings one small green one and a big one on the cap. You’ll also get the same two O-rings, so with a pick tool or screwdriver take out the small green one and replace it with the new one. Then similarly remove the big O-ring and install a new O-ring on the cap.
After installing the O-rings rub some oil into those, then put the new oil filter by pushing it into the stand opposite how you removed before.
5. Close The Oil filter & Drain Plug
After the oil is drained simply screw the oil drain plug and tight it appropriately, not too much or too little. Because putting too much pressure could cut the plug’s thread, and too little could cause oil leakage.
After appropriately fighting the plug, close the cover and lock it by rotating the plastic piece.
Then put the new oil filter back in the housing and with the oil filter wrench tighten it.
6. Add The Oil
Now open the oil filler cap by rotating the cap counterclockwise.
Then using the funnel slowly add 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic oil. After adding 6 quarts and about half quarts check the oil level from the dashboard once. If the recommended oil level is not matched then again fill more and check again.
Do this periodically until the electronic dipstick reaches the recommended level. Then close the oil filler cap by rotating it clockwise.
7. Final Inspection
After you’ve added 6.9 quarts of oil, which matches the recommended electronic dipstick level, then it’s time for a final inspection.
For that clean the oil filler cap, oil filler cap, and oil drain plug area with a clean towel. Then after 5 minutes take the car for a little drive of 10-15 minutes. It will help circulate the oil properly.
Then visually check for any oil leakage, and if the oil level is still on the recommended level.
If all the things are ok then congratulations, you’ve just done a DIY oil change on your 2011 BMW 328i.
Also Read: What Is The 2011 BMW 328i Oil Capacity?
8. Recycle The Old Oil
After a successful oil change, it is necessary to recycle the old oil at your nearby recycling center or any local auto shop.
Many auto shops give discounts on services in exchange for old oils, so it’s a win-win.
Conclusion
Now you know how to change the oil & oil filter in your 2011 BMW 328i. So from now on you can easily DIY the oil change with just 30 minutes of your time.
And you can simply save up the labor costs. As the rising cost of oil changes, DIY can be a great way to save up some bucks.
So, all the best for your DIY journey.
Image Credit: United BMW, Cars.com
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What Is The 2011 BMW 328i Oil Type? (BMW Recommended)
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