1990-1996 525i 535i (M50) Oil Change

This guide will show you how to change your oil...

iFixit Library 1987-1996 BMW 5 Series Easy 30 minutes Guide 153038

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Guide overview

Before you begin

This guide will show you how to change your oil in a 1990-1996 525i or 535i BMW e34 with the M50 motor. Credit to bmwe34.net for the bulk of the info.

Step 1

warming up the oil

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Run the engine to warm it, then turn it off.
warming up the oil helps it drain faster and more completely.

Step 2

Draining the oil

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Place a drain pan under the plug then loosen the drain using a 17mm socket plug ("CAREFUL", the oil is pretty warm).
Let the oil drain and change the oil filter during this time:

Step 3

Changing the filter

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Loosen oil filter cover, prepare lots of rags around the filter housing. Remove the old filter and install the new one. Remove old O'rings and replace them with the new ones after lubricating them with fresh oil. Replace the cover (do not overtighten it).
When reassembling follow the following torque guide M12 or M10 bolt = 33 Nm (24 ft-lb)

Step 4

Refilling with oil

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Replace the drain plug, clean around it (easier to find if there is leak afterwards)
Drain plug torque is M12 bolt = 25 Nm (18 ft-lb)
Refill the engine with new oil.
Start the engine (the oil light might take longer than before to switch off), let it warm up and check for leaks.