Quick Question Re Oil Filters

[ExpatAussieBrick]

Hi guys,

I know this question may have been answered before.

But I am doing a spring oil change soon and I am wanting to know if it's necessary to replace my oil filter that's an OEM BMW Part? The current filter was installed in April last year. Which was when the oil was last changed along with all other fluids and annual brake flush at the mechanic. I've put roughly 3500 miles on the bike since then. The bike has been ridden year long not stored during the winter. With a lot of stop and go city commuting.

As such I don't have a filter wrench or any gaskets or washers so i'm looking to save a few bucks especially considering the bad economic situation right now.

[schrocketeer]

There's another thread on here that lists many different alternate sources of oil filters that are cheaper than BMW OEM.
I've done several oil changes, where I just dropped the oil pan (4 bolts?), and did not touch the drain plug, thus saving an aluminum crush washer.
The challenge will be to get a filter wrench that will fit up inside to get you enough "traction" to spin it off. Also back on to get a good seal.
Perhaps your local auto parts store will "rent" you one of the filter wrench/sockets, just to get the job done.

[Martin]

Try AliExpress you can get the tool for under $4.00 US delivered. Do not lick it and clean it thoroughly in an Autoclave before use.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Go to Walmart and get a jug of Quaker State Ultimate Durability full synthetic 10w30 for 20 bucks.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Quaker-State-Ultimate-Durability-10W-30-Full-Synthetic-Motor-Oil-5-qt/193552982 

Then go to Carquest and get a 85348 oil filter and the wrench to unscrew it. 

It shouldn't cost more than $35 for all of that stuff.  Walmart gets $20 for the oil, the filter is about $9 and the wrench is $6 or $7. 

Don't be put off by the prices.  I have seen tests on the oil and the filters, and they are among the best available anywhere. 

[ExpatAussieBrick]

Cheers.

I guess for the $$ I should probably just change it and just drain the oil from the filter cover rather than the plug. I see the bosch filters on Beemer Boneyard are pretty cheap.

Would this little guy do the trick to get the bmw filter out?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32843573969.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.3da92b37oAr03P&algo_pvid=fb9db7cf-eb6c-4a05-96fd-3dd54d30f518&algo_expid=fb9db7cf-eb6c-4a05-96fd-3dd54d30f518-9&btsid=0ab6d69f15854227113228692e73b8&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

[ExpatAussieBrick]

That oil from walmart is a bargain.

Will the 10w-30 hold up fine for summer heat?

[Martin]

If you scroll down on the AliExpress page it gives you what it fits.
Regards Martin.

[ExpatAussieBrick]

Bingo.

Thanks mate 

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Cheers.

I guess for the $$ I should probably just change it and just drain the oil from the filter cover rather than the plug. I see the bosch filters on Beemer Boneyard are pretty cheap.

Would this little guy do the trick to get the bmw filter out?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32843573969.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.3da92b37oAr03P&algo_pvid=fb9db7cf-eb6c-4a05-96fd-3dd54d30f518&algo_expid=fb9db7cf-eb6c-4a05-96fd-3dd54d30f518-9&btsid=0ab6d69f15854227113228692e73b8&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

Hard to tell.  Filters in that size can come with 15 or 14 flutes.  I would just get a wrench to fit the new filter and if it doesn't work on the old one, use the sheet metal screw method to remove it.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I've been running it for three years now in my 3 bricks.  No problems.  With three bikes, fancy oil gets pretty expensive, and this stuff is pretty highly rated for film strength, high temperature operation, and additive package. 

Engines sound fine, I don't see any metal in the oil at changes, compression is good, the sprags work, and the cylinder head is spotless under the valve cover.  The only thing I have noticed is that oil consumption is about a quart every 2000 miles now.  It was about 2500 miles per quart on 15w40.  The plugs are maybe a tiny bit darker from the extra oil getting past the rings.

[ExpatAussieBrick]

I decided to go with the bosch filter and wrench from Beemer Boneyard.

Was $20.00 total for new filter, wrench and new o-Ring and crush washer.

Shipping was not too bad $8.00 to Brooklyn NYC.

[Martin]

As Gryph has posted there are a couple of different filter/flute types. If you stick to the same brand of filters that match your tool you'll be fine. When changing filter brands make sure the are compatible with the tool. Be warned there are some crap filters out there. There are filter comparisons online which are informative viewing.
Regards Martin.

[beemuker]

I use the Hiflofiltro, $10 on amazon, they look just like oem. 4 for $30.  and whatever good synthetic is on sale at the local stores the time.

[volador]

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Yeah, I know.  But will it matter in a few weeks when we're all dead?  That my engines have extra wear will be some survivor's problem.

[stokester]

While I am sure that there are many quality oils and filters with little-or-no difference other than price, the main thing is to change your oil and filter and do it regularly.  In addition to the wear on the engine I am always aware that the starter sprag clutch will bind if the oil is not well maintained.

Snowbum, AKA Bob Fleischer of mainly Airhead fame states that he has never heard of a clutch binding when a user used Mobile 1 and recommends 15W50.

I find this oil readily available and use the Bosch filters from Beemerboneyard on the recommended interval.

[billday]

I decided to go with the bosch filter and wrench from Beemer Boneyard.

Tip for next order: type "bmwmoa" in the coupon box and get 10 percent off.

[TommyT]

Tip for next order: type "bmwmoa" in the coupon box and get 10 percent off.

Good to know, Thanks.  I wish I knew last week, just ordered over a $100 from  them .  That  extra $$ would have help me to get more bourbon to survive the virus lockdown. Maybe the bourbon should be a higher priority then BMW parts? Ah, humm, no. MC riding will be a better coping therapy to the lock down.

[volador]

Good to know, Thanks.  I wish I knew last week, just ordered over a $100 from  them .  That  extra $$ would have help me to get more bourbon to survive the virus lockdown. Maybe the bourbon should be a higher priority then BMW parts? Ah, humm, no. MC riding will be a better coping therapy to the lock down.

Ya'll need to prioritizes...

[ExpatAussieBrick]

So I did me oil change two days ago. She was definitely in need of it very dark colored oil.

I managed to get the new oil filter installed no problems just a lot of swearing and slipping trying to undo the bloody drain bolt. But I got it and replaced the washer and the oil filter cover gasket.

I noticed after I went for a ride and checked the level that I have overfilled it. The level is right at the very top but I can see a small gap so it's not crazy full just a bit over. Should I be concerned at all and drain a little or just leave it? I do have a turkey baster syringe I could use to suck a little out.

My rear main seal is leaky although it hasn't been leaking since I changed the oil. I am using Bel Ray EXL Mineral 20W-50. Last change was at BMW in Manhattan last spring and I think they used full synthetic.

[alabrew]

Sounds like your oil level is OK, purdy hard to over fill these, especially since the crank is not in the oil bath.

[ExpatAussieBrick]

Perfect i'd rather not take the bloody belly pan fairing off again to drain it.

That thing is a real pain to get back on again.

Sounds like I should just ride it to use up the excess :). 

[Martin]

It helps to get the belly pan back on if you loosen the rear bracket that the belly pan tongue goes into. If that doesn't help enough remove the centre air intake fairing. The one between the two main fairing pieces.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Only downside to high oil level is extra smoke when you start the engine after parking on the sidestand.