(Mini-rant) I don't care if it's free. From my experience, 95% of mechanics are incompetent. If the computer won't tell them what's wrong when they plug in the OBD port, they lack the ability to diagnose/repair anything. Of the 5% that are competent, 95% of those are theives, liars, and scam artists. At any given shop, there are "maybe" 1 or 2 licensed, trained "actual" mechanics. Everyone else, is a high school dropout making minimum wage. (Yes, even at BMW dealerships. Walmarts and quickie-lube places are far worse) I've caught 3 so far in the act of lying and had them fired. I caught another taking my car for a joyride, and had him fired as well. I don't trust ANY of them, so I always do my own maintenance, unless I lack the tools/equipment to do so. Piece of mind, to me.... is worth more than the cost of oil and time. (Rant over)
First oil change. Recommended at 10k miles. I did mine at 4500, because I'm getting ready to have it dynotuned. Same procedures every time. Overall, a pretty easy, uncomplicated, straightforward job. I've done oil changes on "roughly" 60-65 cars.... this one is about a 3 (out of 10) on the difficulty scale.
Pics were taken with oily hands, laying upside down often.... so please bear with me. A few of the picture orientations are reversed.
Ask questions if you've got em.
Step 1. Lift that monster's air suspension up if you have it. If not, just lift it up with a floor jack. I jacked from the driver side, but it doesn't matter. Air suspension alone isn't enough room (I tried).
Step 1a: remove all jewelry before you crawl under the car.... lol
Oops.
Step 1b; Gather tools needed;
1. BMW filter kit (part # 11 42 7 583 220)
2. Standard 3/8 ratchet
3. Standard 3/8 extention (4-6 inches)
4. Filter removal tool
5. 50mm torx socket (or allen equivilent)
6. Oil (My car took exactly 10 quarts)
7. Small pik/screwdriver (to remove filter housing o ring)