Re: 97 740 i OIL CHANGE Questions Filter/drain plu (archive)

You are correct about the location of the oil filter. Unscrew it an let it drain a minute before completely removing the housing. I completely remove the plastic shield under the engine when I change the oil in mine. This allows me to get a oil pan under the car without jacking it up. If you have low profile tires this may not be possilble. The shield comes off with quarter turn screws. There is one in the back connected to a bracket on the transmission that you have to stretch for, but this is faster than jacking up the car. I use Castrol 10W30 Synthetic. The manual recommends BWM(Castrol makes it) 5W30 Synthetic. In cold climates the 5W30 would be better in my opinion. In the warm south the 10W30 or 10W40. Good luck. The drain bolt is a 17MM.
97 740iL
say gang, im a neophyte to seven still. need help locating the oil drain plug for my 97 7 series. it appears i need to remove some plastic shrouds that are beneath the car, to expose the drain pan. Are there any other quirky procedures that i need to be aware of? what size is the drain plug, is it a standard hex bolt? also...Is that the oil filter inside that metal canister with the plastic hex knurled top, to on the right front (drivers side) of the motor?, just in front of the ATF reservior?...this car is so different from my former 90 525i....
finally is mobile 1 synthetic 15w-40 the correct grade oil for this car?
any comments, tips, pointers are greatly appreciated....
wana get done this sat afternoon..

thanks in advance......

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