2005 325 xi

[moosegooser]

Hello All

Just took delivery of our first BMW. 2005 325xi.
I have been lurking here for some time, and I have a couple of questions.
First
I cant see myself letting the oil go for the recomended 15,000 miles. But, I have already been crawling around under the car,and noticed that the whole under carriage is covered with panels that make it look alittle challenging to get to the drain plug. What do you guys do with these. Do you remove them each time a oil change is required?, or is there some kind of accesess panel I am missing?

I have noticed also that some use a Mity Vac to evacuate the oil from up top. Do you all feel this is OK? I would be concerned about getting all the crud out at the bottom of the pan.

We are really excited about the car. Just love it so far


Gooser

[iversonm]

This should cover what is entailed:

http://www.bmw330ci.com/DIY_Oil_Change.htm

You might have some differences underneath due to the transfer case, front diff, etc.

If you purchased the car, I'd recommend changing the oil at 7500 miles. If you leased it, it's not your problem. :)

[moosegooser]

Thanks iversonm

Thanks for the quick response. I will look more closely for the panel.

I have leased the car, but I still cant let oil go that long. This car is just to nice to let go that way.

They showed us what the residual would be at the end of the lease, and if the car treats us right,and is dependable as I have heard, then we probably will buy it .

This is my first experiance with a forgien car. Hope things go well. I am really anal retentive about maintenence issues. Even though its just a lease, I will change the oil more often.


gooser

[konrad330xi]

I've seen a number of posts for changing at 7500 miles.

And, I don't know if you qualify, but BMW has a "low mileage" oil change policy under routine maintenance once a year. I qualify, but I don't know the specific parameters.

Following other threads, I've read a lot of good things about the Mity Vac. Your question about the "gunk" in the bottom has been raised several times. Answered to your satisfaction? Don't know...but go take a look.