First Oil Change - Rookie Question

I should specify that this is my first oil change in a BMW. I've changed oil in a lot of beaters before, but I don't want to screw this up. So here is the million dollar question -- where is the drain plug? I think I spotted it (seems pretty obvious), but does anyone have a picture or diagram?

2003 530i.

Maybe the DIY links below will help, or maybe some I-6 guy will get off his arse and put together a proper DIY, best of luck.

540i DIY Oil Change: http://www.540isport.com/DIYoilchangemodem.htm, or http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/t...ocedures_2.htm

Originally Posted by kowached

Maybe the DIY links below will help, or maybe some I-6 guy will get off his arse and put together a proper DIY, best of luck.

540i DIY Oil Change: http://www.540isport.com/DIYoilchangemodem.htm, or http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/t...ocedures_2.htm

Here's a pic.

Here's a DIY for 330i that should give you a good idea on I-6 oil change:
http://www.bmw330ci.com/DIY_Oil_Change.htm

Originally Posted by F1Crazy

Here's a DIY for 330i that should give you a good idea on I-6 oil change:
http://www.bmw330ci.com/DIY_Oil_Change.htm

This was very helpful -- thanks! A couple of comments -- on my 2003 530i, there is no plastic cover over the oil pan. It was fully exposed already, which in fact was my point of confusion. Everything I had read and heard (including the advice from my local dealer) indicated that you had to first remove some sort of cover. It appears that is not the case.

One other itnteresting note. The oil plug was finger tight, with no copper washer. That was a little disturbing to say the least. Glad that I checked.

Anyway, thanks for all the helpful comments.

I have yet to hear from '03 MY owner that had the cover. If this the kind of cost cutting that it takes to keep making these wonderful I6s then I'll take it.

Originally Posted by kneebiters

This was very helpful -- thanks! A couple of comments -- on my 2003 530i, there is no plastic cover over the oil pan. It was fully exposed already, which in fact was my point of confusion. Everything I had read and heard (including the advice from my local dealer) indicated that you had to first remove some sort of cover. It appears that is not the case.

One other itnteresting note. The oil plug was finger tight, with no copper washer. That was a little disturbing to say the least. Glad that I checked.

Anyway, thanks for all the helpful comments.

I was also looking for a door... but it seems that the previous owner pulled it off... no biggie

FINGER TIGHT AND NO WASHER..... YIKES, glad you got there to rectify the issue!