Ramps or jack stands? Which to use for oil change?

Which do u all use for an oil change? Which is easiest and better to use?

Thanks

Oil extractor. Various makes and models, I like my Mityvac. Everything is done from the top. No fuss, No mess.

Otherwise I'd have to go for ramps,if you can find a set that you can drive up onto. Most are too high and get pushed around by our bumper.

Edit: I've got the model that Randy has posted below.

Neither; use a topsider type of oil evacuation system. MUCH safer, especially for the people that are just breaking into maintaining their own cars, and with BMW's oil filter placement (right on the front of the engine) there's no need to crawl under it for an oil change.

Mityvac brand shown here (ignore the red engine brace, that's for another purpose):

I've never used an oil extractor before. But, I think I have the N52 engine. It's an 2007 with the 3.0i engine. I was told I don't have an oil dipstick; so I wouldn't be able to have an access point to extract the oil. I would just go out to the garage and check, but the car is actually at the dealership getting a rubber seal replaced near the window.

So, with no dipstick...no extractor right?

Oops my bad, I should have looked at your vehicle. Sorry new technology states that old technology is no longer appropriate or supported. No oil sucka 4 U. Look into a set of low profile ramps, I'm sure somebody has posted info about your choices.

RANT ON

How can 'they' sell cars without a reliable mechanical way to check the oil level?

You run out of gas your car stops; you run out of oil your car dies.

Planned obsolescence?

RANT OFF

Ramps in the front with a couple 2x4s to get up on to the ramps without scraping the bumper.

Jack stands in the rear to get the car level so everything drains properly.

Just changed my oil yesterday using a topside tank to suck out the oil from under the hood. Was quick and easy and clean! I plan to do it this way going forward. I paid $155 for the same oil change at the dealer last year, so yesterday only cost me $59 for the materials (which I bought at the dealer), I can probably do it for less if I buy the oil someplace else, the filter was cheap at the dealer ~ $12 so I will still pick that up there.

What year did they eliminate the dipstick?

I use an extractor. However, I have a pair of Racer Ramps that are great. They allow low profile cars to drive up on the ramps. The ramps I have raise my car 10 inches. I have the RR-XT's. I have used these to do O2 sensors and a Thermostat housing change (access to drain radiator). They cost money but well worth it to me. These allow a multitude of area access without the hassle of jacks.





http://www.discountramps.com/low_profile_car_ramp.htm RR-XT $269.99.

Originally Posted by Randy Forbes

Neither; use a topsider type of oil evacuation system. MUCH safer, especially for the people that are just breaking into maintaining their own cars, and with BMW's oil filter placement (right on the front of the engine) there's no need to crawl under it for an oil change.

Mityvac brand shown here (ignore the red engine brace, that's for another purpose):

I have the Mityvac and it lost the suction power. I think the leak is coming from the hose connectors. It looks like you're using a single piece hose for your extractor. Where did you get that hose? A single piece should fix my problem.

I think they did away with dipstick in 2007 models.

'97 Z3 2.8. I use Rhino Ramps that I bought at AutoZone.

Originally Posted by KevinR

I use Rhino Ramps that I bought at AutoZone.

Same here. Nothing special but they work. I need a couple 2x4s to get onto the ramps without scraping the bumper.

Originally Posted by scottyD

I need a couple 2x4s to get onto the ramps without scraping the bumper.

Amazingly enough, my Z3 clears the ramps (just barely) without any additional pieces.

+1 on the race ramps.

Do you have the 8 or 12k ones

Sent from my Droid using Bimmer

I'm fairly certain they are the 8k version, but I'd have to dig them out of their storage spots to check for sure.