2. Locate the oil filter housing on the left (driver's) side of the engine compartment. It is cylindrical and black, and a little smaller than an aerosol can.
* The housing has a textured, grippy surface that allows for hand-tightening. It features a 27mm hex socket as well.
3. Place an oil drain pan under the filter housing.
* The BMW oil filters have drain-back valves to minimize any spills during filter replacement.
* To eliminate spills altogether, you may want to slide some cardboard beneath the housing before removing it.
4. Prepare the oil filter housing cap for removal.
* Some BMW models have a cover held in place with 3 T-30 Torx bolts; if your vehicle has these, remove them now.
5. Turn the oil filter housing cap counter-clockwise to loosen it.
6. Remove the cap along with the old filter element/cartridge.
7. Wipe out any residual oil from inside the housing with a clean rag.
* Be sure to check for the old oil filter's O-ring left behind in the housing.
* If there is one, remove it and throw it away. It has been replaced on the new oil filter.
8. Apply a thin layer of new engine oil to the new filter's O-ring.
9. Screw on the new oil filter cartridge by hand until it is finger-tight.
10. Install the filter cap back onto the housing by turning it clockwise until it is snug. Avoid over-tightening.
* If you removed a Torx-bolt-held cap, reinstall the bolts and tighten now.
11. Start the engine and allow it to run for several minutes.
* Monitor the area under the car for any leaks around the oil filter housing.
* Shut the engine off and check the oil level on the dipstick. Add oil if necessary.
