UPDATE on newbie first ever BMW oil change: (2006 x5 4.4)


1) On this vehicle-the oil filter canister is on the bottom of the engine and it is a 24mm socket=got the canister removed-no problem


2)PROBLEM with oil pan drain plug=previous owner(s) had stripped the 8mm hex (gizmo/nut-not sure of exact terminology) from inside the circular drain plug....QUESTION: does the 8mm hex gizmo have to be removed before circular drain plug can be removed?? Or, can the circular drain plug be unscrewed without the 8mm hex coming out?? I ASSUME the circular drain plug is part of the oil plug drain assembly as it has a crush gasket visible on the outside...
Many thanx for assistance rendered...Ever onward!