I've decided I'm going to drive my 2010 3.0 X5 for my upcoming trip.

I want to change the oil before I go. However, I want to be sure I don't drain the wrong fluid when I pull the plug under the car.

Looking under the car, there is no "trap door". Just a large skid plate with a couple opening cut in it ( I haven't put the car on a lift yet). Laying on my back from the front of the car, which is the only place I can fit, I can see and reach what looks to be the oil drain.

It's located where the first opening in the skid plate is and points basically down and looks to be right of center of what should be the oil pan.

However, it looks to be a aluminum bolt (maybe stainless but doubt it?).

Has anyone done an oil change on the 10 3.0 X5 that maybe could give me an ideal if this is the drain?

Also, you do in fact need a special tool now to get the top off the filter housing. It doesn't look like there is even enough room there to use a strap wrench.

I'm told Snap On has the tools, BMW does not according the 4 parts guys I talke with. However I can't find this took on the Snap On site.

I'll be at the hanger at the airport later today and will ask the Snap On driver to look for me when I'm out there.