Oil filter cap removal on a new-age BMW

[AzNMpower32]

Anyone know how to remove the oil filter cap for a N52 motor? I've gone to three parts stores AND the dealer with no luck. Strap wrench doesn't have enough grip, the oil filter wrench does no good.........dealer doesn't have a specialised removal cap. (and I have to go back and return all the crap I bought)

The damned thing is stuck on tight, and I'm ready to take a sledgehammer and whack the front end of the 325i.

[JCL]

I have had five different BMW six cylinder engines since 2003, and they keep changing the oil filter cap. As I recall, there was the one the oil filter strap wrench worked on, the one that needed the very large socket (36 mm) and the one that needed the special tool, like this.

Turner Motorsport - Item# 83300493936 / 83*30*0*493*936 - N52/N54 Oil Filter Tool - E60 E61 E83 E85 E86 E90 E91 E92 E93

For the large socket, I bought a special (36 mm) socket designed for wheel hubs on a Honda, and for the later one I bought a tool like the one in the link, but from a different supplier, just a local auto parts store.

Edit: as DKL pointed out below, it is a 36 mm socket and not a 32 mm socket as originally noted.

[dkl]

It's actually a 36mm socket

[JCL]

Thanks, fixed.

[AzNMpower32]

Actually, it's that special tool for the N52 motor, the big round cap linked in the Turner Motorsport link. I might have to drive around a couple other dealers to find that tool.



My X3 has the 36mm socket and I've had that for awhile to do the oil changes with that vehicle. It was much simpler with the X3............

[JCL]

Yes, the 36 mm socket discussion was about the M54.

I don't have the Turner tool, but I have one that performs the same function, purchased from a local auto parts store. Wasn't difficult to find it. I wouldn't go to a dealer, but to someone that sells tools to dealers.

You do realize that they will change it again the next time they redesign the engine?

[dkl]

So what is the problem? You already found someone who carries it, so why not just order that tool from TMS? With all the time/gas wasted driving around looking for the tool when you can easily just place an order for one.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by dkl

So what is the problem? You already found someone who carries it, so why not just order that tool from TMS? With all the time/gas wasted driving around looking for the tool when you can easily just place an order for one.

The oil needs to be changed now, I can't afford to wait till next week. I'm on spring break this week only. It's been 10k miles since the last oil change and 10k til the dealer will change it. I also need to go buy wiper blade refills since VOB sold my mother the wrong set of wiper blades for the X3.

[M6X]

i believe the tool for the n52 engine is: 86mm, 16 flute. can someone confirm?