oil extraction pump; will the dipstick tube permit it

[workingonit]

I've got a 2001 X5 3.0i, which needs an oil change this month (not really imperative, though the oil is 1.5 years old, with about 1k miles on full synthetic). The previous owner forgot what brand oil he used, being an absent-minded professor-type, and I want to switch to Castrol Edge Euro 5W-40 (LL-01), anyhow.

The problem is I'm not wishing to get oil everywhere, as the opening underneath is small, my drain pan is 5 quarts, and the M54 oil capacity is 7.9 qts (8 quarts most likely). I anticipate having trouble crawling underneath, and/or doing a neat job, as my workspace is two 3/4" plywood sheets over sand & gravel (and leaves) in the rear driveway. I have trouble just getting under a car/truck at all, much less keeping clean (old, bad back & knees, bad left arm).

I'm considering using a cheap-ish ($20-25) 12v extraction pump from Amazon, to draw out much of the oil thru the dipstick. Since I've no idea of the bends and clearances involved in the route thru the dipstick into the oil pan, I wonder if a tube inserted there will reach far enough down into the pan to get enough oil out, before I remove the oil pan plug. Neatness is a plus, so I wish to fill old jugs with enough oil, just so the drain pan underneath will hold the remainder without spilling over.

So, can anyone say whether it's feasible?, as I've never done this on a BMW (I have used a professional extractor on GM cars, but never had to use one at home...the M54 has 2-3 quarts more oil in it than I'm prepared for).

[80stech]

I use a vacuum extractor through the dipstick tube and it works fine.

[Clavurion]

Same here. I've used a cheap extractor pump several times. After sucking the oil out I've removed the plug out of interest and only some drops of oil came out.

[X5chemist]

Remember to loosen the oil filter cap so oil drains down before sucking it out. I've been interested in doing an oil change the same way. I have 4"X4" home made ramps to use for oil changes.

Which pump do you have in mind to use?

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Remember to loosen the oil filter cap so oil drains down before sucking it out.

Yes exactly. I usually first put the extractor doing it's job. Turn filler cap open but let it rest there. Open filter housing and lift it a bit so the drain on the bottom of the housing opens and let the filter drain there for a while. Then insert new filter and wait until the suction is complete. As a filter I prefer the rubber end types like Mahle/Hengst/Knecht opposed to hard ends like Mann. Also remember to check the condition of the two small o-rings on the filter cap stem (doesn't hurt to renew some times them if they are not included in the filter package).

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Remember to loosen the oil filter cap so oil drains down before sucking it out. I've been interested in doing an oil change the same way. I have 4"X4" home made ramps to use for oil changes.

Which pump do you have in mind to use?

I have two steel truck ramps I'll use (I've used them on many pickups, and my old Chevelle for years); I also have two shorter, composite? Rhino Ramps/ or generic I bought in '09 for my HHR, but I don't know if they'd hold the X5...it's much heavier.

I thought about a vacuum suction pump, but why not let electricity work for me; after all, the underhood jumper posts are right there next to the dipstick. I'll try this one, perhaps.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by workingonit

I thought about a vacuum suction pump, but why not let electricity work for me; after all, the underhood jumper posts are right there next to the dipstick. I'll try this one, perhaps.
Attachment 82670

I'm using quite similar unit. Sometimes you can get those here for 14,90€. So there is one extra unit on the shelf just in case the first one fails and you can toss if away.

[workingonit]

I'm going to get a different one, same wattage, but with larger hoses included, and it has an on/off switch.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by workingonit

I'm going to get a different one, same wattage, but with larger hoses included, and it has an on/off switch.
Attachment 82674

Not much larger hose fits the dipstick tube. And that suction tube is what's limiting the flow rate.

[80stech]

Changing hot helps with the vacuum system but I wonder how that pump would stand up to a hot oil change ??