Oil Change on 2001 X5 4.4

Jeff Sparman · #1 06-17-2006, 06:30 PM

Well I stared out to change the oil on my X5 this morning. I found the Oil Filter canister, next I jacked up the rig and found what looked to be the oil drain. It looks to be a 17mm with a 6mm allen inset. All is fine and dandy. Oil pan, tools, music playing, You get the picture. Simple I think? Simple if I could get the drain plug to move. Holy Snikies is that plug on tight. I tried to free it but no way. It's to the point I'm afraid that I might round off /out the drain plug. I'm thinking that the shop that did it last put a mighty torque on it. For fear of damaging it I'm taking it in to the shop unless you all might have any suggestions?
Check out attachment for pic of plug

jst2878 · #2 06-17-2006, 07:46 PM

does bmw use some sort of allan key and wrench combo tool to have twice the amount of contact on the nut?

NOC · #3 06-17-2006, 10:31 PM

If you have an impact (air) gun you might save yourself the trouble of dealing w/ the dealer.

withidl · #4 06-17-2006, 10:53 PM

Use a six (6) sided socket (impact type socket) with a long "break-over" wrench and you should be able to remove it. The threads would only be damaged if the previous mechanic stripped them, i.e. removing the plug will not damage the threads.

Also, make sure you R&R the filter BEFORE draining the oil in the pan since the oil in the filter canister will drain into the pan when the filter top is removed.

Tomaz · #5 06-17-2006, 11:57 PM

That one dosen't look that bad, a box (closed) wrench should remove it. Make sure its flush with the bolt for full contact. Good luck.

X5Andrew · #6 06-18-2006, 12:12 AM

Open a can of Spinach and give'her

asawadude · #7 06-17-2006, 06:56 PM

Probably the last owner overtightened the plug. If you have a bolt extractor and feel comfortable using it, go ahead and try to remove it. If you don't, take it to a tech. They'll have the tools to remove the plug if it snaps. The plug needs to be torqued down at 18 lbs which I'm sure you already know.

A couple of tips -

BMW OEM drain plugs are easily stripped (both threads and head). Buy an extra plug and put it in your tool box.

One alternative is to replace with drain plug with a valve (Fumoto or Fram). More geared for off-road applications.