Oil Change for 2001 4.4

[cowboynj]

I've changed the oil in my cars for years, but never touched my wife's X5. Now it is mine and I can't find the damn filter.

I found an article here, but it appears the article is for a 2004 and looks totally different from my 2001 4.4.

Help

[Vonbimmer]

You're in for a nice surprise, no crawling under the car or contorting to reach the filter. The filters on the X5's are catridge style so the filter element sits inside a metal housing. That said the filter on the 01' is in the metal housing behind the drivers side headlight area. You'll likely recognize it as soon as you see it. To remove the cap from the housing you need either a 36mm socket or you can use a crescent wrench.

[cowboynj]

I thought that was what it looked like, but with it being above the engine I said no way it's that easy. To drain the oil I still have to get under the car, though, right?

I am sure there is no pressurized valve next to the filter housing with a hose attachment making it so easy to drain that I can do the job in a tuxedo. Am I that lucky?

Thanks for the help.

[motordavid]

Here's an exc. step by step, with pics, from the Front Page
of this site...it shows a 3.0 IL 6 motor, but the 4.4 is not
terribly different.
GL,mD

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/e...w-x5-3-0i.html

[cowboynj]

That's the easiest oil change I have ever done in my life.

I drove up on the ramps, chocked the tires, drained the pan and filter and still have time to watch the Eagles whip up on the Bears.

Thanks Gentlemen.