First Oil Change & major oil leak!

[cslcsl49]

I just completed my first oil change for my 2003 3.0 X5 - after 6 qts of new engine oil, I lowered my car from the ramp and noticed massive engine oil leak coming from the front side of the car. Doesn't look like the drain plug area. Can anyone help me out? Thanks!

[JCL]

First check whether you spilled oil into the underguard tray; if so, it can drip afterwards.

Next check the engine oil level to see if it is coming out of the engine.

[NY98M3]

Look at the area where the oil filter cap mounts up to the oil filter housing. Make sure the big O ring is there.

[sethro]

Silly question but are you sure you tightened the drain plug

[motordavid]

It takes 7 qts min, 8 max, also.
The angle of oil drain can leave a pint
or more up and under...
GL,mD

[sethro]

Motordavid: Whats the best quantity to put into a 3.0? I drive like a granny but I put in 8 quartz as per the dealers recommendation however the DIY on the website states that you should use only 7.5

[motordavid]

My '01 3.0 has always swallowed the rec'd "7.9 qts", per the
manual, with filter change. I put in 8; it doesn't notice the
"extra 1/10th of a quart". Dunno what DIY sites you are
perusing; the manual says 7.9 That's 8 to me.
GL,mD

[sethro]

Just one more quick question motordavid. Alot of people recommend pre soaking the oil filter to prevent oil starvation, do you do this step? I asked the dealer and they said no need to ... also do you put 8 quarts in one go? I usually put in 7 and let the engine run and put the remainder 1 quart in.

[JCL]

My '03 3.0 took 7.5 litres (8 US quarts) if I let it drain fully. Depends pretty much on how long you leave it to drain, if the oil was warm, etc.

The DIY on this site states 7.5 US quarts, but it is always better to put in a little less and then check it. The correct amount isn't 7.5 or 8, it is the amount that takes it to the full mark on the dipstick.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by sethro

Just one more quick question motordavid. Alot of people recommend pre soaking the oil filter to prevent oil starvation, do you do this step? I asked the dealer and they said no need to ... also do you put 8 quarts in one go? I usually put in 7 and let the engine run and put the remainder 1 quart in.

I don't pre-soak filter; I do put a little oil in the filter container space,
and put the filter in...that's "soaking" enough for me. I add 7, fire it up,
let it run for a couple mins, check for leaks and then add the 8th.
JCL is on the money as usual, per quantity, but my 3.0 has always
taken that 8th qt to fill it to the top line indicator on the dip stick.

No expert, as everyone has their oil change methods. GL,mD