(BTW-its an N-62 engine in my car???) 2006 x5 4.4l

It's not supposed to be very tight. The seal is radial not axial. I use my 12 pt 36mm socket for doing axles. I have M54 motor but I think the filter housing uses the same size on most BMW motors.

Drivers side door wont open
 

When I'm working out a stripped hex I use torx. Pound in the biggest size that will fit then use impact to remove. Breaker bar 20x more likely to strip vs release.

Larger hex has the problem of not having a place for displaced metal when you pound it in. Torx empty in the place where it's stripped. Often I prefer using torx vs hex on hex fasteners as routine.

FYI derailed from thread topic, continue on a new or related thread.

UPDATE on newbie first ever BMW oil change: (2006 x5 4.4)


1) On this vehicle-the oil filter canister is on the bottom of the engine and it is a 24mm socket=got the canister removed-no problem


2)PROBLEM with oil pan drain plug=previous owner(s) had stripped the 8mm hex (gizmo/nut-not sure of exact terminology) from inside the circular drain plug....QUESTION: does the 8mm hex gizmo have to be removed before circular drain plug can be removed?? Or, can the circular drain plug be unscrewed without the 8mm hex coming out?? I ASSUME the circular drain plug is part of the oil plug drain assembly as it has a crush gasket visible on the outside...
Many thanx for assistance rendered...Ever onward!

Andrew-clarification please-Torx=is that short for torque or a commercial tool used instead
of a hex socket driver-thanx!

Andrew-did some research -got the scoop on torx

best bet is a torx socket vs a torx screwdriver bit for this problem.

Convenience feature for the e39 e46 e53 EXCEPT for the Z8 and convertibles came from the factory as default, windows and sunroof open, with the fob and as a default we use the the actual key to the door to lock and close all the windows and sunroof,
BUT because of liability reasons , the dealer will NOT PROGRAM FoB to close windows and sunroof.
Closing windows and sunroof with Fob is THE programmable option but not the default.
OP MY APOLOGIES I assumed you have a 3.0