x5 4.4 oil filter mess
 

we no longer drive more than 15k miles a year but I change the oil annually regardless. I've been using mahle filters.

the last 2 times I've had oil gush out of the filter housing when I removed the filter cover. I did give it time to drain after unscrewing about half way. I've done 10 prior oil changes and never had this happen.

what could be the cause?

did the filter look like it had fallen apart at all? possibly something is clogged in there.

Did you try slightly "cracking open" the filter cover before draining?

I drain the pan before touching the oil filter. unscrew the filter cover slowly. heard some gurgling and stopped for a while, then removed.

My oil filter is on top in the drivers side, so i first loosen it by a few turns, to let the pressure out, and then remove oil drain plug, then after its down to a trickle, I open the oil filter and remove (usually there is maybe half a cups worth at the bottom). I then put drain plug back in and fill 7 qts in main oil cap, then fill 1 qt in the oil filter and tighten all the way back. Lastly go back and top off with another .5qt in main oil cap fill. Never had a problem and prevents dry sucking of the oil filter as pressure builds. 2003 4.4i

hmmm, was going to do oil change this weekend and am confused now? I too have 4.4 (2006) and thought (term used loosely) that canister etc was underneath? May have to start research over again as this looks complicated? I have done countless oil changes on other cars and filter was always on bottom?

BTW, followed lots of posts and forum instructions for brakes and rotors last weekend, what a sinch. I love this place...

Joe 5
2006 4.4 w/51K miles

It is on the bottom on your vehicle and there is a handy filter canister drain plug too so this isn't a problem for our X5s. :thumbup: