Where is the drain bolt?
 

Hi all, I plan on doing a DIY article for the E70 30i because I will do a post break in oil change soon. Before I ramp up the car I took a pic so I know exactly where the drain bolt is before I start. Here is the pic. I see two possible spots. One coloured red and the other green. Which one is it? Thanks.

So if I understand this, you want to write an article on how to do an oil change which isn't called for, but you don't know where the drain plug is?

Looking forward to the dipstick search after you have drained it.

Seriously, it is the one that goes into the oil sump. I can't tell by your picture, but I suggest you ensure you get the right one.

I did many oil changes on the E53. Apparently on the E90 there are two identical 17 or 19mm bolts near the oil sump. I didn't want to ramp up the E70 to find the same thing, then go on the forum and ask. Your sarcasm was uncalled for. As for whether or not the oil change is necessary. I just want the metal shavings out.

sometimes a guy has to beg for respect on this board bro. :yawn: do what i do, visit your independant mechanic and pick his brain first.

trust me i feel your pain, i have climbed under the various fords and chevys i own, but other than the e36 track rat my bmws are not what one would call intuitive for maintennance. the e46 i owned briefly had two bolts near the pan enough so that i was concerned.

and if you don't already have an independant to confer with i would suggest you find one.

good luck on the DIY, someday someone will appreciate it. :thumbup:


after looking at your picture once more i wonder where your filter is. if it is under the truck as in the 4.8, the nut on the right may be the filter.

It's the One on the Right....
 

(In Red on your photo). I had a mechanic at a service station change my oil and filter because I didn't want to wait on the freeby from BMW Dealer.
I was watching them as they where looking at the two plugs in your picture, and I was about to tell them "it's the one on the left", but figured I'd keep quiet and let the professional do there job (be responsible if they were wrong). But, they were right! Plus, the one on the right is more towards the center of the engine block if that makes any difference.

Thank you! Just to clarify, your post title says "It's the on the right" but your actual post says "the red one" which is on the left. So which one? Red or Green? LOL

Once I make the DIY hopefully it will help many E70ers.

it on your left if you look at the picture ( RED one that you edit it) 17mm socket.
good luck and have fun.
btw no need to ram up or jack up the car too.:thumbup:

BMW engineers couldn't have picked a better place for the intake neck. LOL.

I should be kinder. I apologize. I admire your helpful, giving spirit, seriously. :thumbup:

At the same time, I think that your DIY article should probably go through a QA process once it is written.

You don't have break-in oil. That disqualifies this as a break-in oil change. No worries if you want to do an early oil change, it probably can't hurt.

Why are you using ramps? I never needed to with the E53.

Do you know you have metal shavings in the oil? If so, it would be a good idea to cut open the filter and show them in the DIY.

Good luck with the article.

Respect is generally earned, not granted because of begging, in my experience. This is a friendly board IMO. YMMV.

I worked as an independent mechanic. We really appreciated the shop visitors asking for free advice.

Friendly hint: The filter is on top, the same as all the other six cylinder BMW engines in recent memory.