Where is the oil filter in 2012 X5 35i engine.
 

Our 2012 X5 35i just reached 5000miles and the oil turned to whole black by observing from oil cap. The car runs flawless so far and we may want to keep it for long time(4+ yrs), it's probably not bad ideal to change the oil in between BMW recommended 15000 miles.

However, when looking the engine bay, I am not sure where is oil filter located, the DIY guide for old engine shows the oil filter can be removed by 36mm socket, it doesn't appear to be the case in 2012 35i engine.

Anyone has any idea?

Look at the BMW roundel in your photo. Now move about 8" to the right, as you stand facing the engine (ie towards the driver's side in North America). There is a round black plastic cap, just behind the finned oil cooler, and the cartridge oil filter is under that. Nothing much leaks when you undo it, you can just fish it out. That cap used to have a plastic nut cast onto the top of it, so that you could use a torque wrench to reinstall it. They took it off, so now you need to buy the oil cap remover from an autoparts store (it is just a few bucks, and fits firmly over the fluted filter cap).

Separate issue, but the colour of the oil has absolutely nothing to do with the quality or condition of the oil (unless it is milky white, indicating water in the oil). If you want to change it, fine, but don't do it because of the colour.

Jeff

Thanks, measured the cap size, 16P/87mm should be right fit.

In keeping with BMW's 'problem free/no maintenance costs/lifetime fluids' and, the "we don't want Biff & Buffy fiddling with, or being concerned about their Driving Experience/Joy"...sometime in the near future, the oil filter will require a special shop tool and be so disguised few will be able to find it.

Ala, the simple dipstick demise, and on and on...

Nice dig out pic and directions, JCL!
GL, mD

I think it is sold as an 86 mm 16 flute, from memory. If they sold an 87 mm one I am sure it would fit.

The measured diameter of oil cap is 86mm, no sure 86mm can fit in.

There is no BMW tool avaliable in the market. The closed one I cound find is 86.5mm with 16 flats Assenmacher (ASTV410) for Volvo, which should work for 12 35i engine, it's about $21 shipped. Another one I found on ebay is 87 mm with 16 flats. Those tools are rare and not easy to find even online.

BMW appears to work hard to make their part unique and DIY hard.:dunno:

BMW likely don't distribute the tools since they include oil services; I don't think BMWNA sees tools as a sales opportunity.

I just went to my local autoparts store, and bought a generic one (for Volvo and BMW) for around $10. It is stamped, not cast, but given the low torque requirement it works fine. It allows me to torque the cap properly. I could remove the cap with a strap wrench, but it is nice to do it up correctly.

Here is the BMW part number, but may be special order, and will be expenseive: 83 30 0 493 936

Turner Motorsport | N52/N54 Oil Filter Tool

Or get it from a board sponsor:

BMW E90 335i N54 3.0L > ES#2167951 Oil Filter Cap Removal Tool - FC-86

JCL,Really helpful info.

Just ordered one from ECS along with filters and other stuffs for my another car.