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      01-20-2019, 08:58 PM   #1
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Who here torques the oil drain plug and filter housing?

I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
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      01-20-2019, 09:01 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by NoobCola View Post
I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
I don't torque either..just tighten fairly tight. You do have to tighten the filter all the way until it stops turning or it will leak.
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      01-20-2019, 09:22 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by NoobCola View Post
I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
I don't torque either..just tighten fairly tight. You do have to tighten the filter all the way until it stops turning or it will leak.
True, found this one out pretty recently. The dealer many moons ago put a green mark on the cap and housing so that when they line up the cap is fully tightened.
As for the drain bolt I just go with 'pretty tight'. Not the force of all of my weight behind but good n tight.
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      01-20-2019, 09:28 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by NoobCola View Post
I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
I don't torque either..just tighten fairly tight. You do have to tighten the filter all the way until it stops turning or it will leak.
That's what I usually do too good to know though.
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      01-20-2019, 09:31 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by jgoens View Post
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Originally Posted by NoobCola View Post
I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
I don't torque either..just tighten fairly tight. You do have to tighten the filter all the way until it stops turning or it will leak.
True, found this one out pretty recently. The dealer many moons ago put a green mark on the cap and housing so that when they line up the cap is fully tightened.
As for the drain bolt I just go with 'pretty tight'. Not the force of all of my weight behind but good n tight.
Like how the the expansion tank has the yellow marks that line up letting you know it's on all the way? I didn't notice a green mark on the housing I'll have to take a look next time I pop my hood.
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      01-20-2019, 10:16 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoobCola View Post
I've done many oil changes on my previous vehicle and my girlfriends car as well so an oil change isn't new territory for me. Been seeing the DIY on oil changes for BMW and they all say to torque down. Just curious if the filter housing and drain pan are that sensitive and just doing the "tight but not too tight method" should be avoided.
The oil filter cover and drain plug should be tightened to 25Nm/18.5ft-lbs.
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      01-20-2019, 10:23 PM   #7
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The O-ring on the filter cap makes for a very snug fit, so your usual 'feels about right' is good there. But the non xDrive N20 has a plastic oil pan and plastic plug that might be touchy about torque. Make sure you get the right filter, which includes a new plug, because that plug is a one use only.
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      01-20-2019, 10:36 PM   #8
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The O-ring on the filter cap makes for a very snug fit, so your usual 'feels about right' is good there. But the non xDrive N20 has a plastic oil pan and plastic plug that might be touchy about torque. Make sure you get the right filter, which includes a new plug, because that plug is a one use only.
Yea I was seeing how the xdrive/rwd models are different Im wondering why. I have an xdrive model and plan on ordering a kit soon that has it all.
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      01-20-2019, 10:48 PM   #9
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XDrive models have a metal pan and use a metal plug. I have no idea why.
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      01-20-2019, 10:58 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
XDrive models have a metal pan and use a metal plug. I have no idea why.
Maybe to justify the cost of the added price? When I was comparing xdrive to rwd price when I was shopping around price difference was around 3k which to me seemed a little steep
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      01-21-2019, 08:28 PM   #11
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I am the King of Torque If there is a torque spec for a screw I will torque it to that spec. It must be part of being German
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      01-21-2019, 09:09 PM   #12
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I torque the drain plug because, well, plastic. I don’t want to over do it. The filter housing cap until it’s just snug.
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      01-22-2019, 10:47 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by IraHayes View Post
I torque the drain plug because, well, plastic. I don't want to over do it. The filter housing cap until it's just snug.
I have an xdrive so I have a met pan apparently (I haven't actually taken a look for myself yet)
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      01-22-2019, 01:03 PM   #14
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I just do it by feel. Maybe i shouldn't but it feels right
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      01-22-2019, 05:09 PM   #15
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Not me, usually just tighten it until feel
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      01-25-2019, 09:35 PM   #16
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I torque the oil filter cap but not the plastic drain plug. I do that one by feel.
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      01-25-2019, 09:47 PM   #17
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I'd say that's backwards. The oil filter cap seems like it would be very difficult to over tighten, while I can see the plastic drain plug being pretty easy to over tighten.
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      01-27-2019, 04:01 PM   #18
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Why could tightening the drain plug bolt possibly be important?
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      01-27-2019, 07:08 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWinAZ View Post
I am the King of Torque If there is a torque spec for a screw I will torque it to that spec. It must be part of being German
If a torque specification exists I don't see any reason not to follow it. Proper torque wrench is a small investment and an insurance policy.
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      01-28-2019, 08:27 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
If a torque specification exists I don't see any reason not to follow it. Proper torque wrench is a small investment and an insurance policy.
Agreed with this point. A torque wench on Amazon is $20. There's no sense in risking an issue with over or under tightening for such a small amount. The drain plug is plastic, far too easy to over tighten.
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      01-29-2019, 10:08 PM   #21
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The torque spec for the plastic 10mm hex oil pan plug is 8 nm . a new plug should be included in the filter if it's OEM. Use a new one every time and it won't leak. I learned this lesson the hard way. After the BMWCCA discount the OEM filter kit is cheaper than the best car parts store filter that doesn't come with a new oil pan plug.
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      10-19-2019, 10:50 AM   #22
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Dumb question. All the references say 25nm, but the pug says 8nm max?
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