[1stposter]

Newbie question - trying first DIY oil change on 2014 328D but couldn't locate the drain plug - saw two openings under the car, I think it might be the 2nd one but want to confirm - the head only about 1/4"- maybe less exposed, not sure if it's normal. I don't have a 17mm socket, the nearest one I have is a 11/16" and it wouldn't grab tight and with only 1/4" to work with it's almost impossible.

Can anyone share a pic or confirm the 2nd one is the plug I'm looking for? If yes I guess I need to go pick up a 17mm and try again.

Thanks!

[CleanKM]

This video might help you if it's your first time:

320d Europe =328d US

The drain plug is under a flap that is closed by a plastic piece you have to turn to unlock.

[1stposter]

Thanks! I couldn't see any flap though, and suspect it's gone from previous maintenances, and wondered if it's supposed to be at one of those two openings. However neither of them matches the video..

[catskillclimber]

I assume you have an x drive since the first opening that requires a hex key looks like the drain on the front diff.
The second opening located farther rearward is for the engine oil drain which is 17mm. We also have a 2014 328d x drive. There is no plastic flap.

[CleanKM]

My flap that covers the oil drain plug is not plastic, but that felt covered material. Strange that you dont have one, maybe someone cut it out? The plug is definitely not a hex key screw, its a socket.

[1stposter]

Thanks for the replies. Yes it's xdrive and the 2nd one looks like a drain plug. I'm not quite sure because the exposed bolt head is so low. I'll get a 17mm and give it another shot.

[catskillclimber]

Originally Posted by CleanKM

My flap that covers the oil drain plug is not plastic, but that felt covered material. Strange that you dont have one, maybe someone cut it out? The plug is definitely not a hex key screw, its a socket.

Original owner and I've done all the oil changes. Ours looks just like the OP's.
Maybe BMW did a mid year change.

[Adamr916]

If you haven't done it yet, it is the second one. I have a non x-drive diesel and it's under the felt flap in the back. The new filter should have the new crush washer for it in the box.

[kodpkd]

This is what I hate about the BMW. You try to look something up and you find BS about the particular car you have. I also was looking for a flap on my wifes 320 xi. But noooo there isn't a flap on the X series. There is in FACT a 17 mm towards the rear of the engine and NO flap. How many people removed the trans fluid bolt and drained the trans? It isn't even in the manual.
It also says to put in 6 QTS. It says to NOT overfill it or you could cause engine damage. Really? It doesn't have a freaking dipstick. I put in 5 QTS and then checked the goofy electronic oil level, it showed 100% full. So if I followed the 6 QT recommendation would it be overfilled? Geeeez.
And don't even get me started about the plastic drain plugs!

[eugene89us]

kodpkd You're right, there is not a dipstick for gasoline vehicles (I see you have 320i), however, diesel engines N47 (4-cyl) and N57 (6-cyl) retained the dipstick. It is located toward driver side closest to the firewall. The electronic level check will show 100% whether I have a slight overfill, right on the point, it even slight underfill. I like to keep my oil at the max side of the crosshatched area. So we, the diesel owners, lucked out both having a dipstick and a metal oil pan (and I believe xDrive and fancier engine gassers also have a metal pan). My 2018 328d without xDrive has a felt flap that is a part of a larger underbody covering that comes down. It is secured in closed position by a plastic rotating screw with a large head.