Oil filter bolt

[newuser]

Okay.. found out that E36DIY says the bolt is 36mm.. So I went to sears and saw no 36mm... the highest they had was 32mm. Can someone confirm what size it is on a 98 323IS? Thanks alot and sorry for the stupid question just wanted to know before I spend the few $$.

[FredK]

I'm pretty sure it's 36mm. You can check by opening your hood and looking at the oil filter housing cap. If you put a ruler to it, it should measure around 1 1/4". That will be the easiest way to confirm the size.

[SQ Bimmer]

Sears HAS to have a 36 mm. Did you ask someone to help you? You may have to go to a bigger ratchet size (use an adapter of course), and it may be located in a different section that you overlooked.

[fishfeet]

I work at a jiffy lube and we have a tool that is used for something on a Ford (i hate working on fords. Their engineers need to be shot ASAP)

However, this tool fits PERFECTLY over my oil filter housing thing.
Sure beats taking a very large channel lock and tearing the top of it apart while trying to get it off.
Heh.

Looks like this:
http://www.toolweb.com/pics/LIS14500.jpg

use it with a 3/8 drive (or 1/2 with adapter)

[SQ Bimmer]

Forget channel locks, I would think a good crescent wrench would be much better.

[axroh]

you're right - sears does *not* carry the socket aboe 32mm. and it's pricey.

anyway, you need a wheel hub socket. go to autozone and rent theirs (rental is free for 3 weeks I think). it goes up to 36mm and fits nicely.

or you can buy theirs. It's like $17 or something.

[fishfeet]

never had one large enough.... never went to go buy one large enough.
So I just used extralarge channel locks. Worked fine.. just tore it up a bit.

But now that I found this tool its all good.

[newuser]

Why must bmw have to be so difficult?? Anyways I did find out that sears carries a 36mm socket.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=SEARS&pid=00944248000&tab=des#tab

[jjoel]

bumpity on an old thread.


so this is the first time changing oil on the 328i... and to discover that the oil filter housing bolt is HUGE compared to my 325i. this stinks. no oil in the car and i'm unable to change the filter until tomorrow... oh well guess i'll let it drain very well tonight.

[uncle]

I bought a cheap 36MM at Autozone, about $6.00

[jagass]

I think you need to search more to see 36mm...Be patient and don't loose hope...lol

[jmo69]

I bought mine at Advance Auto, wasn't too expensive, well worth it.