I did my first oil change on my new to me R56. I didn't trust how long ago it was done so I wanted to change it relatively soon after getting the car.

A couple things I learned.

Filters are hard to come by locally, I ordered a six pack of OEM filters with gaskets and crush washers just to make sure I wouldn't have to go hunting them when it was time to change the oil.

This engine compartment is a lot tighter than my 2005 R50 was. The engineers were having a good time when they figured out where to put the oil filter. Glad I had already purchased a Bentley manual to help me find it hidden behind the coolant reservoir!

Lastly, resetting the oil change interval light is different but more flashy than resetting the one on my R50. I had to rub my head and pat my tummy at the same time to get this one reset!

-Alden

 

Congrats on the success. I've done 3 now on a '11 Clubby.

I get very leary holding the coolant reservoir out of the way to access the filter housing. Puts a lot of force on the plastic hose connector on the bottom of the reservoir. Any tips on keeping this out of the way without torquing the living crap out of that connector?

Thanks.

 

Slightly off topic, but to address zeiker's question

This probably won't help much, but...

I have the same problem, probably like many others. I just move the reservoir as little as possible and turn it in a direction so that there is as little pressure on that fitting as possible. I am afraid I am going to snap that fitting off also.

Congrats on the oil change!!

 

I'll have to take a look next time I change my oil. I was worried about moving the coolant reservoir but it seemed to have ample play to get out of the way enough so that I could remove the filter.

-Alden

 

Just a quick question for my info. I have only had my car a couple of weeks and wondered when you changed your oil where did it show up on the dipstick? Was it all the way to second bubble or half way between? Just wondering so as i know where to fill when topping up. Thanks.

 

Properly filled and when at operating temperature, the oil should come to the top lip on the dipstick.

 

Yep, that's what I looked for when I filled mine.

 

Thanks, when I was topping up I put it a little over half way between the two so as not to over fill, now I know.

 

Although I did change the oil and filter myself at 5 months and 5,000 miles..... Since ours will average under 10,000 miles a year (the car it replaced averaged 6,000 a year)....... Considering just changing the oil at 6 months and letting the dealer do the pre-paid aka free oil change at 1 year.

That way I don't have to mess with that funky oil filter which certainly is only filtering better at 6 months and can do 12 months easy.