Oil Change with Basic 25-Point Inspection
By Alex Antony on February 24, 2025
Beginner**Objective**: To provide a step-by-step guide for performing an oil change and a basic 25-point inspection on a BMW, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to manufacturer specifications.
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Tools and Materials Needed:
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- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Oil filter wrench
- Socket set
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- New oil filter
- Appropriate grade of engine oil
- Torque wrench
- Inspection checklist
- Tire pressure gauge
- Basic hand tools
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Step-by-Step Procedure
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1. Preparation (10 minutes)
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- **Safety First**: Park the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
- **Gather Tools and Materials**: Ensure all necessary tools and materials are within reach.
- **Image**: Vehicle on a flat surface with wheel chocks in place and tools laid out.
### 2. Lifting the Vehicle (10 minutes)
### - **Jack Up the Car**: Use a jack to lift the front of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
- **Image**: Vehicle lifted and secured on jack stands.
### 3. Draining the Old Oil (15 minutes)
- **Remove Oil Cap**: Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap to allow for better drainage.
- **Remove Drain Plug**: Position the drain pan under the oil pan, use a socket to remove the drain plug, and let the old oil drain completely.
- **Image**: Oil draining into the pan, drain plug removed.
### 4. Replacing the Oil Filter (10 minutes)
- **Remove Old Filter**: Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Be cautious of any remaining oil that may spill.
- **Install New Filter**: Lubricate the gasket of the new oil filter with a bit of fresh oil and screw it into place by hand, then tighten according to specifications.
- **Image**: Old oil filter being removed, new filter being installed.
### 5. Installing the Drain Plug (5 minutes)
- **Reinstall Drain Plug**: Replace the drain plug with a new washer if needed and tighten it to the specified torque.
- **Image**: Drain plug being reinstalled and tightened with a torque wrench.
### 6. Adding New Oil (10 minutes)
- **Add Oil**: Using a funnel, add the appropriate amount and grade of new engine oil through the oil filler cap.
- **Check Oil Level**: After adding oil, use the dipstick to ensure the correct oil level.
- **Image**: Adding oil through the funnel, checking oil level with dipstick.
### 7. Lowering the Vehicle (5 minutes)
- **Lower the Car**: Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack stands.
- **Image**: Vehicle being lowered from jack stands.
### 8. Starting the Engine (5 minutes)
- **Start Engine**: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
- **Image**: Engine running, technician checking for leaks.
### 9. Performing 25-Point Inspection (30 minutes)
- **Visual Inspection**:
1. Check headlights and taillights.
2. Inspect turn signals and hazard lights.
3. Check brake lights.
4. Inspect windshield wipers.
5. Check windshield washer fluid.
6. Inspect mirrors.
7. Check horn operation.
8. Inspect tire condition and tread depth.
9. Check tire pressure.
10. Inspect brakes (visual check of pads and rotors).
11. Check suspension components.
12. Inspect drive belts.
13. Check battery terminals and condition.
14. Inspect coolant level.
15. Check power steering fluid.
16. Inspect brake fluid level.
17. Check transmission fluid (if applicable).
18. Inspect exhaust system.
19. Check air filter.
20. Inspect fuel lines.
21. Check cabin air filter.
22. Inspect for any fluid leaks.
23. Check AC operation.
24. Inspect undercarriage for any damage or leaks.
25. Check for any dashboard warning lights.
- **Image**: Detailed visual inspection points, with highlights on key areas such as fluid levels, tire condition, and brake components.
### 10. Final Steps (10 minutes)
- **Complete Checklist**: Ensure all points on the inspection checklist are completed and documented.
- **Reset Oil Change Indicator**: Use the BMW-specific diagnostic tool to reset the oil change indicator.
- **Customer Communication**: Inform the customer of the service performed and any additional findings from the inspection.
- **Image**: Completed inspection checklist, diagnostic tool resetting the oil change indicator.
Safety and Quality Assurance
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- Always use genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts.
- Dispose of old oil and filters in accordance with local environmental regulations.
- Double-check all connections and fittings to ensure no leaks.
- Adhere strictly to torque specifications to avoid damage.
Total Time Required
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**1 hour and 50 minutes**
By following this SOP, you ensure a professional and thorough oil change and basic 25-point inspection for BMW vehicles, maintaining system integrity and vehicle performance.
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