I’ve been adding oil to my BMW without much thought, but I recently realised the engine’s oil capacity is only 3.8 quarts. I added a little less than a quart to top it off and now I’m wondering if that’s too much. Should I drain it, or will it be okay?
It looks like you’re over by about half a quart.
I bought a vacuum pump to make oil changes easier. I use it on my Fit, where I pull all the oil out through the dipstick opening and then remove the oil filter. It keeps the mess down.
Bao said:
I bought a vacuum pump to make oil changes easier. I use it on my Fit, where I pull all the oil out through the dipstick opening and then remove the oil filter. It keeps the mess down.
Which vacuum pump did you get?
@Page
I got the Pela PL-6000. There are other brands, but the Pela is highly recommended. One tip: if the tube won’t go all the way down to the oil pan, try rotating it back and forth as you insert it. I’ve only had this issue with my CRV, not with my Honda Fit.
I’d drain it just to be on the safe side.
You might want to remove a little bit, you’re almost a quart over. You could loosen the drain plug just enough to let a little oil out, or get an extractor tool to remove it through the dipstick hole. The second option is easier but requires a new tool if you don’t already have one.
@Kai
If I loosen the drain plug, do I need to replace the crush washer?
Brodie said:
@Kai
If I loosen the drain plug, do I need to replace the crush washer?
I probably won’t get many upvotes for this, but I’ve done all the oil changes on my 2010 without changing the crush washer. I’ve got over 275,000 miles with no problems.
@Fernando
I’ve never changed a crush washer either. My car has over 254,000 miles.
@Fernando
Thanks, I’ll just loosen it up then.
Brodie said:
@Fernando
Thanks, I’ll just loosen it up then.
If you haven’t already, try emptying the oil filter. It might help drain enough oil to get it to the right level. How much did you add?
@Val
Great idea! That way you won’t risk draining the entire oil pan.
Brodie said:
@Fernando
Thanks, I’ll just loosen it up then.
Loosening it may take too long to get half a quart out. You might need to remove the plug completely for a quicker result.
Brodie said:
@Fernando
Thanks, I’ll just loosen it up then.
To me, the engine’s value is way more important than worrying about the crush washer.
@Fernando
I’ve never changed the crush washer either, and I’ve had no issues so far.
@Fernando
I’ve done many oil changes for over 30 years without changing the crush washer. I’d only replace it if it’s damaged or missing.
@Fernando
I usually change mine when it’s really worn out, but I’ve never had a leak from the washer.
@Fernando
I didn’t even know I needed to replace it until recently. Since I couldn’t get the old one off, I just kept it on.
@Fernando
I have a Datsun and I’ve changed the oil regularly without a washer. It never leaked.