Oil Change Nightmare

PatJags156 · 02-14-2011, 10:28 AM

So I had my Z4 dropped off at a mechanics which has worked on my Z3 many times to do a routine oil change. I recieved a phone call saying the mechanic didn't know how to do it because the car didnt have a dipstick. I offered to walk him through it. I was 90% sure the engine took 6.9l but decideded to google it real quick. As I did he started the car!! I asked what he was doing, he said, "I put 5 L in and we can see if that is good or not." I said stop and turn off the engine right away and that I knew the car didnt have enough oil.

Did this Dbag damage my engine?!

SHEEDI · 02-14-2011, 10:32 AM

I dont think this has done any damage to the engine. it would have damaged engine if he had taken it for test drive.

santov · 02-14-2011, 10:46 AM

You should be good. The little six engine doesn't need all 7 quarts to lubricate for a few min.

Do your own oil changes!

If he couldn't find the dipstick did he replace the gaskets on the oil filter housing and drain plug? Prob made a mess when he took the cartridge out.

PatJags156 · 02-14-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santov

You should be good. The little six engine doesn't need all 7 quarts to lubricate for a few min.

Do your own oil changes!

If he couldn't find the dipstick did he replace the gaskets on the oil filter housing and drain plug? Prob made a mess when he took the cartridge out.

I normally do my own oil changes except the weather was too cold for me to do it outside like i normally do. I supplied the filter and oil. I watched him do everything, he was like my assistant. The oil change was even free. lol

3002 tii · 02-14-2011, 11:08 AM

one thing I've learned is alot of non-BMW indy shops can't work on modern cars, things have changed so much just from the last few years. or better yet, you need to go out of your way and give him the facts, diy guide, etc when working on your car.

Hawkeye · 02-14-2011, 11:14 AM

Thought you just said you recieved a phone call? Why did he call you if you were there watching him and walking him through it?

nickpapa · 02-14-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Thought you just said you recieved a phone call? Why did he call you if you were there watching him and walking him through it?

x2

3002 tii · 02-14-2011, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatJags156

I normally do my own oil changes except the weather was too cold for me to do it outside like i normally do. I supplied the filter and oil. I watched him do everything, he was like my assistant. The oil change was even free. lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Thought you just said you recieved a phone call? Why did he call you if you were there watching him and walking him through it?

lol just noticed that now.

so did you F up your oil change? if so just come out, we won't judge, haha.

ANUSTART · 02-14-2011, 11:28 AM

Kinda like, "a friend of mine has this wart that won't go away..."

You should be ok with only 5. Top it off and check their work when you have a chance.

PatJags156 · 02-14-2011, 12:17 PM

I dropped it off and got a call 5 mins later so I turned around to walk him through it.

I checked his work and topped it off. I checked the oil life and it says "ok" after this clock icon comes up. Anyone know what I mean? And why does it do that? I think he reset it wrong....

SCHMOUPE · 02-14-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatJags156

I dropped it off and got a call 5 mins later so I turned around to walk him through it.

I checked his work and topped it off. I checked the oil life and it says "ok" after this clock icon comes up. Anyone know what I mean? And why does it do that? I think he reset it wrong....

just so we know, what shop did you take it too? There is a ton of members here from North Jersey /NY area

PatJags156 · 02-14-2011, 12:26 PM

Automotive Services, Whitehouse Station, NJ. They are on Route 22 West.

3002 tii · 02-14-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatJags156

I dropped it off and got a call 5 mins later so I turned around to walk him through it.

I checked his work and topped it off. I checked the oil life and it says "ok" after this clock icon comes up. Anyone know what I mean? And why does it do that? I think he reset it wrong....

Why drop off and walk away for an oil change which would only take 20 mins? And if it was in for more work than just that I'd say you have bigger concerns than just an oil change, seriously if is is your "wart" we won't judge hahaha

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatJags156

Automotive Services, Whitehouse Station, NJ. They are on Route 22 West.

What county are you from? I might be able to suggest few good shops in NJ...

PatJags156 · 02-14-2011, 01:57 PM

I live in Hunterdon County. I have heard of a AK Motorwerk in Hillsborough which I am thinking about going to to have my trans fluid changed. Any other places you can suggest?

yvel26 · 02-14-2011, 02:06 PM

Did recently an oil chance on my Z4 M and it was 5.5 liters

Huz-Z · 02-14-2011, 02:09 PM

Is the dealer crazy expensive for an oil change? For example, if you strip the drain plug, you're effed.

But if the dealer strips the drain plug, you're not!

3002 tii · 02-14-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatJags156

I live in Hunterdon County. I have heard of a AK Motorwerk in Hillsborough which I am thinking about going to to have my trans fluid changed. Any other places you can suggest?

Not familiar with Hunterdon, but AKM gets good reviews. Might also want to check out RSW:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437328
http://www.redlinespeedworx.com/

or more closer up to me, but I have personal experience with them and can honestly say they're probably one of the premier shops (and at really competitive pricing) is Bimmer Clinic:

1001 Route 1 (south side)
Avenel, NJ 07001
(732) 218-7632

If you decide to go with BC - ask for Bill and let him know Dan with the Z4 coupe referred you. Guarantee he'll take good care fo you.

SCHMOUPE · 02-14-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

Not familiar with Hunterdon, but AKM gets good reviews. Might also want to check out RSW:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=437328
http://www.redlinespeedworx.com/

or more closer up to me, but I have personal experience with them and can honestly say they're probably one of the premier shops (and at really competitive pricing) is Bimmer Clinic:

1001 Route 1 (south side)
Avenel, NJ 07001
(732) 218-7632

If you decide to go with BC - ask for Bill and let him know Dan with the Z4 coupe referred you. Guarantee he'll take good care fo you.

+1 on this shop. I have been shopping around for my inspection 2 and they quoted me 950 which is about 2Ks less than what the dealer had told me

PatJags156 · 02-14-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakib

+1 on this shop. I have been shopping around for my inspection 2 and they quoted me 950 which is about 2Ks less than what the dealer had told me

Your inspection?

The HACK · 02-14-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yvel26

Did recently an oil chance on my Z4 M and it was 5.5 liters

The non-M takes MORE. Believe it.

5L is 5.4 quart. It takes only 6.4 liter for the fill (6.9 quart). IT IS SPECIFIED in the BMW TIS to fill to 5 liters, start the engine, then fill if necessary. It's standard operating procedure when changing oil if I'm not mistaken.

Even if the TIS does not call for partial fill, start, then check oil level, at 5 liters it is the difference between the MIN fill and MAX fill (1 liter). It's not going to "hurt" anything, especially not the engine, to start up the engine at 5 liter fill.

Frankly, if you guys aren't going to trust your mechanics to know what they're doing, then don't take it to a mechanic at all. Do the work yourself, save yourself (and the mechanic) the grief.

Also the Si does not have a dipstick. The only way to properly check the oil level is to start up the engine, let it warm up, and use the onboard diagnostics or GT1 hooked up to the car to check the oil level. As far as I can see, the mechanic did it right. Fill 5 liters, check for level, and add as necessary.

SCHMOUPE · 02-14-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatJags156

Your inspection?

inspection II specific to M cars. Involves changing all the fluids, filters and mainly adjusting the valves. Very time consuming and relative expensive maintenance item for M engine

GomboRombo · 02-14-2011, 07:20 PM

Even with just 5 quarts the oil pump is going to get the oil where it needs to go. I think BMW put 6.9 in our cars so that they can increase their oil change interval to 15k and only have to do 3 of them within the 50k maintenance free service.
I'm not saying it's OK to just have 5 quarts of oil, just that I don't think it harmed your engine by your machanic starting it.

02-14-2011, 10:28 AM	#1
PatJags156 Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Oil Change Nightmare So I had my Z4 dropped off at a mechanics which has worked on my Z3 many times to do a routine oil change. I recieved a phone call saying the mechanic didn't know how to do it because the car didnt have a dipstick. I offered to walk him through it. I was 90% sure the engine took 6.9l but decideded to google it real quick. As I did he started the car!! I asked what he was doing, he said, "I put 5 L in and we can see if that is good or not." I said stop and turn off the engine right away and that I knew the car didnt have enough oil. Did this Dbag damage my engine?!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-14-2011, 10:32 AM	#2
SHEEDI Banned 602 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: 2009 335i - Sport PKG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [8.50]	I dont think this has done any damage to the engine. it would have damaged engine if he had taken it for test drive.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 10:46 AM	#3
santov Lieutenant 64 Rep 483 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0si White over Beige Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bay Area, Calif iTrader: (8)	You should be good. The little six engine doesn't need all 7 quarts to lubricate for a few min. Do your own oil changes! If he couldn't find the dipstick did he replace the gaskets on the oil filter housing and drain plug? Prob made a mess when he took the cartridge out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 11:08 AM	#5
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2285 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	one thing I've learned is alot of non-BMW indy shops can't work on modern cars, things have changed so much just from the last few years. or better yet, you need to go out of your way and give him the facts, diy guide, etc when working on your car. __________________ Follow for latest mods
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 11:14 AM	#6
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	Thought you just said you recieved a phone call? Why did he call you if you were there watching him and walking him through it? __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 11:28 AM	#9
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	Kinda like, "a friend of mine has this wart that won't go away..." You should be ok with only 5. Top it off and check their work when you have a chance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 12:17 PM	#10
PatJags156 Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	I dropped it off and got a call 5 mins later so I turned around to walk him through it. I checked his work and topped it off. I checked the oil life and it says "ok" after this clock icon comes up. Anyone know what I mean? And why does it do that? I think he reset it wrong....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 12:26 PM	#12
PatJags156 Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Automotive Services, Whitehouse Station, NJ. They are on Route 22 West.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 01:57 PM	#14
PatJags156 Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 335i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	I live in Hunterdon County. I have heard of a AK Motorwerk in Hillsborough which I am thinking about going to to have my trans fluid changed. Any other places you can suggest?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 02:06 PM	#15
yvel26 Private 7 Rep 91 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 M Roadster Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Did recently an oil chance on my Z4 M and it was 5.5 liters
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 02:09 PM	#16
Huz-Z Brigadier General 851 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Is the dealer crazy expensive for an oil change? For example, if you strip the drain plug, you're effed. But if the dealer strips the drain plug, you're not! __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package. Last edited by Huz-Z; 02-14-2011 at 02:09 PM.. Reason: spelling
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2011, 07:20 PM	#22
GomboRombo Roadie B4 Roady 5 Rep 118 Posts Drives: Z4 M Roadster Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southwest WA iTrader: (0)	Even with just 5 quarts the oil pump is going to get the oil where it needs to go. I think BMW put 6.9 in our cars so that they can increase their oil change interval to 15k and only have to do 3 of them within the 50k maintenance free service. I'm not saying it's OK to just have 5 quarts of oil, just that I don't think it harmed your engine by your machanic starting it. __________________ Remus, ZHP, Stubby, H&R Coilovers
	Appreciate 0 Quote