2006–2010 BMW 5 Series
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026
Save $100 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $174
Quick answer: Oil and Filter Change on a 2006–2010 BMW 5 Series is rated Easy and takes about 30–60 minutes. You'll need 9 tools for this job, and parts cost about $74. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW Longlife-01 approved 5W-30 engine oil | — | $56.00 | |
| N52 oil filter cartridge with O-ring | — | $16.00 | |
| Oil drain plug crush washer | — | $2.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Idle the 3.0L inline-six for about 5 minutes so the oil thins and drains fully, then shut it off and set the parking brake. Park on level ground, since the E60's electronic oil-level check requires the car to sit flat.
Open the hood and lift the acoustic engine cover straight up off its studs to expose the top of the N52. Set the cover aside where it will not be damaged.
Loosen the aluminum filter cap with a 36 mm socket, turning slowly so oil inside drains back into the housing. Lift the cap out with the cartridge attached, slide the old element off, and remove the old O-ring from the cap groove. Fit the new oiled O-ring and cartridge, then thread the cap back on to the BMW specification.
Chock the rear wheels, raise the front at the factory jacking points, and set the car on jack stands — never work under a jack alone. Place a large drain pan under the steel oil pan, remove the 17 mm drain plug, and let the oil drain to an occasional drip.
Small thing, big difference: I chock the rear wheels and set it on stands at the factory points — I never work under a jack alone.
Fit a new aluminum crush washer to the drain plug — the old one will not seal a second time — and start the plug by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten it to the BMW specification and wipe the pan clean so any future leak shows up clearly.
Do yourself a favor like I do: I fit a new aluminum crush washer and start the plug by hand — the old washer never seals twice.
Lower the car onto level ground and pour in approximately 6.5 liters of BMW Longlife-01 approved 5W-30 through a clean funnel. Add the final liter gradually, since draining excess oil back out is a nuisance.
Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature, then check the oil level in the instrument cluster service menu. The electronic sensor takes a minute or two to measure — add small amounts until the gauge reads maximum, never above it.
Trust me on this one: The electronic sensor takes a minute or two to measure — add small amounts until the gauge reads maximum, never above it.
Reset the engine oil service item through the cluster service menu so the condition-based service counter restarts. Take a short drive, then recheck the drain plug and filter housing for leaks.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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