BMW B58 Lifespan?

The BMW B58 engine has a heat management system which encapsulates heat for up to 36 hours. My question is does this system reduce engine and cooling component life compared to the N55? It's too soon to tell but I want to know if faster warm up and better emissions means shorter engine lifespan.

How to Change Engine Air Filter on BMW E39 530i

DIY: Change Engine Air Filter on E39 530i and 525i. May be applicable to E46s.

Parts: 

• Mann Air Filter or Bosch or Mahle.  

Steps: 

• Open hood

• Locate air filter box on the driver's side and right behind the headlamps

• Unlatch two clips (red circles)

Location of other clip closest to driver.

• Pull air filter tray upwards.

• Remove any leaves or debris in air box.

Leaves love to hide in here

• Remove old filter from tray and install new filter. 
• The previous owner used a Napa filter which is a lot thinner than the new Mann filter on the right. 

• Install air filter tray inside air box until the two clips latch into place. 

Notes: 
One my clips would not unlatch so I had to forcefully pull the tray out. Yours may or may not require the same technique.

Please change your engine air filter yourself. The job is very quick and easy. Do not overpay at quick lube places or the dealerships.

Inspect air filter every oil change or 10-15,000 miles. Replace as necessary.

Clean air filter results in better MPG and engine performance. Do not let a clogged air filter cost you money at the pump. 

BMW Oil Filler Cap Leak - E90

The seal in the BMW oil filler cap will begin to harden and deteriorate which allows oil to leak. Judging by the amount of posts I see in BMW forums, this seems to be a very common issue.

To stop the leaking:

1. Buy and replace the oil filler cap. The new cap comes with a seal. 
• Part # 11128507153 for E9X BMWs with the round oil filler cap. Earlier E90, E60, E85, and late model E46s use this square oil filler cap.
• Part # 11127509328 for earlier model BMWs with the square oil filler cap.  
2. Carefully remove the existing seal. Clean and reinstall by reversing the ring. I would only try this if the leak is very small and I don't want to spend $15.

My leaking oil filler cap:  

I changed my oil and the oil level read max in iDrive. A couple of weeks later, the oil level dropped and it didn't seem right that I would lose oil that quickly.

I noticed dried oil around the oil filler cap and oil leaking down onto the valve cover area. I pulled my oil cap and it looked like mustard. After doing some research and asking some friends, I came to the conclusion that my oil filler seal was bad and condensation was coming in and mixing with the oil and looking like mustard on the cap. I replaced the oil filler cap and oil consumption is now normal and no more weird mustard looking oil under the cap.

Below is what my old oil cap looks like and the seal that is indented. There is caked oil all around.

N55 HPFP Failure

Can the HPFP fail on a N55?

• Yes, my HPFP failed at 38,000 miles. 

What were the symptoms? 

• Very long cranks, rough idle, engine would randomly surge between 600 - 1800 rpm at idle and low speeds. The latter is particularly scary when pulling into or out of tight parking spots and the car would lurch. 

What did I do?

• I believed failing HPFP were confined to the N54 and were resolved with the N55, I was wrong. I brought my car into the dealer and they diagnosed my HPFP was failing and replaced it. My car issues went away with the new HPFP.

Why am I posting this? 

• Every once in a while I will see a post on the internet asking if the N55 fixed all the HPFP issues. I would say probably with the newer BMWs. Model years built right after N54 may still have the faulty HPFPs. 
• If you are looking to buy a used early model N55, the HPFP has a warranty of 10 years/120,000 miles and yes it can prematurely fail on you.  

How to Change Engine Oil on a BMW 3 Series E90

Tutorial for replacing engine oil & filter on BMW 3 Series E9X (06-12) with N51, N52, N54, N55 engines.

Tools:

• 17 mm socket and ratchet
• Lisle Oil Drain Pan
• Assenmacher Oil Filter Housing Wrench
• 21 mm socket and ratchet if using Assenmacher oil filter wrench
• RhinoRamps (Pair, 12,000lb. GVW Capacity)  

Parts:  

• Mann Oil Filter (Comes with drain plug and two O-ring gaskets) 
• Synthetic motor oil, options below:
• Genuine BMW 5W-30. Part number 83212365946
• Mike Miller from Roundel Magazine uses Red Line 0W40 Motor Oil - 12 Quarts 
• 2 x Castrol EDGE 0W-40 - 5 Quart European formula
• 2 x Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40, 5 Quart 
• Shell PurePlus synthetic oils

Recommended:  

• Rags, shop towels, jack and jack stands if you don't have ramps.
• I use Scott Shop Towels Pack of 2.
• Camco Wheel Chock - Pack of 2. If you jacking the front or using ramps, chock rear wheels to prevent your BMW from sliding. 
• Flat head screwdriver or General Tools Scriber
• Lumax Plastic Funnel

Steps:

• If engine is cool, start your car for 5-10 minutes to warm oil. If engine is hot, wait around 30 minutes to prevent being burned.  

• Lift BMW with a jack and jack stands or drive onto ramps. 
• Driving onto ramps is preferable if equipped with sports suspension and/or aerodynamic package due to low clearance.
• Jack one side and place jack stand or a ramp. Repeat on other side if  front bumper will be damaged driving up ramp or low profile jack cannot access the front jacking point. 
• Use a BMW Jack Pad Adapter to prevent destroying plastic side jack points.  

• Open hood and remove oil filter using Assenmacher Oil Filter Housing Wrench.
• The oil filter cap is shown below and the oil filter wrench goes on top. Place a 21 mm socket where the red circle is and loosen filter cap. 
• Place rags or shop towels around the oil filter to minimize spills when pulling out filter. 

• Locate oil drain plug access door. Door is located behind the front jacking point on RWD models and behind the transfer case beef up plate as shown below. Use a flat head screw drive and turn screw counter-clockwise to unlock shown in red circle below.

• Place an oil drain pan beneath door.

• Use a 17 mm socket and remove oil drain plug. Around 7 quarts (6.5 liters) of oil will drain out. 
• Drain plug is highlighted in red below. 
• I suggest wearing gloves to protect your hands.

• Remove and replace oil filter and two rubber O-rings while oil is draining. 

• Remove old filter from cap by pulling.
• I use a scribe to remove the old O-rings. Be careful not to damage the oil filter cap, especially the threads.
• Install new oil filter and two O-rings. Refer to the picture below from the Bentley BMW 3 Series Service Manual.
• Coat sealing O-rings with new oil
• Place large O-ring in correct location. Do not place in gap between cover and threads, place it in the correct gap below.

• Install new filter into oil filter housing and torque to 18 ft-lbs.

• Remove and replace copper washer on drain plug.

• Reinstall drain plug using 17 mm socket and torque to 18 ft-lbs. Do not over tighten. 

• Close access door and lock with screwdriver.

• Remove drain pan and lower BMW. 

• Remove oil fill cap and refill crankcase with 7 Quarts (6.5 liters) of oil.
• I pour 1 quart of oil into oil filter housing and 6 quarts into the engine. 
• Oil fill cap may be round or square depending on year and engine. N55 is pictured below.

• Reinstall oil fill cap and start engine. Check for any oil leaks and confirm the oil warning light is not on or goes out. 

• Check oil level in iDrive or the information center on the dash. Two conditions must be met to show oil level:
• Oil must reach normal operating temperatures 
• Start engine and idle or drive around for at least 6 minutes

Notes:

• Dear BMW, bring back the oil dipstick.
• Wipe away old oil in the oil filter housing after removing the filter.
• Many enthusiasts like Mobil 1, Castrol Edge European formula, or Shell PurePlus 0w-40 synthetic oils. As long as BMW's oil requirements are met you will be fine. Please refer to the owner's manual. 
• I recommend using wheel chocks for safety. 
• Picture below has useful information from Bentley's BMW 3 Series Service Manual   
• To reset CBS go to CBS explained

Ferrari 458 Italia - Engine bay and wheel

Engine bay for the 4.5 L Ferrari F136 F V8 with 562 hp

5 spoke wheel with ceramic brakes

How to Change Engine Air Filter on a Toyota 4Runner 2010-2016

DIY: Engine air filter on the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner 2010-2016. Applies to 4Runners and with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 engine.

Tools:

• None

Parts:

• Engine Air Filter 
• OEM Genuine Toyota Air Filter. Part Number 17801-38051 
• K&N High Performance Air Filter if you want a washable & reusable filter that increases power and MPG.  
• TRD Air Filter if you want to stick with Toyota for a reusable performance air filter. Price is competitive with the K&N Filter.

 Interval:

• Service manual requires the air filter to be replaced every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Inspect every 5,000 miles or 6 months if driven on dirt and dusty roads. 

Steps: 

• Open hood
• Locate engine air filter box on the passenger side of the engine bay. 
• Unclamp two front clips, highlighted in red circles below. 

•  Unclamp single clamp in the rear.

• Unclamp single clamp on the right side of air box. 

 

• Open top half of air box to slide out old filter. Remove any leaves or debris that may be in the box.

• Installation is the reverse of removal. 
• Slide new air filter into air box. 
• Reclamp four clamps. 
• Done! 

Notes:
This how to may apply to Tacoma's and FJ Cruisers with the exact same 4.0L engine. Please consult your owner's manual before trying.

It is probably impossible to damage the Mass Air Flow sensor and wiring but be careful not to rip off the top portion with all your might. Just open it enough to remove the old filter.

I am going to try the Genuine Toyota Parts TRD Air Filter next interval to see if there is any difference in power and MPG. A reusable performance filter may be more cost effective in the long-run, especially in dusty climates. Also, the standalone TRD air filter is a cheap alternative to the Genuine Toyota TRD Cold Air Intake System and it does not require any installation.

I heard of dealerships charging 1/2 an hour of labor to change the engine air filter. Save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.
The owner's manual says to change every 30,000 miles. Personally, I would not go more than 15,000 miles.

I use Meguiar's Natural Shine Protectant to dress the plastic in my engine bay. I really like the natural, low-gloss shine and how long it lasts.

DIY: Infiniti QX4 & Nissan Pathfinder Oil Change

How to change engine oil and filter on the Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder R50

• Loosen oil filler cap in engine bay.
• Remove plastic splash guard underneath the front of the QX4. The splash guard is held by eight 10mm bolts. There may be more than eight as they tend to fall out over time.

• Locate oil filter. View picture below for reference. 

• Place a drain pan underneath the oil filter. I recommend Lisle 17942 Black Pan - 4.5 Gallon Capacity for its large capacity and spout.

• Loosen the oil filter by turning it counter-clockwise with TEKTON 5866 12-Inch Oil Filter Pliers or Lisle 53500 Satndard Swivel Grip Oil Filter Wrench. Remove oil filter and drain oil into pan.

• Install new oil filter with a new washer/gasket. I recommend Mobil 1 M1-108 Extended Performance Oil Filter or K&N PS-1008 Pro Series Oil Filter. Take the time to clean the surface where the oil filter mates with the engine so there is a good seal. 

• Move oil drain pan underneath engine oil pan. Loosen and remove oil drain plug and let the oil drain. Be careful to not damage the pan when loosening drain plug and the oil may be very hot if the car has not cooled down. The drain plug is highlighted in orange.

• Install drain plug and washer around plug. I changed my drain plug because it has never been changed in over 100,000 miles. I bought Dorman 65263 AutoGrade Oil Drain Plug and  Dorman 097-134 Copper Oil Drain Plug Gasket - Fits M12, Pack of 10. I wouldn't use the plastic gasket that comes with the Dorman drain plug, buy a copper crush washer instead. 

• Pop open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.

• Add 5.25 quarts of engine oil. 
• The owner's manual says to fill with conventional motor oil. I use Castrol 03096 GTX 5W-30 Conventional Motor Oil - 5 Quart for every change. Check the oil dipstick to see if the amount of oil is within limits.

• Replace the engine oil cap when done.

• Drive the car around and check for oil leaks around the filter or drain plug. Reinstall the splash shield when done.  

• Check dipstick to see oil is within limits.

Notes:

Changing the engine oil and filter is very easy. You can save money by changing the oil yourself and make sure everything is done properly. You never know if the quick lube places are doing things correctly.

Dispose old oil at parts store or local landfill.

The owner's manual says to fill with conventional motor oil only, synthetic motor oil may cause leaks. I filled the QX4 with conventional oil and have had zero issues over the many years and miles. I certainly have not babied or kept the Q as a garage queen, just kept up with regular maintenance and oil changes and nothing engine or mechanical has needed fixing. Do not put non recommended synthetic oil into your QX4 or Pathfinder, you will be throwing money away and potentially cause damage.

DIY: Infiniti QX4 & Pathfinder Air Filter 2001-2003

How to remove and reinstall engine air filter for the Infiniti QX4 & Nissan Pathfinder R50

May apply to earlier model years. 

Steps:
Pop open the hood and locate the engine air filter box. The box is behind the driver side head light assembly.

Locate the clips and pop them open. Pull the tray holding the air filter out. Clips are highlighted in red.

Remove the air filter and put in the new one. The filter goes in one way with the rubber seal facing the driver.

 

Dirty air filter removed. 

 

Dirty and clean filter comparison.

Check your filter with every oil change and see if it is dirty and clogged. A dirty air filter results in lower performance and MPG loss. Changing the filter is super quick and a cheap way of making sure you get the most performance out of your car. 

K&N 33-2031-2 High Performance Replacement Air Filter is the best air filter you can buy. The K&N Air Filter can be cleaned and re-used which saves a lot of money in the long run.

Purolator PA24278 PureONE Air Filter is pretty good if you don't want a re-usable filter.