Hi, I have a 1998 Z3 1.9l and it needs and oil change. Is it true that this car has a $150 oil filter? Can I have this done at a local shop or do I have to take it to the dealer? I just want to make sure that this car is like any other car as far as oil changes.

Did you know the word "gullible" is not in the dictionary?

No BMW has ever had a filter that cost more than $10 retail, not even the mighty Z8. And no, most modern BMW does not use the same filter design as 99% of the cars on the market, they have a filter housing that sits on top of the engine bay near the front of the engine for easy access, and it's a paper element without the metal casing.

Hey there fairlady, fear not. Fortunately it'll cost you a whopping $4.39 at www.eap4parts.com. Click on filters on the left menu bar.

I guess normal fast lube places will do it (I do it myself) but they might use a crappy filter made in Korea (like my car had when I bought it used). Buy a Mahle, Mann, or Hengst brand

Unfortunately if you're gonna do it yourself (BMW's are VERY easy) you're gonna have to get a special tool to get the oil filter cap off your M44 engine. Plastic ones can be found at local parts stores, but plastic one suck. Go to www.zdmak.com and get a metal one.

Here's some more info from my website.

http://www.geocities.com/threeiswee/torque.html

Not only did they make it ez access, when you remove that filter element you get a chance to look for metal particles that would indicate internal engine problems. On General Aviation aircraft the filters are in a can and the mechanic is required to cut that sucker open and inspect the element for metal, a PITA we don't have to deal with!

Here's some more information on oil changes:

http://www.houston-bmwcca.com/z3/Tech-Tips/TT2.htm

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/engine/e36_97_ti_oil_change.html

http://www.angelfire.com/de3/bimmertoyz/z3oilchange.html

I have a "guy" that can get em for $100. So send me $100 and I'll send you a new BMW brand filter. You save $50 bucks! How can you beat that? :devillook

j/k If someone charges you more than $10.00 tell em to step off. I bought mine at the $tealer and it was only $7.00. Make sure anyone that changes your oil uses a Mahle, Mann, or BMW filter and that you insist on (now I sound like a commercial) high quality oil. For 1998 Z3 I would go with Mobil 1 Synthetic, Valvoline SuperSynth or Castrol Syntex. It's a little more $ than regular petroleum based (dino) oils, but it's worth it. Oh, and ONLY use oil grades that are listed in your BMW Owners Manual.

You might also consider using BMW synthetic oil. I've been paying $4 a quart at the dealer's for synthetic 5W-30, and recently only $3.20 with a discount.