[DarkEnigma]

Hey guys,

I've just spent the morning doing the basic service on the E90. The cabin filter, air filter are both done but have had huge difficulty getting the oil filter cap off... have tried leather straps and everything.

The top of the oil filter requires a special tool to get it off (below) have been on to BMW about this and they do not sell to retail, contacted a local parts store, they don't sell. There are various tools/wrenches online for this but just wanting to know what size you guys are using? I have measured and it seems the cap is 86/87mm?

Does anyone have this wrench/tool and if so, what size is it that I need? Last thing I want to do is order incorrect part and have to wait longer to get this done

Thanks

[DarkEnigma]

For anyone finding this thread and needing help.... there are many different sized wrenches so to avoid buying the wrong size (rough measurement is 86mm but it could be 87mm) I went to this website:

http://www.lasertools.co.uk/item.aspx?cat=0&item=3597

From here I then found this wrench can serve a variety of different engines: BMW N40, N42, N45, N46, N52 so I then went to:

http://www.bmwheaven.com/database/show.php?id=20

And there I found the engine for my E90 320i was N46, so the tool: 4234 Oil Filter Wrench from Laser is the correct size - 86mm. There are 87mm wrenches knocking about which are labeled as working with BMW but always check with this method to avoid disappointment.

Can finally get oil changed when this thing arrives!

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by DarkEnigma

The top of the oil filter requires a special tool to get it off

Hesitate to disagree, but I don't use a special tool at all. A normal strap wrench will grip the flats on the housing cap sufficiently to get it moving. Then you can undo by hand.

[parapaul]

I bought a set of oil filter wrenches years ago when I started doing my own servicing. Think they're Laser but not 100%. Pack of 5 has done every car I've touched since.

[DarkEnigma]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Hesitate to disagree, but I don't use a special tool at all. A normal strap wrench will grip the flats on the housing cap sufficiently to get it moving. Then you can undo by hand.

The cap has been designed to be removed with a special tool, the teeth even indicate this... but like you say many use the strap wrench.

Sadly the strap wrench method wouldn't work for me due to some balloon head over-torquing. Still waiting on the tool to arrive so that I can get this thing off!

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by DarkEnigma

Sadly the strap wrench method wouldn't work for me due to some balloon head over-torquing.

Oh dear. Hope you get it sorted...

[raj55]

The filter wrench in the petrol bmw e90 is the same as for volvo. I bought one cheaply from volvo and it works fine.

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by DarkEnigma

...........I have tried leather straps and everything.

Pervert!!

[DarkEnigma]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Pervert!!

HAHA

[Zainrz96]

Guys im trying to order a wrench for my oil filter. it's a 323i 2009. dont know what size it is, im guessing 86mm 16 spoke. thanks!

[AndyVR]

If its the same as the 320i, it will be 16-flute , 86mm measured across the flats (88mm measured across the 'points')

Amazon sell the 86/88mm laser tool no. '3119' for £6.odd, works well.