How to Change the Oil in a 2015 BMW X5: Step-by-Step Guide
Performing an oil change on your 2015 BMW X5 is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle's longevity and performance. While BMW recommends regular oil changes at specific intervals, doing it yourself can save you time and money. Follow this comprehensive guide to change the oil in your X5 properly, including selecting the right oil, changing the filter, and resetting the service light.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
Oil Filter Wrench
Socket Set (17mm or 16mm for drain plug)
Drain Pan
Funnel
Torque Wrench
Jack and Jack Stands (or a Car Lift)
Rags or Paper Towels
Gloves
Parts Required:
Oil Filter: BMW recommends using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters or equivalent high-quality filters (e.g., Mann or Bosch). For the 2015 X5, the filter model is typically Mann HU 816 X or equivalent.
Engine Oil: For the 2015 BMW X5 (both gasoline and diesel engines), BMW recommends full synthetic oil. Use 5W-30 synthetic oil that meets BMW Longlife-01 or BMW Longlife-04 specifications. The X5 typically requires about 6.5 to 7 quarts of oil, but always check your owner’s manual for exact capacity.
Oil Drain Plug Gasket: Always replace the drain plug gasket to ensure no leaks (usually a copper or aluminum crush washer).
Step-by-Step Oil Change Procedure
1. Prepare the Vehicle
Park your BMW X5 on a flat, stable surface and let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes if it was recently running. Use a car lift or jack up the vehicle, securing it with jack stands to ensure stability.
2. Locate the Oil Drain Plug
Crawl under the vehicle and locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. The oil pan is typically located toward the rear of the engine compartment. Use a socket wrench (16mm or 17mm) to loosen the plug.
3. Drain the Old Oil
Place the drain pan under the oil pan. Carefully unscrew the oil drain plug and let the oil flow into the drain pan. Allow the oil to drain completely, which may take 5-10 minutes. Once drained, replace the drain plug with a new gasket, tightening it to the manufacturer-recommended torque spec (usually 25-30 Nm).
4. Replace the Oil Filter
The oil filter on the 2015 BMW X5 is located on the top of the engine bay, inside a cylindrical housing. Using the oil filter wrench, unscrew the housing cap. Pull out the old oil filter and discard it.
Clean the housing cap and replace the O-ring with the new one provided in the filter kit. Lubricate the new O-ring with fresh oil.
Insert the new filter into the housing and screw the cap back on, ensuring it's tightened to the correct torque spec (25 Nm).
5. Add New Oil
Locate the oil fill cap on top of the engine, marked with an oil symbol. Remove the cap and insert a funnel. Pour the new synthetic oil (BMW-approved 5W-30) into the engine. The X5 generally requires around 6.5 to 7 quarts, but pour in about 6 quarts first, then check the level.
6. Check the Oil Level
Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes, allowing the oil to circulate. Turn off the engine and let it sit for a minute. Check the oil level using the electronic oil sensor via the iDrive system. Add more oil as needed until the oil level reaches the proper mark.
7. Dispose of Old Oil and Filter
Take your used oil and filter to a certified recycling center. Many auto parts stores and service centers offer free recycling for used oil and filters.
8. Reset the Oil Service Light
After completing the oil change, you’ll need to reset the oil service indicator to ensure your BMW’s maintenance schedule is up to date.
How to reset the oil service light:
Insert the key fob into the ignition slot and press the Start/Stop button without pressing the brake pedal. This turns on the car's electronics without starting the engine.
Press and hold the Odometer Reset button (located on the dashboard) until the service menu appears on the display.
Scroll through the service items using the toggle button until you see the oil can symbol.
Press and hold the Odometer Reset button again until "Reset?" appears on the display.
Release and press the button again to confirm the reset. The oil service indicator will reset, and the next service interval will be shown.
Pro Tips:
Always use BMW-approved oil: Using the wrong oil can damage your engine and void your warranty. BMW recommends full synthetic oils with the correct viscosity and BMW Longlife specifications.
Regularly check your oil level: BMW X5s do not have a traditional dipstick. Instead, they rely on an electronic oil sensor. Regularly check the oil level using your vehicle's iDrive system, especially if driving in extreme conditions.
Follow BMW’s maintenance schedule: Change your oil every 10,000 miles or once a year, but if you drive in extreme conditions (heavy towing, stop-and-go traffic, or very high/low temperatures), consider more frequent oil changes.
By following this detailed guide, you can ensure your 2015 BMW X5 remains in peak condition, extending the life of your engine and avoiding unnecessary trips to the mechanic.