just used new pella 6000 first time and

[jayb]

need some advice.
328i/2000. After removing the old oil, I was only able to add 6 new quarts instead of about 6.75 quarts. I ran engine a while but it does not take any more.
Before removing oil I checked dip stick to confirm it was full. The oil extractor stopped removing old oil at about 5 1/2 liters. Checked dip stick and it was dry which led me to believe all oil was out.
Changed filter. It only took 6 quarts to full mark. I thought that maybe I had to wait for oil to go into filter for the extra 2/3 oil that I expected it to take.

So I conclude that there must have been close to a quart of old oil remaining in the pan after using oil extractor. (the extractor did start sucking aid when it was done) I noted that the tube from the pella 6000 does not flex when it hits bottom just straight in. Is it suppost to flex to go in more?

I watched the dealer do this using their oil extactor and it always takes about 6.75 of new oil, and removes about the same. The only explanation I have it the the oil pan had oil remaining and the pella 6000 tub is not flexible to go into to get the last 3/4 quart (but the dealers extractor tub must have been flexible.
Any other thoughts? Anyone change the tubing? With what type of tubbing.
(There is no question that the Pella tube was in as far as it would go, that both the dip stick and cleaned off Pella tube was dry after extracting the old oil --I used the pella tube after oil removal as a dip stick to confirm the pan was empty, and the car was on level ground)

[Stinger9]

to remove all the oil. With a straight in insertion, mine sucks air at that point, and then I'm done.
I do first remove the old filter before I start to suck the oil out as this releases the oil in the filter housing to drain down.
After I've removed the oil oil this way, my car takes the better part of seven quarts of oil.
My original insertion tube with steel insert is still going strong after years of use. My original connection clear plastic tube cracked after the first season, so I had to get over to Lowes and buy some new clear plastic tube which has lasted to this day.

[jayb]

Are all E46's identical in regard to oil pan, oil volume, ability to extract maximum oil using Pella 6000,---or is there a possible difference based on the year and model E46?.
If identical, sounds like the mistake I made was not removing the filter first which allowed about 3/4 quarter to hide in the system after emptying the oil pan with the pella 6000. Do you also remove the refill cap before extracting, I did not do that either.
Since I will not do the next oil change for 4000 miles, I have 6 qts of new 0-40 mobil-1 and 3/4 qt of oil stuff. Guess the car will survive it for 4K miles.

[dembooks]

you could remove the oil pan drain
screw and measure what remained after
the tube extraction method - which would answer your
question.

E46 with all wheel drive have 8 quarts
E46 w/out all wheel drive have 7 quarts

the oil pans are different to accomadate
the front axles

[Stinger9]

ago was that someone did the vacuum thing with their Pella and after all was done, removed the drain plug. He reported that almost no oil came out of the drain plug opening when he pulled the plug.

[Stinger9]

my car is an '04 330Ci, so we probably have the same engine/pan combo.

I'm sure another 4000 miles with a small amount of the old oil will make no practical difference. I'd just wait till you do it again.
Next time just be positive that you hear the sucking when the tube is touching oil pan bottom.
And of course pull the filter before you pump.
Yes, I do take off the refill cap before pumping, but I'd bet that it is not of consequence for the discrepancy that you uncovered.

[jayb]

[jayb]

It is great to get feedback from people in the KNOW.

[Stinger9]

Did it both ways

[Stinger9]

The one I remember

And read the string of posts under this write up. See where I got my pump.

[Filehorse]

I've used the Pela 6000 on two different 2001 325i and my current 2002 525i. I also use it on my 2000 Lexus RX300. On each and every one, after vacuuming out as much oil as I could, I've removed the drain plug and have never seen a drop of oil come out. On my BMWs I routinely add 7 quarts of Mobil 1 and it always brings the level right up to the top mark.

For sure, not opening the filter housing to let that oil drain back to the sump before extracting the oil is likely the major contributor to the unaccounted for 3/4 quart of oil.

Also, if you apply a little pressure to the extraction tube while twisting it back and forth, the tube will slide across the pan bottom and occasionally allow you to extract a bit more oil than just going with the first insertion stop. The BMW oil pan with its side-mounted drain plug is designed to leave at least 1/4-inch of old oil in the pan unless you turn the car up on its side and shake it. :-)

I'm with Stinger9 - you should be fine for this service cycle. Just be sure to allow the oil in the filter housing to drain back before extracting the oil in the sump at the next service interval.




Filehorse
Knoxville, TN
BMWCCA #407627

2002 525i Steptronic Sport/Premium | Build Date: 05/02
76,000 Ultimate Driving miles
Xenons
Style 81s | Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS
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Steering wheel position memory w/Alzheimers
"Lifetime" ATF replaced at 40,000
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2001 E46 325i (Jet Black) Forced Retirement 6/28/09

2001 E46 325i (Orient Blue) Forced Retirement 10/09

1989 E30 325i (Alpine White) Retired