HOW TO: Change your own oil

[jasonjm]

According to the service manual:

-Oil pan drain plug: 30-41 N.m {23-30 ft.lbs}
-Oil fliter cover: 30-35 N.m {22.2-25.8 ft.lbs}
-Oil filter drain plug: 9-11 N.m {79.6-97.2 in.lbs}

In Further Detail:

10Nm = 7.37Lb-Ft = 88.50Lb-In
31Nm = 22.12Lb-Ft = 265.52Lb-In
35Nm = 25.81Lb-Ft = 309.77Lb-In

 

[speed858]

Hey Guys

So I changed my oil for the first time today and this thread was right on. The only question I had was I put 6 qts in and my dipstick still shows me at the min level. It was at this same level before I did my oil change too. Is this a bad dipstick and should I have the dealer look at this?

 

[FrequentFlyer]

Hey Guys

So I changed my oil for the first time today and this thread was right on. The only question I had was I put 6 qts in and my dipstick still shows me at the min level. It was at this same level before I did my oil change too. Is this a bad dipstick and should I have the dealer look at this?

There's no way you're at min level with 6 full quarts in there. If anything, you're above the max line. Seems as though the dipstick is either off mark or this car retains quite a bit of residual oil, requiring only about 5.75 quarts to get it to the max line. I throw a full 6 quarts in anyway, since I don't believe .25 quarts is going to harm anything, but the level on my dipstick is definitely at max, if not slightly above. Does anyone know if this car has the same oil pan as the N/A 2.3 motor? I'm wondering if the extra oil required is just because of the extra oil lines going two and from the turbo.

 

[speed858]

I'm pretty sure my dipstick is off the mark. I might have the dealer fix my dipstick so I know where my true level is.

 

[CTpro5]

maybe you're looking at the wrong dipstick. it might be for MTX Fluid

Hey Guys

So I changed my oil for the first time today and this thread was right on. The only question I had was I put 6 qts in and my dipstick still shows me at the min level. It was at this same level before I did my oil change too. Is this a bad dipstick and should I have the dealer look at this?

 

[dkswim]

no mtx dipstick.. wipe off and reinsert some reason the dipstick is always off on the first pull i have my theroys why

 

[oldnotdead]

I plan on changing my oil in a couple of weeks, prior to going on a 2500 mile road trip. My car will probably have only 1000 miles on it by then but I would rather change out the factory oil prior to the trip. I would like to go to a synthetic or a blend for this car. Should I stick with "regular" oil for one more change prior to switching to synthetic? Your thoughts on this are appreciated.

 

[Kain]

I plan on changing my oil in a couple of weeks, prior to going on a 2500 mile road trip. My car will probably have only 1000 miles on it by then but I would rather change out the factory oil prior to the trip. I would like to go to a synthetic or a blend for this car. Should I stick with "regular" oil for one more change prior to switching to synthetic? Your thoughts on this are appreciated.

Up to you. There is no "right" time to switch to synth. I did the first change @ 1,800 miles and went to Penn Plat synth. Just make sure that when you do switch, stick to it. Don't go back to dyno.

 

[oldnotdead]

Up to you. There is no "right" time to switch to synth. I did the first change @ 1,800 miles and went to Penn Plat synth. Just make sure that when you do switch, stick to it. Don't go back to dyno.

Thanks, the reason I asked was because somewhere I heard it is better to use regular oil to break your engine in. Not sure where I read that. They don't talk about breaking an engine in like they used to.

 

[Kain]

You have 1,000 miles. Your engine is broken in.



EDIT: dino, not dyno. lawl.

 

[206B3]

Dipstick Reading

I took delivery of my CWP MS3GT mid-July. From the first oil check I observed, pulling the dipstick out first thing in the morning, that it read MIN.
Reinsert the DS and there it is Max. Does it every time on the first read of the day (or if it sits 3-4 hours).

I think there is some seal that occurs at the handle w/ o-ring preventing the oil rising within the DS tube. Once you pull the DS out 1/2" and reinsert to stop, it's MAX.

Strange but True!

I also agree with 1000 break-in miles. I have 2000 as of today and the performance is awesome.

Check out ferrarichat.com - FAQ: Motor oil articles by Dr. Ali E. Haas (AEHaas)
It's a great explanation of oils, centistokes and performance traits of syn's vs. mineral-petroleum products.

 

[BillTheCat]

Just want to say thanks in advance for the write-up & pics. I've always changed my own oil, but my back & neck are fighting me more & more on that count every time. Knowing where the bolts & clips are, etc. will help me get done more quickly & save pain & stiffness later.

I just traded an 05 MINI Cooper S for a MS3 Sport. Was hoping the oil changes would be easier, but it looks like they'll be a bit more involved. I am, however, undeterred.

(No need to remove underpanels on the Cooper S, as the drain plug is in plain sight & the filter housing is accessed thru the top of the engine bay. Mind you, the top-loading canister is a royal MESS every time, so maybe I'll have less clean-up after a change on the MS3.)

 

[Bonafide_Spd3]

Just wondering instead of going to the mazda dealership to get the oil filter if I could just pick up one at a local autozone or whatever

 

[blacksheepms3]

PG sells them for almost half what the dealer charged me. you might wanna get it from them instead.

 

[BillTheCat]

PG sells them for almost half what the dealer charged me. you might wanna get it from them instead.

"PG" likely refers to Protege Garage, just for Bonafide's benefit.

 

[Speed3ForMe]

I just did my first oil change and I poured in 5QTs and when I checked the dipstick it is right at the point before the "Max" indicator. I've read through this thread and noticed a lot of people use at less 5.5QTs. Should I be worried? When I look into the engine via the port on top of the engine I can't visibly see any oil.

 

[sephiroth]

When I look into the engine via the port on top of the engine I can't visibly see any oil.

nor should you, the oil sits in the pan until it's injected through the cam caps onto the contact surfaces of the camshaft. Just add in 100ml's until it reads max.

 

[hyperpm]

first time changing oil on speed3 and thought it would be complicated due to cartridge style filter. i was wrong, it was a piece of cake.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Everytime I change my oil I find myself coming back here... Thanks again and everytime!

 

[khoney]

I just did my first oil change and I poured in 5QTs and when I checked the dipstick it is right at the point before the "Max" indicator. I've read through this thread and noticed a lot of people use at less 5.5QTs. Should I be worried? When I look into the engine via the port on top of the engine I can't visibly see any oil.

Did you start the engine, let it run for a minute, and stop it, and recheck? The filter will take up some of that oil.