Changed the Oil on the V50 for the First Time

"Future Heap Owner" (aperiodic)
08/03/2019 at 22:30 • Filed to: Why do I like doing this sort of thing so much?, V-50, Banff

Here it is in traction using a bedpan

I paid a shop to change the oil right before the spring cruise, and with that trip and all the others it had racked up 4,500 miles on conventional by the time I got back from Banff, so it was overdue. It burned about 3/4 of a quart that I refilled on my way back, but even then, the engine had started to shudder very noticeably for anywhere between five and twenty seconds after a cold start.

I had the shop put in a Fumoto valve when they did the oil change, so draining was a breeze:

The annoying part is that I have to take a few pieces of the air intake off and then use a u-joint, an extension, and a giant 36 mm socket to remove the oil filter:

Still, it was mostly annoying in that I had to go get everything besides the ratchet; now that I have the stuff, it’s fine. It might actually be faster to do this than to struggle with a smooth metal filter mounted underneath, like on the previous two vehicles I’ve changed oil on.

After replacing the filter (and double-checking the Fumoto valve), I filled the engine up with 5W-30 full synthetic high mileage, which will hopefully help with the burning issue. Since I don’t daily drive and I don’t plan too many more road trips for the year (and none nearly as long as Banff), this oil will likely be in until spring.

Thanks for reading my boring description of a boring maintenance task (that I nonetheless enjoyed doing because it’s been a while). Here are some photos from Banff for your time:

DISCUSSION (18)

Ready for an adventure! > Future Heap Owner
08/03/2019 at 22:49

pictures made it worth the read. And now I want a Fumoto valve. Thanks. The “I WANT” Monster surfaces again...lol

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Future Heap Owner
08/03/2019 at 23:04

TIL they made a 36mm socket, holy smokes. Largest I own is 24mm.

gettingoldercarguy > Future Heap Owner
08/03/2019 at 23:43

Fumoto makes it super easy.

facw > Future Heap Owner
08/03/2019 at 23:59

That’s a lot more complicated than the first-gen S40/V40. You did still need a special tool for the canister filter, but everything was easily accessible, if I was less fat, I probably could have done it without even lifting the car. My S60 is a bit more annoying since the drain and filter are farther in, and under the splash guard (I’ve considered getting the IPD skidplate just to make it easier to access, but ultimately decided that it is easier and less messy to take it to the shop).

wafflesnfalafel > Future Heap Owner
08/04/2019 at 00:51

H ate that some brands feel the need to hide the filter - my old Mazda3, (which I guess is sort of related to the Volvos of that era through the Ford ownership ?) had one of the cartridge filters way up inside. It was easier to take off the protective cover from the bottom and get to it from that direction....

Future Heap Owner > wafflesnfalafel
08/04/2019 at 02:53

Yeah, in the aughts Ford, Mazda, and Volvo built the European Focus, Mazda3, and S40/V50 on the same platform.

This filter placement is much better than on my GM V8 where you access from the bottom but it’s pointing up as if you’d be accessing from the top, and you still have the 4WD transfer case (I think) in the way so you’re unscrewing it blind.

Future Heap Owner > Ready for an adventure!
08/04/2019 at 02:54

Well, of all the things that could summon that monster, an oil valve is far from the worst.

Future Heap Owner > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/04/2019 at 03:01

Yeah, they don’t even sell them at Harbor Freight as far as I could see (except maybe in a giant socket set).

Sovande > Future Heap Owner
08/04/2019 at 07:57

The Fumoto valve makes things so easy on these cars. Having to remove and replace the splash shield everytime is a pain.

I’m surprised you had dino oil in there... Definitely not what is recommended in these cars, or really any turbo car. If you still have oil burning issues with 5w30 , try moving up to 5w40.

Future Heap Owner > Sovande
08/04/2019 at 14:03

Owners’ manual recommends 5W-30 conventional as default, and I forgot to ask the shop to do synthetic, so I’m assuming based on that (and that they said it should be changed after 3k) that it was the dino stuff.

Sovande > Future Heap Owner
08/04/2019 at 14:21

Sounds like it! Run synthetic. It will treat you much better.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Future Heap Owner
08/04/2019 at 16:52

Banff is so gorgeous. I want to go so bad.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/04/2019 at 16:53

They go a lot bigger than that. Don't know who told you 24mm was big, but maybe they were just trying to not hurt your feelings?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
08/04/2019 at 16:56

Guess I’m spoiled with the luxury of successfully changing my car’s oil without al l the foreplay and the need for special tools

Future Heap Owner > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
08/04/2019 at 17:26

If you’re willing to drive for 15 hours not including breaks, you can make it there in one day!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/04/2019 at 19:15

If you had a real luxury car, you'd know that luxury means changing your oil completely from the top

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
08/04/2019 at 19:35

... Okay these in nuendos are getting too sophistimacated

functionoverfashion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/05/2019 at 10:35

Indeed, I bought one for the oil filter on my E46 and was delighted to find that it fit my wife’s S40 and now our XC70. Probably not found in a socket set generally, but you can get them. Of course if you buy a “BMW” one it’ll be $108.50 but I’m sure I found mine on Amazon or something for about $7.99