i4 DIY Oil Change

[Yukoncole]

This drain plug option solves the stripping concern and adds a magnetic tip, which I love adding to my engines to keep circulating oil and the oil filter cleaner, which in turn is better for the longevity of your engine!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SMPN7B3/?tag=emiraforum-20

 

[Yukoncole]

Ok, so there is no consolidated step by step DIY for the i4 so I did one this weekend. So I thought I would do a DIY guide. It's not hard or technical but maybe this will empower the owner on the fence.

1. Obtain replacement filter, crush washer and filter O-ring. I got mine from my local Parts Manager for as a kit for $104.27 (#8896381034). The crush washer was separate at $4.17 (#8896272188).

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2. Obtain 7 qts of oil. My local dealer does all the exotics so Parts Manager said this oil was what they used for their oil changes. 7 bottles was $91.

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3. Remove oil cap in engine bay and insert a funnel. The i4 does not have a dipstick so you will have to use the onboard screen widget to assess oil levels.

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4. Remove rear diffuser and rear underbody tray.

5. Locate oil drain plug. Be super careful as it is a T40 Torx bit but you have to seat bit in drain plug as far as it can go and go slow! Drain plug seems to be slightly larger than T40 as it wiggles if not completely seated and will slip with torque.

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6. Let oil drain. Replace (or reuse) crush washer on drain plug.

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7. Reinstall oil drain plug. Torque to 40nM or 32 ft-lbs.

How hard is the removal of the rear diffuser and rear underbody tray? Thanks!

 

[docron]

How hard is the removal of the rear diffuser and rear underbody tray? Thanks!

Depends if it will be your first time or your 30th time. LOL

But relatively easy, just a ton of bolts.
And I just jack the rear up high enough to put race ramps under the rear tires. Thats enough clearance for this.

 

[Yukoncole]

Depends if it will be your first time or your 30th time. LOL

But relatively easy, just a ton of bolts.
And I just jack the rear up high enough to put race ramps under the rear tires. Thats enough clearance for this.

That was my plan, I have a slight decline on my driveway, which allows me to pull on or, in this case, back on to the ramps and keep the car perfectly level while providing a little more room with the declining drive. It appears, especially as it is my 1st time, that I will spend more time removing bolts and trays than changing the oil lol

 

[bman6074]

Has anyone tried this filter? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2G3BSF/?tag=emiraforum-20
Premium Guard PG99221EX

 

[harleyujoe]

Has anyone tried this filter? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2G3BSF/?tag=emiraforum-20
Premium Guard PG99221EX

They are consider budget filters for DIYers... I would not use them but sure others do..
Have to much invested into Emira to cut corners and take a chance with warranty still on it..

 

[bman6074]

They are consider budget filters for DIYers... I would not use them but sure others do..
Have to much invested into Emira to cut corners and take a chance with warranty still on it..

Oh ok, through searching it appeared to be the Mercedes dealer installed filter for the AMG engine. Glad i asked. Is the Mann or a Wix a much better choice? I am not worried so much about cost, just want to be sure I am using a decent filter. Or the same filter the dealer would use, just not pay dealer prices.

 

[Yukoncole]

Oh ok, through searching it appeared to be the Mercedes dealer installed filter for the AMG engine. Glad i asked. Is the Mann or a Wix a much better choice? I am not worried so much about cost, just want to be sure I am using a decent filter. Or the same filter the dealer would use, just not pay dealer prices.

Here ya go man - https://www.ebay.com/itm/156916626889

 

[bman6074]

Here ya go man - https://www.ebay.com/itm/156916626889

Thank you

 

[bman6074]

Does anyone have a link to a correct crush washer or Oil Drain Plug Gaskets?
Would these work? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007OW6MD6/?tag=emiraforum-20

 

[Yukoncole]

Does anyone have a link to a correct crush washer or Oil Drain Plug Gaskets?
Would these work? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007OW6MD6/?tag=emiraforum-20

You want a 20mm outer / 14mm Inner - like these here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG7RHMH5?tag=emiraforum-20

 

[Yukoncole]

Does anyone have a link to a correct crush washer or Oil Drain Plug Gaskets?
Would these work? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007OW6MD6/?tag=emiraforum-20

This is a nice upgrade as well. I plan to install it soon, as many have issues with the stock plug! Furthermore, this one is magnetic, which I love using, so you can see if anything major is happening, and it keeps the filter cleaner.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SMPN7B3?tag=emiraforum-20

 

[bman6074]

You want a 20mm outer / 14mm Inner - like these here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG7RHMH5?tag=emiraforum-20

This is a nice upgrade as well. I plan to install it soon, as many have issues with the stock plug! Furthermore, this one is magnetic, which I love using, so you can see if anything major is happening, and it keeps the filter cleaner.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SMPN7B3?tag=emiraforum-20

Thank you. I do plan on using the magnetic plug as well.

 

[StopLoss]

Can't quite tell (I haven't taken delivery of my I4 yet), but looks like you backed the car onto ramps? Would this then put the oil pan at an angle where not all the oil would drain out?

 

[docron]

Can't quite tell (I haven't taken delivery of my I4 yet), but looks like you backed the car onto ramps? Would this then put the oil pan at an angle where not all the oil would drain out?

I actually jack the rear up using the jack points and then slip the ramps under the rear wheels for clearance to remove the rear diffuser and the metal undertray.

The drain plug is on the front side of the oil pan so it drains fine.

 

[StopLoss]

I actually jack the rear up using the jack points and then slip the ramps under the rear wheels for clearance to remove the rear diffuser and the metal undertray.

The drain plug is on the front side of the oil pan so it drains fine.

Ah got it. Presumably using a floor jack and doing one side at a time? Any concern with excessive torsional twisting of the frame to jack a corner that high? Asking because I'll be doing all my own oil changes, etc., after I get mine. Thanks!

 

[docron]

Its really not that high to get the ramps under the wheels

 

[Tvdmc]

Can you share where can I buy the drain plug that fits both T40 bit and 6mm Alan?

 

[F1 SML8R]

The OE one is a dealer exclusive (both MB and Lotus would have them) or you can buy a generic hex head using the thread pitch, and length listed somewhere earlier in this thread.

 

[Yukoncole]

I actually jack the rear up using the jack points and then slip the ramps under the rear wheels for clearance to remove the rear diffuser and the metal undertray.

The drain plug is on the front side of the oil pan so it drains fine.

I have a sloped driveway, so I backed onto the ramps, but the car with the Dual Clutch makes it pretty easy to pull onto the ramps!