Hi guys.

This is my first post. I happy to contribute a good experience.

I stopped by and spoke with one of the "quick service" techs here in San Diego named Dennis. After he got over his initial surprise that I was attempting to do the job myself he gave me some good advise.

He started talking shop more when I told him I did most of the work on my last two M3's.

He reccomended I get a small 12 volt electric pump from one of the local Marine supply stores. Went to Hipp Marine about 5 minutes from the dealer.

Bought a SEADOG #501060-3, $26.00. Remove filter first for adequate air flow

Insert the line in dipstick tube, clamped the other end to an empty 5 quart Mobile one container.

Flip the swtich and pumped out 5.3 quarts in about 3 minutes. Sweet!!!

Added 5.5quarts (per tech's instruction) fresh Mobile 1, 5w-40, 15,000 mile oil vs 0w-40 for this climate and replaced the filter.

A good tip is to add oil through the filter base, it's faster and cleaner.

I took it back to San Diego MB and th tech plugged in the computer.

Said it was more accurate than the dip stick, which is an insanely priced special tool. About $125.00 at the dealer but I found it for about half on line.

Target was a reading of 43 to 64 on the computer pressure reading. I was at 63. The tech said that was about perfect on a hot engine.

However, I'm thinking that now that I've got a good level in it, Ill go over to one of the local auto parts stores get any dip stick I think is a close match.

Put it in and get a level check and file a mark on the dip stick. The computer doesn't report until you' re a quart low. I don't like that feature.

I'll perform all the other "A" service details this week end.

One thing thats interesting The oil was changed on this car at the dealer at about 5000 miles because the OBD lights said I was due. The dealer changed it at no charge and reset the lights.

At 12,992 I will tell you this oil looked nasty. I plan to do changes every 6,500 in the future. I told the tech how the oil looked and he agreed, " the synthetics look nasty."

No way I'm going with 13,000 mile intervals no matter what the research says

I took some pictures I'll try to post later.

Cheers...