1st oil change

[Bonneybear]

Hi, first attempt here, where should I get the parts? Heard horror stories about o  rings.... My oil lit comes on after a minute so maybe the filter is clogged???

[Bob_Roller]

You don't have too many options for filters, a local BMW dealer, or independent BMW repair shop.

NAPA auto parts has Wix filters for our bikes, so if want to try them .

Not to doubt your observation, but are you sure the low oil pressure light is coming on, or could it be the red charge light .

If your low oil pressure light is coming on, you have a serious problem, and I don't think it's going to be a filter problem .

[not-so-fast-ed]

Check out this thread:

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1237306309/34#34

Ed

[nhmaf]

The price went up a bit on this ebay seller, but you can get (2) wix filter kits from them for $30 -
http://tinyurl.com/p6a44j

[weasel01]

I just went through this and this is what I found:
I have a regular ole' 1983 R65 and thought it would be easy to get the right filter but it wasnt.
There are at least 2 different lengths of filter ...i ordered the wix filter first but found that the metal shim DID NOT FIT it was slightly too large for the opening then found the wix filter to be slightly TOO LONG and my 3 bolt cover would not close?
The Mahle OX35 (now dicontinued replaced by Mahle OX37) was what my bike had in it when I got it I compared the length to the wix and sure enough the wix was a little longer.
I ended up ordering BMW part number 11009056145 it came with everything including the new OX37, o-ring ,shim, gasket and the drain plug crush washer and it all fit perfectly.
it cost $16.02 from Chicago BMW

[Bengt_Phorqs]

You mentioned the filter was too long.  For what it's worth be sure to check that you removed the o-ring from the back side of the old filter.  Some bikes have this.  It's an easy enough visual check.  If you find it still in the bike you will need to use some form of tool to "hook" it out.  I keep an old ice pick in my tool box with the tip bent at 90 degrees just for such as this.

[weasel01]

No lost o ring just too long.... there is apparently some debate about the paper gasket.
For what it's worth mine came with a gasket installed and so I used the new one to replace the old one and it seems just fine.

[montmil]

... there is apparently some debate about the paper gasket.

No debate. You need a vernier caliper to measure as instructed in the service manuals.

[weasel01]

Please explain my repair manual has vaporized?? I have reordered a new clymer today hopefully it will be here by this weekend.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

ampliflyer,

The long oil filter is meant for engines with an oil cooler.  You simply got the wrong one.

re: the measuring for the paper gasket, here is a previous discussion:

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1237306309/6#6

[Ed Miller]

... there is apparently some debate about the paper gasket.

No debate. You need a vernier caliper to measure as instructed in the service manuals.

THAT'S in the repair manuals?  I didn't know that.  

[weasel01]

Thanks guys, got it!
It is kinda scary that just the thickness of the paper gasket could prevent the oring from creating a seal especially since it is included in every kit?
has anyone here had this happen? meanining using the paper gasket...causing the oring to not seal properly and then causing catastrophic engine failure?
Seems like BMW is remiss in not including a warning with the factory supplied kit if this is still a genuine concern?

[Bob_Roller]

I don't think this was a wide spread problem, the lip that the metal washer sits on, is a sleeve that is pressed into the oil filter cavity.

I think there were some problems with the installation of the sleeve, or the sleeve had incorrect dimensions, one of the two.

This caused the o-ring to be too far in, to compress enough to seal, when the cover was put on.

[Justin B.]

Don't hold your breath for any kind of cautionary statements about anything from the factory.  I have a gut feeling that the beancounters at BMW would not cry too much if Airhead owners just kinda "went away" as the majority aren't too likely to plunk down for a brand new bike from 'em...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

ampliflyer,

I don't think it is the use of the paper gasket that causes the catastrophic failure, so much as not using a metal shim on an engine that has a filter canister with a sharp edge, that can cut the large o-ring and cause it to fail.  And those engines definitely don't include '81-on.  I'm not so sure about the early models.

The canister's position in the engine block is the variable here.

If the canister is out far enough, one may need a paper gasket to keep from crushing the o-ring too much!

Which is why the only way you can tell what you need, is by measuring it.  
And a caliper measuring device is one of the handiest tools you will ever own.

When you buy an airhead, the cost of the bike is only part of the total expense.  Tools.
And good riding gear.
And lots of insurance.


I have only had a problem with this once in 29 years, and that was just a few years ago.   Apparently the o-ring slid out of position when I put the cover in place.  I didn't realize it until I pulled into the gas station after leaving the house, and finding I didn't have any footing under my right foot.  There was a puddle of oil there, getting larger all the time!
Luckily I was not far from home, and I added some oil at the station and headed for home.  The o-ring was off-center and cut.  I had to order a new one before I could ride...