e28 oil change(noob questions)
 

Alright, so I have gotten everything I need to do it, the pan to catch it, sockets, new STP oil filter, all the right part numbers. But im not quite sure where everything is. I *think* that the oil filter is in the housing by the coolant resevoir? And i dont know where the drain plug is exactly under the motor. TIA, and pictures would be terrific.

Depending on your engine it looks like there is either a spin on or a cartridge filter. The spin on should be obvious when you find it. If it is a cartridge then it is probably on the drivers side of the engine near the front. Should be a metal lid with a bolt in the center.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-Oil-Change/E36-Oil-Change.htm

The drain bolt is at the bottom of the SIDE of the pan.