I did my first oil change the other day (5000 miles). While removing the oil filter, which I accessed from the top of the engine, I could not prevent the oil from pouring out of the old filter and landing on everything underneath. I don't know what components are down there, but I'm sure they are covered. Do I need to be concerned about getting the oil off the car? If so, what would everyone recommend. I thought about spraying simple green down there and then spraying it off with low pressure water. Any suggestions?

On a side note, I used my oil extractor for the first time and it worked great. An oil extractor is a pump that extracts the oil from the engine through the dip-stick hole. I was about 1/4 of a quart low and the extractor extracted about 4 liters. I would definitely recommend one of these to anyone that does not like jacking up the car.

 

I'd recommend a degreaser then spray the engine with high pressure air. Be careful on where you spray those degreaser tho. My

And I don't see the point of the pump. I'd rather drain the oil from the bottom. Its more effective (I think)

Hope the degreaser helps.

 

Let the engine cool off completely. Then simply spray the area with a garden hose will do just fine. Next time let the engine sit overnight before removing the filter and you will not have the oil spill mess.

 

Actually, someone on a BMW site had results from a test of the oil extractor and it was able to remove more oil than just draining alone. I have no way of proving one way or another. I just do not like getting under a jacked up car if I do not have to... AND I like new gadgets

 

[QUOTE=danotto]I don't know what components are down there, but I'm sure they are covered. Do I need to be concerned about getting the oil off the car?
[\QUOTE]

There is only a plastic tray underneath, so although it is covered, it isn't hurting anything. You may notice oil dripping out, but other than that, you aren't going to hurt the half shaft or other components.