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I don't pretend this is a difficult task that really needs much explanations, but I realize a lot of the G310R owners are new comers in the world of motorcycling and I thought I could share one of the easiest, yet essential, maintenance task: oil change!
I also don't mean to refrain anyone going to its dealer to have this done. To each his own, I just prefer to handle all the tasks I can do myself, it's just something I enjoy. This way I am also 100% sure of what is being done on my bike. You won't save much time nor money doing this, but you'll probably gain some satisfaction and confidence along the way.
Service manual also describe pretty well how to do this, but sometimes it's fun to have real-life experience and pictures on the side. So let's start.
1- First step is fun, just ride your bike around the corner so the oil gets hot, it will get out of the engine easier this way!
2- Gather the parts and tools.
From left to right on the picture. Costs in Canadian dollars.
2 x 1L OEM Oil Advantec Pro 15W50 - PN: 83212365963 - 13$/liter
1 x OEM Drain Plug Crush Washer - PN: 07119963252 - 2$
1 x OEM Filter - PN: 11428562889 - 23$
1 x 8mm Allen Wrench
1 x 12mm socket w/ wrench
1 x Oil filter wrench. (I've used a "universal one", one of the socket-type fitting exactly the filter would be better but the ones in my toolbox were not the good size, so I've used a universal one.)
1 x Oil drain pan (not pictured)
1 x Torque wrench (not pictured and I did not use one in fact, up to personal experience/preference)
![]()
3- Have the bike to stand upright.
I use a standard rear-wheel stand for that purpose.
![]()
4- Remove the skid plate.
Put your head down and look under your bike for the first time! There are 4 nuts to remove there using the 12mm socket/wrench.
![]()
5- Place the drain pan under engine and unscrew the drain plug using the 8mm allen wrench.
![]()
6- Let that oil out get out
...and let's see if you had placed the drain pan in proper location or if your floor is a mess now
![]()
Taking a look at the drainplug, we see it has a magnetic tip that catched some metal shavings, this is perfectly normal especially right after break-in. There should be less of these small debris, if any, on the next oil change. Also be careful that there is a crush washer on the bolt, or else it stayed on the engine block (less likely). Usually you will replace with a new one but in case you didn't plan to do so, make sure you didn't loose this one in the oil pan...
![]()
7- Unscrew the oil filter.
Sometimes you can manage with bare hands but it seems mine was tight enough that I needed the tool.
![]()
Let drain...
![]()
8- With your finger, put a light coat of oil on the filter rubber seal.
This will ensure it screws in nicely without snugging and making a perfect seal.
![]()
9- Screw new filter in place.
Clean your hands (or gloves) first!
Once the base of the filter touched the base of the engine casing, I was able to screw almost one full-turn (maybe 7/8 of a turn?) with my hands. This is tight enough. If you use the tool to screw it, make sure not to over-tighten.
![]()
10- Clean the drain plug and fit new crush washer.
Crush washers are meant for allowing a perfect seal and they will "crush" a little bit, preventing you to over-tight the bolt. I often did not replace the crush washer systematically on each oil change, but I was told using the same crush washer over and over could damage the threads of the casing in the long run, it makes sense and for what they cost, I prefer to do it whenever possible.
![]()
11- Screw drain plug.
Recommended torque setting is 20Nm. I've done this so many times that I go on these by "feeling". Now your feeling won't be the same as mine so in case of doubt, use a torque wrench (and make sure you know how to set it properly or else you won't be in a much better position!). For more serious and precise engine work I will use a torque wrench, but for the drain plug not necessary in my case.
12- Pour some fresh new oil.
BMW Advantec Pro is supposedly a semi-syntetic oil blend. We know BMW does not produce its own oil, so there must be an equivalent in the big oil brands available for cheaper, but for now I'm sticking with it, at least for the time the bike is under warranty.
BMW mentions 1.7 liter when for a complete flush and filter change. For now you might put a little less to make sure you won't have too much at the end.
![]()
Before starting the engine, you'll notice the level seems too high, this is normal, there is no oil in the whole system (the filter is still empty).
Use a rag and clean all traces of oil around the drain plug and the filter.
![]()
13- Start the engine for about 1 minute.
Make sure no oil is dripping from the filter nor the drain plug (else revise all previous steps!)
Stop and let oil settle down, then check and add if necessary
![]()
This is what was left my 2nd container, so I've roughly used .. 1660ml of new oil.
![]()
Done!
Time to clean the floor, you don't want your tires to have any traces of oil on them.
Oh and good idea to check after a real ride also when the oil is hot and that is how the manufacturer recommends you check the level.
Hopefully I did not forget anything -- and do this at your own risk, I can't be held responsible if you FXXX up!
Happy riding!
I also don't mean to refrain anyone going to its dealer to have this done. To each his own, I just prefer to handle all the tasks I can do myself, it's just something I enjoy. This way I am also 100% sure of what is being done on my bike. You won't save much time nor money doing this, but you'll probably gain some satisfaction and confidence along the way.
Service manual also describe pretty well how to do this, but sometimes it's fun to have real-life experience and pictures on the side. So let's start.
1- First step is fun, just ride your bike around the corner so the oil gets hot, it will get out of the engine easier this way!
2- Gather the parts and tools.
From left to right on the picture. Costs in Canadian dollars.
2 x 1L OEM Oil Advantec Pro 15W50 - PN: 83212365963 - 13$/liter
1 x OEM Drain Plug Crush Washer - PN: 07119963252 - 2$
1 x OEM Filter - PN: 11428562889 - 23$
1 x 8mm Allen Wrench
1 x 12mm socket w/ wrench
1 x Oil filter wrench. (I've used a "universal one", one of the socket-type fitting exactly the filter would be better but the ones in my toolbox were not the good size, so I've used a universal one.)
1 x Oil drain pan (not pictured)
1 x Torque wrench (not pictured and I did not use one in fact, up to personal experience/preference)
3- Have the bike to stand upright.
I use a standard rear-wheel stand for that purpose.
4- Remove the skid plate.
Put your head down and look under your bike for the first time! There are 4 nuts to remove there using the 12mm socket/wrench.
5- Place the drain pan under engine and unscrew the drain plug using the 8mm allen wrench.
6- Let that oil out get out
...and let's see if you had placed the drain pan in proper location or if your floor is a mess now
Taking a look at the drainplug, we see it has a magnetic tip that catched some metal shavings, this is perfectly normal especially right after break-in. There should be less of these small debris, if any, on the next oil change. Also be careful that there is a crush washer on the bolt, or else it stayed on the engine block (less likely). Usually you will replace with a new one but in case you didn't plan to do so, make sure you didn't loose this one in the oil pan...
7- Unscrew the oil filter.
Sometimes you can manage with bare hands but it seems mine was tight enough that I needed the tool.
Let drain...
8- With your finger, put a light coat of oil on the filter rubber seal.
This will ensure it screws in nicely without snugging and making a perfect seal.
9- Screw new filter in place.
Clean your hands (or gloves) first!
Once the base of the filter touched the base of the engine casing, I was able to screw almost one full-turn (maybe 7/8 of a turn?) with my hands. This is tight enough. If you use the tool to screw it, make sure not to over-tighten.
10- Clean the drain plug and fit new crush washer.
Crush washers are meant for allowing a perfect seal and they will "crush" a little bit, preventing you to over-tight the bolt. I often did not replace the crush washer systematically on each oil change, but I was told using the same crush washer over and over could damage the threads of the casing in the long run, it makes sense and for what they cost, I prefer to do it whenever possible.
11- Screw drain plug.
Recommended torque setting is 20Nm. I've done this so many times that I go on these by "feeling". Now your feeling won't be the same as mine so in case of doubt, use a torque wrench (and make sure you know how to set it properly or else you won't be in a much better position!). For more serious and precise engine work I will use a torque wrench, but for the drain plug not necessary in my case.
12- Pour some fresh new oil.
BMW Advantec Pro is supposedly a semi-syntetic oil blend. We know BMW does not produce its own oil, so there must be an equivalent in the big oil brands available for cheaper, but for now I'm sticking with it, at least for the time the bike is under warranty.
BMW mentions 1.7 liter when for a complete flush and filter change. For now you might put a little less to make sure you won't have too much at the end.
Before starting the engine, you'll notice the level seems too high, this is normal, there is no oil in the whole system (the filter is still empty).
Use a rag and clean all traces of oil around the drain plug and the filter.
13- Start the engine for about 1 minute.
Make sure no oil is dripping from the filter nor the drain plug (else revise all previous steps!)
Stop and let oil settle down, then check and add if necessary
This is what was left my 2nd container, so I've roughly used .. 1660ml of new oil.
Done!
Time to clean the floor, you don't want your tires to have any traces of oil on them.
Oh and good idea to check after a real ride also when the oil is hot and that is how the manufacturer recommends you check the level.
Hopefully I did not forget anything -- and do this at your own risk, I can't be held responsible if you FXXX up!
Happy riding!
