BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

I'm gathering tools and advice for 1st oil change.

Here's the underside. I think I can tell which is the oil filter.

One of the others is the drain bolt.
Which one???
None have a HEX head.
What tool removes the drain bolt?

Here are the tools it came with. None of them look right. Yes, I've read the paper service manual and watched at least one YouTube video.
Is it possible to replace the unusual drain bolt with a hex head?

Any advice is welcome!

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Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Mon Mar 03, 2025 12:25 amI think I can tell which is the oil filter.

This is the BMW oil filter wrench $68.78, https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/PartsDeta ... T_11_4_661 others are available.

EnDuraLast oil filter wrench $6.99, https://www.euromotoelectrics.com/BMW-O ... 12g554.htm

Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Mon Mar 03, 2025 12:25 amWhat tool removes the drain bolt.

8mm Hexagon bit or Allen key.

Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Mon Mar 03, 2025 12:25 amIs it possible to replace the unusual drain bolt with a hex head.

A hex head drain bolt would reduce the ground clearance of the sump.

Thank you for that reply and especially for the photos!

I'd guessed correctly about which bolt was the drain plug, but I was thinking it was a Torx wrench I'd need.

I've ordered the oil filter wrench for the BMW oil filter. I'll be replacing that with K&N brand just because it's what I'm used to.

Many thanks!!!

Oil and Filter changes are about the pinnacle of repair for me. Everything else will go to my trusted mechanic!

Clint Eastwood said "A Man's got to know his limitations."

a different question for folks with long experience....

After I drain the oil, I'll put in the 4 Litres.

or do I ?????

Do I put in some odd amount and then do that dance of riding it around the block, putting it up on the centerstand, and then checking the oil level in the little round window?

I've read that the window oil level should be between the CENTRE and TOP markings?
(that is ... when the bike is at operating temp and up on the centre stand.)

What Say You ???

Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Mon Mar 03, 2025 4:44 pmWhat say you.

Refer to the BMW Rider's Manual for checking the engine oil level.

Yes, I have. And I will again as I sit here.

I was just wondering what you experienced riders do.

Does one need to do the "check oil" procedure right after an oil change?
I'm guessing not, but maybe there's some reason you should ?

Although both the BMW Rider's Manual and the Haynes Manual give a oil capacity of 4 litres, it's too much. There is always some left out of a 4 litre container.

The Haynes Manual gives the following procedure,.
"Fill the engine to the top of the inspection window. To ensure an accurate check of the oil level, take the machine for a test ride so that the engine reaches operating temperature, then put it onto the centre stand and allow the oil level to stabilise for five minutes with the engine OFF. Check the oil level again - it should be just below the top of the window. If necessary, add more oil to bring it up to the correct level, but take care not to over-fill the engine."

The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX levels, a difference of 0.5 litre.

David. wrote: ↑Mon Mar 03, 2025 10:01 pm Although both the BMW Rider's Manual and the Haynes Manual give a oil capacity of 4 litres, it's too much. There is always some left out of a 4 litre container.

That's astounding to me. It's not your fault , and I will follow your advice. I'm sure there's a reason for that, but that means both manuals are telling us .... Not the truth? (Or maybe it's the oil company. There's more in the container than it says?)
Nice.

I don't have the Clymer manual with me at the moment, but I'll check to see if it, too, recommends that "top off" routine.

Seems to me that if BMW states the capacity is 4.0 litres, and you drain it completely, you should then put back....
Oh, I don't know.... 4.0 litres?

As John Belushi was famous for saying ... But NOoooooo...

You have to put back 3.5 litres (I'm guessing) and do the top off thing... OK...

See, I'm glad I asked. If I had gone with logic and the stated capacity, I would have done that incorrectly.

Thank you for the benefit of your experience.

I've been searching this problem and finding multiple confirmations of David's advice....

Most read like this...

I did put 4 liters in. Over 2 thousand miles later it's still over the glass. I, too, will be starting with less next time and filling based on the visible level rather than the stated capacity.

I'm disappointed the clymer brand manual doesn't speak to this, but I'm glad someone warned me ahead of time!

I have to be fair to the Clymer Service manual...

It DOES discuss putting in oil until you can see it in the oil window (just above centre) then riding it and adding oil a little at a time until the oil level is between the high/low marks while at operating temps.

I can't see those high/low marks even with a flash light, so here's the next question.

What is the target level in the round window??

50% full? 75%???

What do you aim for when you are topping off the oil??? That is, what (%) level in the round window?

I can see the center of the round window (50%), I just can't see the high/low markings. If no one answers this, I'll aim for 60% just because I don't know any better.

I think that the quoted 4 litres capacity is what's know as a dry engine from new.

The theory may be that you don't manage to drain all the oil out, some is retained in various places.

Within the oil level window, there is a red circle, the bottom of which is MIN and the top MAX levels.

I like to have mine at the top MAX level. The idea is that anywhere between the MIN and MAX is acceptable.

Wow. ...
I can see the round window,

I can see oil in it.

There's a red circle somewhere? Is it at the bottom of the window or at the top?

Can we talk about pecentages since we both know where the center of the circle is? at 50%?

This is over the MAX level but shows the red circle.


This looks ~50%.