I just had a service on my tdv8 L322. It's almost at 250,000km. I checked the oil after a short tip home. This is what it looked like and I'm wondering whether the didn't drain the oil from both sump plugs or forgot to change the filter. Here's a pic after the drive home:

I suspect that will always be the case. I'd imagine you'd have to strip down the engine to clean it thoroughly.

Bear in mind that diesels are also pretty high pressure so there's more of a chance of stuff slipping past the piston rings.

If it helps mine was similar... Ed

Rule of thumb rar110 drip the engine oil onto your finger, then put your two fingers together as if you are checking the viscosity... If it stains your fingers and does NOT wipe off your finger using a tissue, then the oil is dirty/old... If you need swarfega to clean it off

Thanks for the replies. I should clarify that I'm quite satisfied the oil was changed. I'm mainly concerned whether both sump plugs were drained.

While I'm at it, does this look new:

That air filter looks far from new, look deep into the folds for dirt and debris to confirm. It should be uniform colour with no blemishes. I have limited experience with Diesels, just done my 3rd oil change on my TD6 and already know the new oil looks dirty after very few miles. Cam-Tech-Craig`s tip is one to remember . 2007 TDV8 VSE
2003 TD6 gone.
2002 P38a gone
1999 P38a gone
1997 p38a gone
1993 VSE gone
1992 VSE gone
1966 Series 2a with V8 conversion gone

Hi Rar110,

I'm changing my filter this weekend and will post a piccie of it. 5000klms old during the dry so expecting it to be dusty.

Cheers, Jerry

Ta Jerry.

I ended up taking out the whole filter box to clean it out. There was leaves and sand in there. It's interesting that it's only really held in place by 3 pins into rubber grommets, the inlet tube going into the side panel and the two outlet tubes.

Another interesting feature is a factory hole in the inner side panel that looks to be for a snorkel or RAI. Pic below.

The hole has a plastic cap fitted. It doesn't look very big in the pic but I think it could be 65-75mm diameter. I should have measured it. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Just my pennies worth , I get my oil changed during a service at every 7'- 10 thousand kms and it does look pretty clean at each change , the mechanic didn't change cabin filter last time because it's spotless , he's a BMW specialist and was surprised how clean the oil was himself 2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

I pulled the air filter out and it's clean and new. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

My new filter against old. The replaced filter is 4300klms old.



Cheers, Jerry

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

I think you need a snorkel Jerry. Alternatively, keep a spare filter for trips away. I'll try to remember to take pics of mine after 4-5000km to compare with mine which does mostly city driving. Also, I'm heading out to Lightening Ridge for a trip soon. I take pics after that. It's mostly bitumen but can be dusty. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Hi rar110

Snorkel would be great but I dont think you can get one for these without a lot of mucking around!

Who do you use in Brissie, Indies are few and far between and you have to travel some distance.

Envious of Lightning Ridge, and yes please do post pics of the filter after that trip.

Cheers, Jerry

Gday Jerry
Three Brissie indies I've used are MR Automotive Redcliffe, Knights Albion and Greg Tungstall Ormiston. I would happily give my L322 to any of these. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow