I just did my first oil change yesterday and read that the belly cover needs to be taken off. It seemed like a lot of screws to change the oil. Then I realized on mine, the drain plug is open/accessible and the oil filter has a "trap door" that allows access with just dropping 3 screws. Is that on all X models or 08's? I thought I would try changing the oil by just using the trap door and it makes a bit of a mess due to the angle of the oil filter. I stuffed a rag up there to soak up the oil that dropped on the cover.

 

I have thought about using the little access door, but I always opt for dropping the whole belly panel. It gives me a chance to give it a good looking over for any leaks or other issues elsewhere on the engine. If you use a socket adapter in a cordless drill, you can easily pop all the bolts loose in no time.

 

Wasn't sure if that is what the trap door is for or just a visual. It really is not a good way to swap the filter due to the way the oil drops. I think next time I will use your suggestion. Thanks.

 

Agreed.

Plus, in the interest of getting as much dirty oil out as possible, I always jack my car way up on both sides in the front to drain the oil, then let one side down so that it practically looks like its gonna tip over sideways, then back down to level, then repeat it all again. I have to move the drip pan back and forth to catch the oil since the drain hole is moving all over. That little trap door would never suffice for that.