BMW E30 E34 Z3 E36 E46 316i 318i M40 M43 M44 Petrol Engine Oil Filter Cap Cover

BMW E30 E34 Z3 E36 E46 316i 318i M40 M43 M44 Petrol Engine Oil Filter Cap Cover is an original lubrication system component designed for BMW 3 Series petrol engines with the M43 unit. The cap ensures a tight seal for the oil filter housing, stabilizing system operation and facilitating oil service. It is a practical solution for users who want to maintain factory design and a secure fit for their BMW.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 1715960
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 1715960
• Substitutable numbers: 11421715960, 1715960, 11421743303, 1743303, KZ
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Category: Oil Drain Plugs, Filler Caps & Dipsticks

Function and application in the M43 engine

The oil filter cap in the M43 engine is responsible for maintaining proper oil pressure in the filter housing and safely guiding the lubricant during engine operation. In BMW E36 and E46 petrol engines, this component is particularly important for:

• lubrication system tightness at high operating temperatures,
• stable mounting of the oil filter cartridge,
• easy access during periodic oil and filter changes,
• maintaining compatibility with the factory design of the cylinder head and filter housing.

Thanks to the use of an original cap, the oil filter cover works correctly with the threads and housing seal, which reduces the risk of leaks and disassembly problems during future inspections.

Benefits of using an original BMW cap

Choosing an oil filter cap from the BMW family primarily means a secure fit for the specific engine design. The component has been designed for operation in petrol units, which translates into appropriate resistance to temperature, pressure, and contact with engine oil.

The most important advantages include:

• compatibility with the M43 engine lubrication system in BMW E36 and E46,
• preservation of factory oil filter operating parameters,
• proper cooperation with the cap seal,
• possibility of repeated disassembly and assembly during oil service.

A used OEM component is a reasonable choice for drivers who want to keep their car in good technical condition while controlling operating costs.

Component condition and assembly aspects

The oil filter cap is in the Oil drain and filler plugs and dipsticks category, which means it belongs to the group of components responsible for the maintenance and service of the lubrication system. As a used part, it comes from vehicle dismantling and is intended for reassembly after verifying compatibility with a specific BMW petrol engine.

During assembly, it is worth paying attention to:

• the condition of the threads in the filter housing and on the cap,
• selection of the appropriate cap seal,
• tightening torque in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations,
• checking for any leaks after the first engine start.

A properly installed cap supports stable operation of the lubrication system and facilitates subsequent service activities.

Compatibility and part selection

The component is intended for BMW cars with the M43 petrol engine, used in E36 and E46 models. Before purchasing, it is worth comparing the design of the cap with the currently installed part and verifying compatibility based on the OEM part number and interchangeable numbers available in the technical specification.

This helps avoid assembly problems and ensures that the cap will work correctly with the oil filter housing and the rest of the engine equipment.

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the engine area in your BMW and need other components from the same group, such as oil drain plugs, oil filler caps, or oil dipsticks, check the available parts in the BMW oil drain and filler plugs and dipsticks category.

Operation, lubrication system, and oil cooling

A functional oil filter cap affects not only tightness but also the stability of oil operating parameters, which is responsible for lubrication and partially for heat dissipation from the engine unit. Combined with a properly functioning cooling system, this helps reduce the risk of engine overheating and accelerated wear of components.

You can read more about the relationships between unit operating temperature, the cooling system, and lubrication in the article: Engine cooling system – overheating, repair, and used radiators.

Oil filter cap and restoration of youngtimer BMW models

BMW E36 and E46 models are increasingly treated as youngtimers, where attention to original technical solutions is of great importance. Using a used, original oil filter cap allows you to maintain the consistency of the design and the character of the car while keeping service costs at a reasonable level.

If you are interested in a broader approach to refreshing older models based on proven, used components, it is worth reading the guide: The second life of a youngtimer – how used car parts rejuvenate cars from the 1998–2012 model years.