You love your BMW. It’s an amazing car that provides luxury, power, and style all in one package. But like any other vehicle, your BMW needs regular maintenance to keep it running its best. That includes regularly changing the oil.
But compared with other car brands, BMW’s oil changes are damn expensive. But why are BMW oil changes so expensive?
The simple answer is that BMW oil changes are so expensive because the car requires high performance synthetic oil. Additionally, the labor cost are also quite expensive. You can save on oil changes costs by doing the oil changes yourself.
Why BMW Oil Changes Are So Expensive?
BMWs require high premium synthetic oil, which is more expensive than traditional oil.
BMWs have very specific oil change intervals that are shorter than most other cars, so you’ll be changing your oil more often. This is because they are driven harder than most cars you’ll ever find on the road.
Many BMW dealerships charge a premium for their services, so you can expect to pay more for an oil change at a BMW dealership than you would at a regular service station.
Some specialty BMW oil changes can be quite expensive, depending on the type of oil and filter used.
BMW cars are expensive to maintain than regular cars for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, it is important to factor in the cost of ownership when considering whether or not to purchase a BMW.
Are BMW Oil Changes More Expensive Than Other Cars?
BMW oil changes are relatively similar compared to other luxury vehicles, but Mercedes Benz oil changes are more expensive.
A Mercedes Benz oil change will cost between $200 and $300 on average.
As reported by the FCP Euroblog, a Mercedes oil change can cost as much as $400, however bear in mind that most Mercedes cars require up to 9 quarts of oil.
On the other hand, an Audi oil change costs almost the same as a BMW oil change, between $130 and $145 while a Lexus oil change is priced equivalent to a BMW oil change, ranging from $60 to $180.
Nevertheless, a BMW oil change will inevitably be more expensive than those of cheap brands such as Toyota or Honda.
A Honda or Toyota oil change will cost between $45 and $75 at a dealership.
How Often to Change the Oil in a BMW
The oil in your BMW needs to be changed regularly in order to keep the engine running smoothly. Depending on the model of BMW, the recommended interval for an oil change is either every 7,500 miles or every 15,000 miles as recommended in the owner’s manual.
If you drive your BMW under normal conditions, then changing the oil every 15,000 miles should be sufficient. However, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or in other demanding conditions, then you need to change oil more often. Consult your car manual or ask a qualified BMW technician for more specific advice.
When changing the oil in your BMW, be sure to use the correct type of oil as specified in the owner’s manual. Using the wrong type of oil can damage the engine.
Can You Change BMW Oil Yourself?
Yes, you can change BMW oil yourself! All you need is a new oil filter and some fresh oil. Be sure to consult car manual for specific instructions on changing your car’s oil. Once you have everything you need, the process is pretty straightforward. Just be careful not to overfill the oil pan.
How do I change my BMW’s oil?
You can either take your BMW to a dealership or service center to have the oil changed, or you can do it yourself. If you’re going to do it yourself, you’ll need to purchase the right type of oil and filter for your specific BMW model. You’ll also need a wrench to remove the oil drain plug and a funnel to pour the new oil into the engine.
To change your BMW’s oil:
- Warm up the engine for a few minutes to help the oil flow more easily.
- Locate the oil drain plug and remove it with a wrench.
- Place a catch pan under the drain plug to collect the old oil as it drains out.
- Once the old oil has drained completely, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Pour new oil into the engine, being careful not to overfill it.
- Replace the oil fill cap and start the engine to check for leaks.
- If everything looks good, you’re finished. Be sure to dispose of the old oil properly.
BMW recommends Pennzoil, although Castrol was a previously the most recommended oil brand.
Choose your oil with care, and keep in mind that with non-synthetic motor oils, you’ll need to change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Seven quarts of premium synthetic oil are required.
Some recommended motor oils for BMW’s are:
- BMW TwinPower Turbo engines oil
- Castrol SAE 10W-60
- Liqui-moly
- Any Full-synthetic 10W-60 motor oil.
- The engines of the S54, S62, S65, and S85 must use 10W-60 pure synthetic oil.
- Mobil 1 M1-110 Extended Performance filter is highly recommended (about $14)
How Much Does a BMW Oil Change Cost
BMW oil change typically costs between $135 and $175. About $90 to $110 of the cost is dedicated to parts and oil with the rest going for labor services.
The exact price will depend on the year, model, and make of your BMW, as well as the location of the service center. Many service centers offer discounts for loyalty cards or membership programs, so be sure to ask about these when you schedule your appointment.
In addition many service centers also offer a free oil change after you’ve purchased a certain number of gallons of gasoline from them. Be sure to ask about this discount as well.
Choosing Synthetic Oil for Your BMW
As one of the most popular luxury car brands in the world, BMW is known for its high performance and excellent engineering. If you own a BMW, you want to make sure that you’re using the best possible oil to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
There are a lot of different oils on the market, but not all of them are created equal. You need to find an oil that’s specifically designed for BMW engines if you want to get the best results.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for Synthetic oil for BMW.
First of all, you need to make sure that you choose an oil that has the right viscosity rating. This rating will be listed on the bottle of oil, and it should be within the range of 5W-30 to 10W-40.
Next, you need to pay attention to the additives that are in the oil. Some oils contain synthetic polymers that can actually damage your engine over time. You want to avoid these oils if possible.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using an oil that’s designed for high mileage vehicles. If you don’t drive your BMW very often, you might not need an oil that’s specifically designed for high mileage use.
However, if you do drive your BMW frequently, it’s a good idea to choose an oil that will help protect your engine from wear and tear.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to find the best synthetic oil for BMW that will keep your engine running like new.
Remember, you need to change your oil regularly to ensure that it stays in good condition. By using the best possible oil, you can extend the life of your engine and keep it running at its best.
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How to Save Money on BMW Oil Changes
There are some ways to save money on BMW oil changes, so be sure to keep these tips in mind the next time you need one.
One way to save money on BMW oil changes is to do them yourself. This can be a bit tricky, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can definitely save you some money. Just make sure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies before you get started, and be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Another way to save money on BMW oil changes is to take your car to a local BMW dealership. They usually have discounts and specials going on, so it’s definitely worth checking out their prices. However, keep in mind that these oil changes can be quite expensive, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re prepared to pay the full price.
Finally, you can always try to find a good online coupon or deal for BMW oil changes. There are plenty of websites out there that offer great deals on these types of services, so take advantage of them while you can. Just be sure to read the fine print before you commit to anything, and don’t forget to compare prices between different companies.
References:
- https://www.unitedbmw.com/service/service-tips-tricks/bmw-oil-change/
- https://repairpal.com/estimator/bmw/x3/oil-change-cost
Hi I’m Marshall based in 1478 Doctors Drive Santa Monica, CA. I’m your DIY Car Repairman with more than 5 years experience in automobile repair, a skill I learned from my old man.
I started this blog to share my experience on both simple and technical aspects of your car.