Question about Oil Changes

[jusmills]

A friend of mine got a 128i and she's just coming up on 1200 miles. Her dealership told her that there is no requirement for a 1200 mi oil change. Is this true? I was under the impression that it was recommended on all BMWs. She said his (the salesman) exact statement was it was only required on the M3...:dunno: What's the official word on this. Is it in the owner's manual? Thanks.

[New Motors]

only M's are at 1200. And you can check warranty book. She should be in about 15000 miles or one a year at BMW expense. Other wise she can pay and have it done earlier.

[PhillyNate]

Under no circumstances should you wait 15,000 miles to get that oil changed. I am going at 7,500 miles at my own expense.
Just my opinion.
Congrats and good luck.

[AzNMpower32]

There are many threads on this debate of when to get the oil changed. A happy medium is to change it every 7,5k miles. The 1200mi change is not really that critical, but going until 15k is really too long.

[turner23]

I asked my dealer the same about my 128i...my CA said that on these cars the 'just-after break-in' oil change is not needed. I've read that the recommended oil-change interval is closer to 10k. However, since they run full-synthetic, I wouldn't hesitate to wait 12k-15k..
I'll likely stick to 'once-a-year' and take it in around the same time each year.

But if you want to have it done (at your expense), you can buy the OEM filter (with O-rings and crush washer) for $15 at Auto Zone, and there is a great DIY video on the 1addicts.com website.

My CA honestly told my they charge about $200 for an oil change, after my warranty expires I'll do it myself for close to $75 and in under a half-hour.

Food for thought!

Cheers!

[traffic]

Hm, if the 128i is the same layout as the e46 330i, it's the easiest oil change there is. I bought my filter and o-ring from the dealer and then picked up Castrol Syntec (same as BMW Performance) oil at automotive store.

The oil filter is on top and it's just an element swap. Just gotta have a set of ramps to drive the car up on to drain. Total cost was $50 for parts.

[jusmills]

Thanks for all the info. I'll get back with her and let her know that the experts here say its not necessary. I'll also recommend that she bump up the oil change interval to 7,500 miles, although she may not want to and just follow BMW's prescribed maintenance schedule since she's leasing.

[TED13B]

Although the BMW oil is based on Castrol Syntec, it has a slightly different additive package. Because of this, we can only buy it in quarts or 55 gallon drums, not bulk like other oils.

[Bill-SD]

How about this? http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=563347&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

Tough deal to beat...

[Tom K.]

My CA honestly told my they charge about $200 for an oil change, after my warranty expires I'll do it myself for close to $75 and in under a half-hour.

A dealer "Oil Service" costs from $200 to $300 (depending on model) as it includes various checks in addition to the oil. A simple "Oil Change" including 7 quarts of BMW synthetic oil, filter and any necessary gaskets will normally cost $100 - my dealer recently did one on my 128i for $78.
Again, ask for an "Interim Oil Change", not an "Oil Service".
Tom

[pilotman]

to the OP, you stated the vehicle in question is a lease.

You are only required to follow BMW's recommended service schedule.

Why in the world would you waste $100 every year for the term of the lease on interim oil changes when you don't own the car, and when you will get no benefit from blowing that money? (i.e. $300 over a 36 month lease) :dunno:

if something fails, the car is under warranty the whole time, and BMW can't possibly deny warranty coverage for "only" changing oil every 15k because that is precisely what they recommend.

(If you plan on buying the car at the end, I personally would change at 7,500....)

My wife's leased BMW X3 presently has 14k on the original oil, and I think it is hilarious that BMW would wait that long, the oil is going to be sludge, it looks like crap now, but it is not my problem and I am not going to second guess BMWs engineers and vast engine building experience.

[williewinky]

There are many threads on this debate of when to get the oil changed. A happy medium is to change it every 7,5k miles. The 1200mi change is not really that critical, but going until 15k is really too long.

Check under the 3 series for a lengthy thread...
On new cars, oil change not required untill the computer tells you so or at the one year mark, which ever comes first... and both these situations are covered under the maintenance package.

[williewinky]

Check under the 3 series for a lengthy thread...
On new cars, oil change not required untill the computer tells you so or at the one year mark, which ever comes first... and both these situations are covered under the maintenance package.

I had 18,000 miles on my car and was still good for another 6 months according to the computer, but I had arrived at the one year anniversary.

[AzNMpower32]

Check under the 3 series for a lengthy thread...
On new cars, oil change not required untill the computer tells you so or at the one year mark, which ever comes first... and both these situations are covered under the maintenance package.
I know this has been oft discussed. I am always one that sides with the 7,5k interim change. The filter will not last 15k, even if the oil does.

Of course, this doesn't mean much if you don't plan to keep the car long or if you lease. But there are those of us who see cars as long-term purchases and therefore feel that taking an extra step towards prolonging vehicle life is important. I paid $762 for a recent service for the X3, only $230 of which was necessary (Inspection II). On top of that, I had the transfer case fluid, ATF, and brake fluid flushed and replaced. Necessary? No.......the first two are "lifetime fluids" :angel:

[DM3MD]

A dealer "Oil Service" costs from $200 to $300 (depending on model) as it includes various checks in addition to the oil. A simple "Oil Change" including 7 quarts of BMW synthetic oil, filter and any necessary gaskets will normally cost $100 - my dealer recently did one on my 128i for $78.
Again, ask for an "Interim Oil Change", not an "Oil Service".
Tom

Great advice. Another way to word it (as I've seen other dealers say) is a "Low Mileage Oil Change" and request the service light NOT to be reset.

[Tom K.]

Great advice. Another way to word it (as I've seen other dealers say) is a "Low Mileage Oil Change" and request the service light NOT to be reset.
Hadn't heard that one before - and while the dealer should know not to reset the service light, it's always a good idea to remind them.
Tom

[BGBMW]

I paid for a ~1500 mile oil change. I will change it @ 8000 miles, then 15K, then every 7.5K miles ..... the in between ones being at my own expense.

[Giganova]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to get the oil change at Jiffy Lube or Firestone? I used to pay $20 for an oil change on my previous Honda, and on a BMW it costs almost $300??

[Bill-SD]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to get the oil change at Jiffy Lube or Firestone? I used to pay $20 for an oil change on my previous Honda, and on a BMW it costs almost $300??

You don't want to let those folks anywhere near your car! An oil change at the dealer should be around $100, not sure where you're getting 300?

[Vitacura]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to get the oil change at Jiffy Lube or Firestone? I used to pay $20 for an oil change on my previous Honda, and on a BMW it costs almost $300??

Please tell me you are joking..
Cheapest and best way to ensure a good oil change is to DIY. :thumbup:

[SkyDog]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to get the oil change at Jiffy Lube or Firestone? I used to pay $20 for an oil change on my previous Honda, and on a BMW it costs almost $300??

You're not going to find a $20 oil change for your BMW. And if you do, they're not using the right stuff. Seven quarts of proper synthetic oil and a filter should cost you around $60, and that's without paying someone to put 'em in for you.

Oil changes for your Honda were cheap because (1) the Honda's engine doesn't need as much oil, (2) it wasn't designed to use more expensive synthetic oils, and (3) you trusted the low-wage grease monkeys at Jiffy Lube to not screw up your car.

[Kurt_OH]

I bought (not a lease), and changed at 2k miles. I'll probably throw one in each year, around the midpoint between BMW-provided oil changes.

If I leased, I'd likely just go with what BMW offered - it is THEIR CAR, after all!