Although each engine created by the BMW Group is slightly unique, they all follow a similar basic pattern.
Be aware that each engine and vehicle that BMW engineers may vary somewhat. Always consult your owner’s manual or get advice from a reputable automotive shop, especially if you are unsure about something.
When the solution can be found by making a call or doing some reading, it is never worth risking your BMW.
BMW automobiles are outfitted with the CBS system as a safety measure. If a planned maintenance is overdue, this system will notify you via the dash screen.
In This Article...
Can I maintain my BMW on my own?
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re looking for information on whether you have to take your BMW to the dealer for maintenance or an oil change. Can I take my BMW to any mechanic? is a question you may have already questioned yourself. In summary, you can take your BMW to whichever mechanic you choose for maintenance and oil changes. There is a little more to it than that, but overall, you are under no need to visit the BMW dealer ever again if you choose not to.
You must keep in mind that not all mechanics are certified to operate on your BMW, even though you have a choice in who does so. Even though all modern cars have four wheels, many of them are very specialized, and sometimes that’s where the similarities between various manufactures end. We’re going to go into the specifics of getting your BMW serviced today, including some warning signs you should watch out for. In the end, we’ll provide you with enough knowledge to locate a skilled BMW mechanic in your neighborhood. Since it’s in their best financial interest to have you return to them for everything, including the needless nitrogen for your tires, you probably won’t hear this information from your BMW dealer.
The dealership industry has a little-known secret: “Service and repair” is their “bread and butter.” They make every effort to prevent you from taking your repairs elsewhere because of this. They advocate against independent mechanics since it will put more money in their own wallets even though they are fully aware that they provide the same services for less money. You need to hear this if you’re still wondering, “Can I take my BMW to any mechanic for service?”
What exactly does a service on a BMW entail?
Your BMW needs to go through a thorough safety examination by a dependable mechanic outside of periodic oil changes. An extensive inspection of the vehicle’s belts, brakes, dashboard warning lights, engine fluids, hoses, steering and suspension, tire pressure, and wipers are all part of the standard safety service.
How frequently should a BMW be serviced?
A service is a crucial component of any automobile maintenance plan and will help to maximize the lifespan of your BMW by ensuring that your car stays in immaculate condition and performs to the highest quality.
A service will make sure that your vehicle is in good operating order and will also identify any possible problems before they become serious, whether you only need a portion of your BMW repaired or want the entire vehicle inspected.
Contrary to popular assumption, not every BMW requires maintenance at the same mileage point. BMW does advise that you get a service every year, or every 10,000 miles if you use your car a lot.
How long does a complete service on a BMW take?
You might be in and out in about 45 minutes, or even under 30 minutes, if you choose a licensed service center. However, it can take longer to reach your vehicle if you visit a BMW Center or general auto shop during busy times.
How is a BMW maintained?
- Keep it dark.
- Maintain a clean automobile.
- Safeguard your leather.
- Wax your vehicle.
- Verify the tread on your tires.
- Organize your lenses.
- Run all your errands at once.
- Driving cautiously
Is it expensive to maintain a BMW?
Remove the Band-Aid now. Every 10,000 miles, BMW owners may anticipate paying between $150 and $400 per service. A significant service may cost up to $3,000 or more. In the end, owners spend more on maintenance and repairs than most brands, between $1,000 and $1,700 annually.
You may always purchase an extended warranty, either directly from BMW or through a third-party service contract, if you’re concerned about future ownership costs. Standard BMW maintenance expenditures are not covered by a car warranty, but it will cover pricey items that are more prone to break over time.
We’ve combed the market and selected a handful of the top third-party extended vehicle warranty companies because there are many possibilities for extended coverage. These are businesses who did well in regards to things like price, standing, and customer support.
To help you reduce your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs, compare the best BMW extended warranty packages above.
Can I perform an oil change on my BMW myself?
For a BMW owner, performing an oil change themselves is a terrific endeavor. if you have the resources. Fortunately, if you have the oil filter cap wrench—which costs around $20 if you can’t borrow one from a friend—they are not difficult to complete.
After a few usage, the instruments typically pay for themselves. For $89.26 with free shipping, Turner Motorsports offers an oil change package that includes a BMW oil filter, 7 gallons of BMW synthetic oil, and a new drain plug. I’ve done a lot of articles and videos on oil changes because it’s a relaxing way to use your BMW.
Why is BMW maintenance so pricey?
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. BMW is not only a vehicle to move passengers from point A to point B; it is designed for driving aficionados. BMW’s advanced technology calls a specialized certification to be repaired correctly. A skilled BMW mechanic will possess the knowledge necessary for a thorough and effective repair.
A $400 battery replacement, for instance, might be necessary because the mechanic must register the battery with the engine control module. If not, the battery risk of an early demise since the vehicle won’t “know” how to charge it.
What are some typical BMW issues?
- Engine Cooling Unit. Overheating is a problem that many BMW owners frequently experience.
- Oil Spills.
- Under Braking, the steering wheel vibrates.
- Tail Lamp Unit
Are BMW repairs less expensive?
When calculating the total cost of ownership for BMWs, like with any other car, truck, or SUV, it’s critical to account for the expenses for routine maintenance. Examining the overall reliability rating of the vehicle can be one technique to assist you in determining the possibility of potential problems. A car is more likely to need maintenance and experience breakdowns if its score is lower. BMW is rated as the 30th most reliable car brand out of 32 by RepairPal, receiving a score of merely 2.5 out of 5.0.
BMW, nevertheless, was rated as the seventh most trustworthy automaker in the United States in 2020 by the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. BMW was ranked higher than other high-end manufacturers including Cadillac, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Chrysler. With such contradicting scores, we advise researching the individual BMW model you now own or are considering buying to see what common maintenance and repair difficulties they may experience.
BMW is the most expensive brand to service in addition to these varying reliability ratings. In fact, throughout the course of ten years of ownership, BMW owners can anticipate spending $17,800 on average. Mercedes-Benz is the second most costly brand, costing over $4,900 more than BMW.
With Supreme for Highline Vehicles, you may discover comprehensive coverage for a number of BMW models as well as a number of other luxury automakers’ models, including Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, and more. This inclusionary addition to our all-inclusive Supreme plan will assist in covering the expense of breakdowns and repairs for your luxury car, allowing you to save money and quickly get back on the road.
What type of oil is used by BMW?
The majority of BMW engines ship from the factory with a 5W-30. Additionally, BMW advises an oil change every 15,000 miles.
Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage, Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40, Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30, or Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 are the brands that BMW utilizes. Since 2015, BMW has advised using Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as its aftermarket oil.
There is a sizable aftermarket performance modifying community for BMWs. If you read the conversations on forums or Facebook groups, you’ll notice that owners of tuned BMWs frequently praise Liqui Moly 5w-40.
Take the climate into account In warmer climates, consumers frequently choose the 5W-40 oil kind. You should choose the 0W-40 oil type if you live somewhere with a cooler environment. In comparison to 5W-40, which takes a few minutes to warm up to the ideal lubricating temperature, 0W-40 lubricates the bearings better upon beginning.
BMW superior to Mercedes?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
How far do BMWs travel before problems arise?
According to data from 2017 provided by U.S. News, BMW models had an average of 139 issues per 100 vehicles. A comparable but marginally lower 131 faults per 100 cars were experienced by Mercedes-Benz.
The majority of vehicles from other automakers are thought to be free of problems before 100,000 miles, aside from regular wear and tear. For this reason, many warranties include the first 100,000 miles. Even after only 20,000 miles, minor mechanical issues can arise, but routine maintenance can generally fix them.
Conversations on Quora reveal a range of customer experiences. Significant issues also point to factors including road conditions, driving habits, and regular maintenance. For instance, clutches can go far beyond 100,000 miles unless the driver shifts quickly or grinds in harder than usual on a regular basis.
The lesson? More expensive cars are not necessarily more reliable. While certain BMW models continue to run smoothly after the typical road life, most BMW owners start having issues sooner rather than later. Additionally, those fixes typically cost more.
How often should a BMW have its oil changed?
Even the owner’s manual for your BMW suggests getting your oil changed every 15,000 miles. Additionally, the instrument panel warning lights on the majority of BMW vehicles are programmed to alert the driver to replace their oil at this time.
Are BMW vehicles dependable?
Fortunately, ratings of BMW dependability from several organizations support that excellent reputation: Customer Reports Every BMW in the lineup received a score above average in the 2020 rankings. The i3 electric car and the X6 midsize SUV are BMW’s most reliable models, and the brand as a whole is ranked seventh.
What does a BMW have high mileage?
Although the average BMW can travel between 100,000 and 250,000 miles, excessive mileage is actually regarded as being a little less than this. Most dealers won’t carry BMWs with mileage over 100,000, and some even think 60-80,000 is a high mileage range for these vehicles.
Therefore, you’ve reached the high mileage area if you’re looking at BMWs with between 60 and 80,000 miles on the odometer. Keep a watch on this because it demonstrates that there are high mileage BMWs available with vastly different mileage estimates.
How durable are BMW engines?
With good care, almost any BMW has the ability to last up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles, and there will always be outliers that last even longer.
What does a BMW oil change cost?
You might have been informed when you purchased your BMW that oil changes for that particular car type were more expensive than average. Owners of exotic or non-European vehicles can get by with oil and filter replacements costing around $40. However, according to Repair Pal, the typical price for a BMW 328i oil change is between $135 and $175. Some estimates put this figure higher, as high as $250.
Without factoring in taxes and fees, the anticipated cost of labor is between $45 and $65 and the estimated cost of parts is between $90 and $110. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the price of an oil change may vary depending on your region, your car’s make and model, and the sort of engine it has. According to BMW’s website, oil changes for 3 Series cars exclusively with 4-cylinder engines start at $89.95 and use premium synthetic BMW oil. Prices include labor, parts, and oil, however additional fees can be necessary.
You should receive a little more than simply an oil and filter change at the higher estimates mentioned above, such as a general tune-up/check-up, engine and emission testing, transmission tests, brake fluid top-offs, and tire rotations.
You should receive the first oil change for free if you purchased a new or certified BMW.
Beyond that, though, why pay the dealership’s exorbitant rates only to have the oil changed? While providing you with the same level of care and high-quality goods as the dealer, your neighborhood mechanic can complete the task for less money.