An oil change is more than just an oil change
We want to share with you, as a valued customer, how we developed our policy for changing your oil.
We know quick lube businesses and coupon specials can be tempting. However, we have seen the results of poor work done on BMWs, even on jobs as simple as oil changes. Too many of our customers have come in with:
- The wrong type or weight of oil
- Oil filters that were poor quality, wrong, or had not been changed at all
- Drain plugs that were about to fall out, or were over tightened and stripped
- Crush seals that had not been replaced, causing oil leaks
- Damaged oil filter housings, caused by not having the right special tools
Some BMW owners might think we shun such a simple job. On the contrary, a “simple” oil change is as important as any other work we do on your BMW.
Seeing your car regularly also lets us build a relationship of overall care that keeps maintenance problems small. That relationship comes with a commitment to detail and quality service, by people who only work on BMWs.
How often should you change your BMW’s oil?
We recommend an oil service every 6,000 miles, starting at 1,200 miles on a new engine. If you drive less, change it every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
That is shorter than the interval BMW recommends, and it is on purpose. The Phoenix area is hard on oil. High ambient temperatures make oil break down faster, and broken down oil forms sludge much sooner than clean oil. When we open up engines that have run long intervals in this climate, we often find heavy sludge on the valvetrain. Fresh oil every 6,000 miles is simple insurance against that.
Signs your BMW needs an oil change
- The oil service or Condition Based Service reminder is showing on the dash
- It has been 6,000 miles, or 12 months, since your last oil change
- A low oil level warning, or you are topping up between services
- The smell of burning oil, or drips under the car
- The oil on the dipstick, if your car has one, looks dark and thick
What is included in our BMW oil service
- The right oil. We use oil that meets the BMW specification for your engine, in the correct weight.
- A quality filter. Most BMW engines use a cartridge filter inside a housing. We fit the correct filter and new housing seals, and use the proper tool so the housing is never damaged.
- A new drain plug seal. The crush washer is replaced every time and the drain plug is tightened to specification, not until it feels tight.
- A look around. With the car on the lift we check for leaks, worn suspension parts, brake wear and anything else that deserves your attention, and we reset the service indicator.
BMW specific notes
Oil specifications
BMW approves engine oils against its own Longlife specifications, and different engines call for different approvals. Using a generic oil of the right weight is not enough. We match the oil to your engine’s requirement.
Oil filter housings
Many BMW engines use a plastic or aluminium oil filter housing with a screw on cap. Without the correct socket, caps get cracked or rounded off, and a damaged cap or old seal can leak. It is one of the problems we regularly see after quick lube visits.
Oil leaks
Older BMWs, particularly in this heat, commonly develop leaks from the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket. Regular oil changes with us mean these get spotted early, before oil reaches hot exhaust parts or rubber components.
Book your oil change
An oil change with us is a chance for BMW specialists to look over your car on a regular basis. Call 480.922.1068 to book, or send us a message through the contact page.
BMW Oil Changes FAQ
The dealer recommended 12,000 to 15,000 miles between oil services. Why do you recommend 6,000?
When we first start servicing a car that has been on the BMW service plan, more often than not we find an extreme build up of sludge inside the engine, especially on the valvetrain components. Longer intervals may be more acceptable in a cooler climate, but higher temperatures in the Phoenix area make oil break down much faster, and degraded oil turns into sludge much faster than clean oil. A 6,000 mile interval keeps your BMW’s engine clean and well lubricated for years to come.
My car sits a lot. Do I still need an oil change?
Yes. Oil ages with time as well as miles. We recommend changing it every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
Can I just use a quick lube place?
You can, but we have seen the results on BMWs: wrong oil, wrong or missing filters, stripped drain plugs, reused seals and damaged filter housings. An oil change with us is done with the right parts and tools, and your car gets looked over by BMW specialists while it is on the lift.