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What You Need to Know about Your BMW's Oil Change

Used BMW 335i 3

BMW owners are usually proud of their cars. To keep them in top running condition, regular oil changes are needed. Before you take your Beemer in to have it serviced and get the oil change there are a few things you need to know. It's not like other vehicles. The high-performance engine requires a specific type of oil if you want to get the ultimate in performance. Here is everything you need to know about your BMWs oil change

How often does a BMW need to have an oil change?

Santa Monica BMW, gives us the details on when you should get the oil changed in a BMW. It's not a straightforward answer though. BMW engines are a bit more complicated. Because these special vehicles are made to use synthetic fluids, you don't need to change the oil as frequently. The best answer the techs at Santa Monica came up with is between 12,000 to 15,000 miles. They estimate that it's an average of once per year, depending on how much driving you do, the type of driving, and how many miles you drive. The BMW manual recommends every 15,000 miles. Most BMWs are equipped with a reminder indicator light that signals you that it's time for an oil change. The interval is a lot longer than for standard vehicles that require an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the model.

There are some conditions that might make it wise to have the oil changed sooner though. If you drive in harsh climates and you do a lot of hard-driving, you may want to have the oil changed sooner. If you start smelling exhausted or if your engine begins to sputter or become less responsive, it could be a sign that it's time for an oil change. The oil changes help to keep the engine at its peak of performance. If you're unsure about how often you need to change the oil in your specific car, you can always consult with a technician at BMW to discuss your unique situation.

Benefits of an oil change by BMW techs

BMW recommends having the oil in your Beemer changed by a BMW certified technician over generic service providers. There are a few good reasons for this recommendation. The Automaster, explains that while the oil change is a simple service it's essential. The process involves draining out the dirty oil from the engine and replacing it with fresh clean oil. The technicians will also replace the oil filter with a new one. Oil filters trap dirt and other types of debris and they also need to be replaced with the oil change. Regular oil changes are necessary for the performance and longevity of your BMW vehicle. Clean oil ensures that all the moving parts in the engine continue to perform without creating heat or friction and it prevents a buildup of dirt and gunk in the engine. There is a greater potential for pistons and valves to warp when the oil is dirty. It can cause the engine to overheat. The repairs can be expensive. The moving parts don't work as hard when the oil is clean and they won't wear out as quickly. It's best to have an expert on BMW perform the services to ensure that the right type of oil for your specific engine is used.

What kind of oil should be used in a BMW?

The oil that you use in your BMW will impact the performance one way or the other. There are pros and cons associated with most motor oils. It's important to know the differences between the upsides and the downsides of each. According to Buckeye Bullet, there are 5 that come highly recommended for use in BMW vehicles.

1. Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

This is a British motor oil featuring a titanium strength boosted formula. The ingredients deliver a protective film that lessens viscosity breakdown to enhance engine performance. It also lowers friction by 15% and reduces metal to metal contact impact by up to 45%. Titanium technology helps to prevent hardening of the gaskets to lessen incidences of oil leaks, provide protection from wear and maintain excellent viscosity of thefluid.

2. Mobil 1 120760 Synthetic Motor Oil

Choose the Mobil 1 0W-40 European Car Formula for use with BMW engines. It is recommended by the BMW factory. This oil is designed to protect BMW engine parts from excessive wear. It has a wide viscosity range for smoother cold starts and even running regardless of the weather conditions. This oil has exceptional cleaning power to keep the parts lubricated and free of dirt and other debris. The formulation exceeds the most recent updates for OEM and industry approval. It's recommended by BMW experts for reducing friction and improving fuel economy.

3. Motul 007250 8100 X-Cess

This oil is a product of Aubervilliers, France. It is one of the most highly recommended for BMW vehicles and other high-end cars. It is one of the top choices of expert mechanics and vehicle owners. Motul helps to prolong the oil change intervals by a couple thousand miles. It is known to instantly improve fuel economy. This oil is considered to be superior to full synthetic oils. It reduces engine wear and oil consumption and maintains its consistency in all weather conditions. The main drawback associated with Motul is that it is more expensive than other synthetic oils.

4. Pennzoil 550020166-6PK

This Pennzoil formulation is considered to be superior to Mobil 1 or Castrol as an ultra-premium full synthetic. It is the best quality oil made by the company. It helps to clean out dirt particles and impurities that have been stuck in the engine for long periods of time. If you're switching over to this oil type it is recommended that you change oil again within 3,000 miles for the second change. This is because the Pennzoil will get dirty fast because it removes so much gunk from the engine. It is another oil that is recommended by BMW experts.

5. Genuine Synthetic 5W30 Motor Oil

Genuine Synthetic 5W30 is among the best oil for BMW engines. It has the BMW stamp of approval. The oil is made exclusively for BMW twin turbo engines. It reduces friction and helps prevent wear and tear on the moving parts of the engine. It is available in seven BMW specifications, so make sure you get the one that is the most suitable for your model and year.

Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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