BMW Requires Special Oil Change
While a BMW may appear to be above and beyond other makes of vehicles, and eludes a higher prestige level for the owner, it needs many of the same basics, like gasoline and oil. We can be reminded of the old saying, “They put their pants on like we all do, one leg at a time”, except when it comes to a BMW oil change.
What makes a BMW oil change different from other makes?
The motor oil for a BMW is synthetic motor oil. This man-made oil provides a car with pertinent advantages such as not breaking down like other motor oils, resulting in a longer lifespan. BMW manufacturers have designed this specific oil to capture dirt particles, preventing sludge build-up with additional results like:
- Better performance at low-temperature
- Fuel economy improved
How often should I change the oil in my BMW?
Every vehicle, including BMWs, has a light on the dashboard, usually in an oil-can shape, that illuminates when it is low on oil or needs an oil change. While the is a built-in safety net, it is better to have a routine of getting your BMW oil changed prior to that light illuminating.
For a BMW, the recommended frequency is once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. It should be done by a BMW-authorized service center using the recommended BMW oil and oil filter. However, if you put a lot of miles on your BMW, your mechanic may recommend getting your BMW oil changed more frequently, like every 6 months.
What type of oil is recommended for my BMW?
As we discussed at the start of this article, it is recommended by the manufacturer and any BMW-authorized mechanic to use only BMW oil, a man-made synthetic oil. BMW manufacturer recommends using BMW oil with a thickness of 0W-20, and 0W-30 on newer BMWs. Older BMWs should use 5W-30 or 10W-60 motor oil.
How much oil does my BMW require for an oil change?
There are two factors that can determine the amount of oil needed for your BMW oil change:
- Engine size
- Type of oil
For example, the four-cylinder passenger BMW won’t take as much oil as a larger BMW with a V-8 engine. Most BMW engines require between five and eight quarts of motor oil, with the 4-cylinder engine requiring 5 quarts, a 6-cylinder engine, and a V-8 requiring 8 quarts on average. By using a BMW-certified mechanic, you can be comfortable in knowing they have been trained in providing you with the proper oil, oil filter, and amount of oil.
Is there danger in overfilling the oil?
Yes, just like not having enough oil, you can also have too much oil. This is why you should always check the dipstick before adding motor oil. A BMW engine is comprised of numerous precision-crafted parts that work in unison at high speeds and various temperatures. Proper lubrication is needed for these parts to work well and it is that motor oil that provides the lubrication.
When the oil is overfilled, the amount of oil in the oil pan raises and allows the crankshaft, a fast-moving lobed rod, to become covered in oil which can aerate it. That creates a foamy, frothy matter that can’t lubricate the engine as needed.
Another result of overfilling the oil is the excessive pressure it creates inside the engine. That excess oil seeks an escape through the gaskets and seals, and if one of them isn’t in proper condition, it can create an oil leak, leading to extensive repairs. Again, this is why taking your car to an authorized BMW mechanic for your BMW oil change is essential.
Are there different types of filters used in a BMW oil change?
When you own a BMW, you take on the responsibility of making certain that everything that goes in or on your Beamer is the best there is, including a BMW oil change. We’ve already discussed the types of oil, but what about the oil filter? BMW has metal and paper oil filters. The paper oil filter is the cheaper of the two, but the metal oil filter does a better job of trapping the contaminants you don’t want to get inside the engine.
Keep Your Motor Running!
You can do your own BMW oil change, and there is endless information about doing this. If you’ve obtained an older BMW and previous owners’ maintenance routines aren’t available, you’re kind of ‘driving blind’ when it comes to the BMW oil change.
So, have the first one done by an authorized BMW mechanic like those at Bimmer Repair, and then afterward, if you’re the DIY mechanic type of person, you can create your own schedule for BMW oil changes and follow that going forward. The goal is to have a schedule for your BMW oil change in Dallas, TX and stay true to that schedule to get the longest lifespan for years of happy motoring. Schedule your next appointment today by calling 469-608-5410.
