How Often Should You Get Tune-ups & Oil Changes in Your BMW?

As a BMW owner, you know that your vehicle is the highest quality German engineered car on the market. That’s why they are called the ultimate driving machine. BMWs are known for performance, so it’s no wonder they have earned that reputation. To keep a BMW performing optimally, regular tune-ups and oil changes should be performed by an ASE and BMW certified professional technician, but how often should you bring your Bimmer to the shop? In this article, we will discuss the importance of regular maintenance and why you should follow the manufacturer’s service schedule.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Keeping to the manufacturer’s service schedule allows your mechanic to do regular inspections of your vehicle. These inspections create the opportunity to spot problems as they occur. Measures can then be taken to prevent these problems from developing further. Your technician will spot leaks and malfunctions in their early stages and fix them immediately.

Additionally, it’s very important to bring your BMW to a certified technician on a regular basis in order to maintain optimal engine performance. Over time, motor oil in your vehicle accumulates dirt and particulate matter that can be very rough on your BMW’s engine. Making sure that engine oil and fluids are consistently changed not only helps your car to run optimally, but it also prevents undue wear and tear that can lead to premature engine failure.

Newer BMW models will alert you when service is needed or when it’s time for a tuneup. However, that doesn’t mean that owners of older models are left in the dust. The manufacturer has provided a maintenance schedule for all models, the guidelines for which are listed in the BMW owner’s manual. This way, no matter how old your Bimmer is, you are empowered to keep it running like new.

The BMW Service Schedule

Modern BMW’s feature the Condition Based Service (CBS) system. This means that the vehicle’s onboard computer actually monitors the wear of your car’s parts and fluids. This system works with sensors that relay information to the computer about things like fluid levels, filters, and brake pad life. The CBS system is programmed to alert you about necessary maintenance or service within every 10,000 mile interval. There are periodic oil, fluid, and filter changes that the manufacturer has scheduled in the BMW owner’s manual:

10,000 Miles

Oil, oil filter, and engine coolant changes are scheduled by the manufacturer to occur every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. These are important because they keep your engine lubricated and running at the right temperature for optimal performance. They also reduce wear on the engine over time, prolonging the life of your Bimmer.

20,000 to 40,000 Miles

Fuel filters are changed within the 20K to 40K mile interval. This part is essential to have changed because often times the fuel you get at the pump has dirt and debris hiding in it that can ruin your engine over time. When the fuel filter gets clogged, it inhibits your engine’s performance as well.

30,000 Miles

Brake fluid is essentially to your safety behind the wheel. Without it, your brakes won’t function properly. It is changed on a new BMW at 30K miles, and then every 60K miles.

60,000 Miles

This is when the engine air filter is changed along with the spark plugs. You need a spark to ignite the fuel in your engine as well as clean air to add oxygen for proper combustion.

The BMW manufacturer’s service schedule is organized into 4 units: immediate oil service, oil and safety service, minor service, and major service. The minor service is recommended every 30,000, 90,000, and 150,000 miles for models 1999 and later. The major service is a bit more involved and is scheduled at every 60,000 and 120,000 miles.

Tune Up with Bavarian Motor Repairs

Bearing in mind the importance of keeping the manufacturer’s service schedule, it’s just as important to choose experienced professionals to perform that maintenance and care on your vehicle. At Bavarian Motor Repairs, our extreme dedication and factory grade tools and equipment empower us to offer you the highest quality of superior service for your BMW. We have over 30 years of experience serving the needs of BMW, MINI, and Rolls Royce owners from all over Washington D.C., Largo, North East, Upper Marlboro, College Park, and Capitol Heights, MD. To schedule service, call us today at 240-552-9988.