How Much is a BMW Oil Change?

BMW has long been synonymous with performance and luxury. BMW expertly crafts engines that perform very well while getting good fuel economy. If you are a new owner, you might have heard that BMWs are more expensive to maintain than other cars.

Like any engine, regular services like oil changes are essential to keeping your BMW in good shape. Using quality oil and filters goes a long way in preserving the performance of your BMW’s engine.

How much is a BMW oil change? Why are they more expensive? Can you save money with non-OEM parts and non-specialty shops? We are going to answer all of these questions.

Why are BMW Oil Changes Expensive?

BMWs are high-end luxury vehicles. A reality of owning a car in this class is higher maintenance costs. The reason BMW oil changes are more expensive than other brands is due to labor and material costs.

Labor for any service on a BMW is going to be more expensive, and oil changes are no exception. Technicians who work on these vehicles have specialized training. They know these cars inside and out and have spent years honing their skills and learning everything they need to know to properly service and maintain them.

High-performance vehicles require high-quality parts. All modern BMW vehicles use synthetic motor oil and should use an OEM brand oil filter, normally provided by a manufacturer like Mann, Hengst, or Mahle. Higher quality parts cost more, and this adds to the overall cost of an oil service.

Do I need to use OEM Oil and Filters on my BMW?

This is a need vs should question. Will your BMW run if you use lower-quality oil and an off-brand oil filter? Yes. Is it good for it? No. These engines are engineered to operate best with the correct fluids and components. While it may save you some money in the short term to use cheaper parts, the potential for bigger issues down the road is much higher. Improper lubrication can lead to engine damage and failure, which will cost significantly more than the money you would have spent on a quality oil service.

Cheap and low-quality oil can also experience loss of effectiveness in cold weather conditions (such as those in Utah), which can lead to an even higher chance of causing issues within your BMW’s motor.

How much does a BMW oil change usually cost?

If you bring your car to a European specialty shop or dealership, you can expect to pay between $150 and $200 for most four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines. Certain performance models utilize V10 and V12 engines which have a much larger oil capacity and will cost more.

Can I Save Money by Getting an Oil Change at a Non-Specialty Shop?

Again, this is a can vs should question. If you go to a non-specialty shop, they will change your oil and your car will run. However, you run the risk of technicians inexperienced with BMWs making mistakes, and you will not know for certain if OEM-quality parts and fluids are being used.

Same as with the parts and fluids question, if something happens to your car it will be more expensive to fix it than it would have been to get a quality oil change. Paying a little extra for higher quality service is a good way to avoid pricey repairs and services in the future, especially on sophisticated engines like those in Bimmers.

BMW Oil Changes at Alex’s Autohaus

Alex’s Autohaus is the leading independent European specialty shop in the Salt Lake Valley. We also offer a wide range of tuning and performance upgrades for BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and more!

At Alex’s Autohaus, our technicians have the training and skills to service your BMW. We only use OEM-quality parts and fluids to keep your car running as it should. If your BMW needs service, give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!