Let’s get this out the way – owning a BMW can be expensive. And a large part of that cost can result from servicing fees. There are different servicing levels for your BMW, and the most common is usually oil changes. But how much does it cost for a BMW oil change, and how often will you need one?
The cost of a BMW oil change
Across the model range, the cost of servicing your BMW can vary. Usually, the more expensive M cars and the BMW SUV range have the highest servicing fees, but even the entry-level models can be costly. If you’re looking at buying a BMW or approaching your next oil service, it’s essential to know if you’re paying the correct amount.
When will I need an oil change?
You might think that there is a clear mileage or age interval when every BMW will need an oil change. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. BMW guidelines are different depending on the car and the advice of your dealership, but most BMWs will need a change at either:
- 12 months since the previous change
- 10,000 or 15,000 miles
Some sites will tell you 10,000 and others 15,000 miles, so there is no single figure from BMW. Fortunately, your car will have a built-in service calendar, so you can find out service intervals that way and make sure you can get a service on time. Some service packs will include the oil change alongside other checks such as air filters.
How much is an oil change?
The cost of your oil change is going to depend on a few things
- The model of your BMW
- Your local dealership
The first problem is that local BMW dealerships can change very different costs for a service. For the comparison below, I’m going to assume you’re taking the car to a BMW dealer too. So how do the costs stack up?
| BMW Model | Oil Change Cost Total | Parts Cost | Labour Cost |
| Low Range Models (2 / X1 Series) | $135 / £130 | $45 / £40 | $90 / £90 |
| Mid Range Models (X3 / 4 series) | $135 / £130 | $45 / £40 | $90 / £90 |
| High Range Models (7 series / X6) | $175 / £160 | $55 / £50 | $9120 / £110 |
These costs above don’t include any taxes, so they could increase – but there’s always an opportunity to check the price before you book a service. My local BMW dealerships have offered oil service costs that are 15% different from each other, so you can always try and price match. Also, as with any BMW service, watch out for hidden fees. Dealerships will try to add on prices for fuel tank ‘health checks’ and other vague items. Just avoid.
Do I need to get it changed at a BMW dealership?
You might be looking at those costs and thinking, ‘how can they get away with charging that?!’ and the only way customers pay it is because they are the manufacturer. They can charge what they want, and people will feel pressure to go to BMW. Also, if your vehicle is still under warranty, I strongly recommend going to BMW for services until that warranty expires.
So are there any alternatives, or as BMW drivers, do we have to pay dealership prices? Well, thankfully, there are some alternative options for managing your oil service.
Local Independents
There will likely be some excellent independent repair shops and garages in your local area. I would always suggest you find one specializing in BMWs, even if you have to travel a bit further to get a service.
Cost-wise, these shops can vary a lot, so it’s difficult to compare against BMW dealers – but in my experience, I’ve got quotes around 25% lower than the equivalent service from BMW. Most independent BMW specialists will use official parts and probably have staff who have previously worked at BMW, so the level of service you get is often just as good as the authorized dealership.
There can be downsides, though. You probably won’t get a replacement vehicle while yours is going through the service, so you may need to wait. This is relatively quick for an oil change service, but more extensive inspections will take longer. You might also find that selling the car back to BMW or part exchange will affect the cost slightly – but you can always negotiate on this point.
Changing The Oil Yourself
Another option to save costs is to change the oil yourself. This will require some knowledge and specific tools, so it’s not for everyone, but it will be the least expensive option. You’ll need to factor in the required tools, but the oil will set you back around $20/£15. The downsides are similar to taking your car to an independent – but you’ll also have to understand how to reset your service intervals so the car understands you have replaced the oil.
Summary
For BMW oil changes, I think the best plan for your car is to service at the main dealership in those first 3 or 4 years where it is still under warranty, and then look for a reliable independent. I use this approach for all my BMW servicing, but I know a few BMW owners who complete the oil change themselves, so that could be the best approach for you if you have the tools and knowledge.
To find out more about looking after your BMW, check out the links below:
