BMW Oil Changes
If you own a BMW or are looking to buy one, knowing about oil changes will help you avoid issues and make expensive mistakes. You’ll also be in a better position to properly maintain your car.
At RS Autotechnik, we know how important it is to keep your BMW running smoothly at all times – no matter how old it is. In this ultimate guide, we cover the importance of regular oil changes and how ignoring them will impact the lifespan of your engine. Lubrication in your engine is so important to ensure smooth operation. Over time, heat and friction can wear down vital components, and engine oil helps improve your BMW’s lifespan.
Keep reading to find out how to keep your BMW in top shape with frequent oil changes.
Why Does Your BMW Engine Oil Need to be Changed Regularly?
BMW engine oil should be replaced often due to various factors. Engine oil is responsible for lubricating moving parts within the engine. This reduces friction as parts interact with each other at high speed. Oil also serves to reduce heat build-up. Engine oil can contain a build-up of metal particles and dirt, which reduces its effectiveness and eventually leads to engine damage. Routine oil replacements will help prevent this as components will be properly lubricated – protecting parts subject to high friction.
BMW engines are carefully designed for optimum performance, longevity, and efficiency. Sporty BMW models require a lot of heat management and will require more frequent oil changes. Without them, your engine’s performance will drop, increasing the risk of overheating and resulting in complete engine failure.
Regular oil changes in your BMW will go a long way in preventing damage, and ensure your vehicle continues to run smoothly and efficiently in the future. To find out how often you should have your engine oil replaced, consult your BMW owner’s manual.
All You Need to Know About BMW Oil Change Intervals
Condition-based Based Servicing (CBS) systems are utilised in modern BMWs. This system monitors engine internals to determine their condition and it will alert you when you need to book your next service.
The way it determines when your BMW needs a service is by:
- Mileage: Besides keeping tabs on the miles you’ve covered, the system uses this data to figure out how often routine tasks, like oil changes and brake checks, should be done.
- Time Passed: The system also considers how much time has elapsed since the last check-up because some parts might need attention, even if you haven’t been driving much.
- Driving Habits: To work out the stress on your car parts, the system observes how you drive – your acceleration, braking, and speed. Driving aggressively can speed up wear and tear, requiring more frequent maintenance.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures and humidity can impact how well your car parts function and how long they last. The system takes these factors into account when deciding on maintenance intervals.
- Fluid Check: The system can also determine if your car’s oil and coolant need changing or topping up and assess the condition of other fluids, like brake fluid.
By using these variables, the CBS system provides you with a customised maintenance schedule. This safeguards your BMW from unnecessary services and lowers the risk of damage, especially if the maintenance schedule is overlooked.
Without a CBS system, your BMW will provide you with appropriate time-based service intervals. For example, your BMW may indicate or need oil changes every 7,500-10,000 miles, depending on its age, engine type and model.
We can work out the appropriate time to service your BMW at RS Autotechnik. Thanks to our specialist BMW team, we help answer service questions you may have and can expertly replace your oil and give your BMW the attention it deserves.
Choosing the Right Oil For Your BMW
For a long lifespan and optimal efficiency, your BMW requires a specific type of oil. The correct oil choice for your vehicle will depend on its model and engine type.
Newer BMWs require synthetic oil for improved lubrication, and it is more durable than traditional oils, making it a popular choice among BMW owners. The TwinPower turbo engines in BMW’s recent line-up require synthetic oil to meet BMW’s Longlife-01 standards. This set of standards ensures proper lubrication, cleanliness and fuel economy for the engine and helps maintain smooth engine operation.
Conventional oils are often used in older BMW models. As an owner, using the recommended oil that meets BMW specifications is always important. LL-01 and LL-04 are the two main specifications that your older BMW model should adhere to. Doing so will help keep your engine running smoothly.
Viscosity is another important factor when choosing the appropriate oil for your BMW. The owner’s manual will guide you to the suitable viscosity range for your specific model.
It does sound like there are a lot of factors in choosing the right oil for your BMW, which is true. Therefore if you are ever in doubt, be sure to reach out to our expert team at RS Autotechnik for help. All our BMW services include carefully selecting the right oil for your needs. We help your BMW last longer by only using the highest quality oil for your engine.
Oil Change Warning Signs – What to Look Out For
We suggest you always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to oil replacement intervals. Sometimes your BMW engine may need more frequent oil changes due to the following reasons:
- Warning Light on Dashboard: In recent BMW models, a light on the dashboard will signal when it’s time to change the oil.
- Noises from Engine: When the oil isn’t doing its job well in keeping the engine lubricated, you might hear sounds or knocking from the engine.
- Excessive Exhaust Smoke: If the oil is dirty or low, smoke from the exhaust could be appearing more than usual.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Dirty engine oil can cause more friction and make the engine less efficient, which, in turn, can lower fuel efficiency.
- Smell of Burning Oil: Detecting a burning oil smell could mean the oil is low or dirty, indicating the need for a change.
To help prevent damage to your engine, make sure you book an oil change as quickly as possible if you notice any of these signs. Our experts at RS Autotechnik can assist you with BMW oil replacement advice and servicing.
Changing Oil in Your BMW Engine – Important Steps To Consider
You should always treat oil changes carefully in your BMW. Proceeding with caution when you drain the old oil, replacing the oil filter and adding the new oil will help reduce errors. As oil replacement involves specialist tools and a careful approach, experts should handle this job.
At RS Autotechnik, our team of BMW specialists are on hand to expertly replace your BMW engine oil. Only using the best-in-class oil that meets BMW standards, we ensure that the job is performed as it was intended.
At RS Autotechnik, we replace the oil by doing the following:
- Remove the used oil: Our skilled team of mechanics will remove and appropriately discard the used engine oil.
- Install a new oil filter: We will also install a new, high-quality filter to keep the fresh oil clean and maintain proper functioning.
- Put in fresh oil: For the best performance and protection, we add the right type and amount of oil to your BMW’s engine.
- Inspect other parts: While your car is in our care, our specialists will examine additional parts, like belts and hoses, to confirm they are in good shape.
Ensuring the proper disposal of used oil has a significant impact on the environment. When used engine oil is disposed of incorrectly, it can release harmful pollutants like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other substances into the environment.
At RS Autotechnik, we are committed to taking care of the environment responsibly. When it comes to disposing of used oil, filters, and other automotive fluids, we follow eco-friendly practices. We collaborate closely with certified waste management companies specialising in the proper disposal and recycling of these materials, reducing their impact on the environment.
Trust our skilled team at RS Autotechnik to handle your oil change and avoid any potential risks. Give our friendly team a call today to schedule your appointment!
BMW Engine Oil
Regular oil changes are essential to improve the lifespan of your BMW engine. You may end up forking out on expensive repairs later down the line if regular maintenance is ignored. You may also experience complete engine failure which could have been prevented with regular oil changes. Using this guide and following the recommended replacement intervals set out by BMW will ensure your engine will run smoothly for years to come.
If you have a modern BMW, then Condition Based Servicing (CBS) will measure engine vitals and give you the most accurate service intervals. It uses mileage, time driven, driving style and external conditions to work out when it’s best to change the oil to improve the longevity and efficiency of your BMW engine.
Keeping an eye on warning signs and changing the oil as soon as you notice them will also go a long way in preventing unwanted repair bills. Check for unusual noises, smoke from the exhaust, and poor fuel economy as these could all be signs telling you that your oil is old and needs replacing.
At RS Autotechnik, our team of BMW experts can help guide you with choosing the right oil and perform complete engine services on your behalf. We ensure that the correct oil is always used and that the old oil is taken care of responsibly in an environmentally friendly way. Call RS Autotechnik today for all your BMW service needs!
