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      03-07-2011, 03:28 PM   #23
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So here's the real question, what are the disadvantages of replacing oil before the 15,000 mark? I understand that a couple hundred dollars per person isn't much but word of mouth goes farther than that. It takes years for engines to crap out and when it does you better believe the owner is going to be pissed. The owner will tell everyone they know and potential buyers how crappy BMW is.

I've never owned a Toyota or Honda but that's what their company's built on, reliability and word of mouth that owners have spread. A couple hundred per person isn't a lot but to a car company like BMW that equals tens of thousands to millions of dollars in a region and over many cost cutting measures that equals more.

I'm sure that BMW engineers and mechanics know what their doing but in the end they're just working a 9 to 5 job, they're going to do what their superior says or risk losing their jobs.

In the end let people waste money on changing oil & fluids before the recommend mark but other than that are there and disadvantages in changing earlier?
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      03-07-2011, 05:42 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flash3 View Post
The dealership in Miami charges $200. WTH?
Re: Miami price: Whatever the traffic will bear.

It's (usually) cheaper in Illinois and probably even cheaper in Kansas, but the drive up here might be a little expensive for an oil change.

You can do it yourself for $ 55.43 (BMW oil, filter and gaskets/o-rings) plus a one time charge of $15 for an Assemacher ASTV410 oil filter cover wrench to fit the N55 engine. Of course that assumes you already have a safe means of lifting the car, a drain plug wrench, and you know what you're doing.

My only concern with premium-priced dealership oil changes is that in my limited experience, the guy doing the routine oil changes is the least experienced "technician" in the shop, and the most likely person to screw up this simple procedure. Which, I can assure you, does happen more often than you'd think.

Finally, you have to factor in what your time is worth. Bottom Line: Most people just go to the dealer, pay the asking price, and grin and bear it.
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      03-07-2011, 07:42 PM   #25
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Yeah. That's the going rate for an oil change. I called earlier to check.
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      03-07-2011, 08:11 PM   #26
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Of the other cars I can go with in my 3 month interval for the X3 I chose this SUV; what do you recommend as the best oil/fluid change?

This is the first car I'll have other than a lease so any info is appreciatied. It's hard to believe but "bean counters" have a purpose and over time money adds up.

What is a good benchmark for replacing oil or other fluids? I've haven't ever replaced my own oil but if dealers are shady enough and for the sake of prelonging the engine I'll do my own.
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      03-07-2011, 08:51 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beyu View Post
Of the other cars I can go with in my 3 month interval for the X3 I chose this SUV; what do you recommend as the best oil/fluid change?

This is the first car I'll have other than a lease so any info is appreciatied. It's hard to believe but "bean counters" have a purpose and over time money adds up.

What is a good benchmark for replacing oil or other fluids? I've haven't ever replaced my own oil but if dealers are shady enough and for the sake of prelonging the engine I'll do my own.
I think 7k is pretty safe.
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      03-07-2011, 10:46 PM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MA78 View Post
I think 7k is pretty safe.
The free dealer oil change is 15k/12mon or 15k/18 mon?
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      03-08-2011, 08:15 AM   #29
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Originally Posted by Gsing View Post
The free dealer oil change is 15k/12mon or 15k/18 mon?
Think it's based on what the on-board maintenance computer determines. It apparently uses the driving pattern, number of cold starts, rev range used, as well as miles driven to calculate the point when the oil is to be changed. The 15K/18 month interval mentioned in the BMW specs for the x3 is an absolute maximum.
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      04-01-2011, 02:46 PM   #30
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I do plan on changing out my oil sonner than the ecu tells me to. Yes I am aware this is before the BMW interval but I am old school. Plus I like getting under the truck and having a look from time to time.

With that being said, does anyone know the process for resetting the oil life meter on a 2011 X3?
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      04-01-2011, 03:18 PM   #31
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Why would you want to reset? Do your own change at 7.5k or whatever makes you happy, and then get your next change for "free" when the computer thinks the oil is 15k and due for service.
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      04-01-2011, 04:07 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsublime View Post
Why would you want to reset? Do your own change at 7.5k or whatever makes you happy, and then get your next change for "free" when the computer thinks the oil is 15k and due for service.
+1 Do not reset.
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      04-01-2011, 04:59 PM   #33
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If you plan to keep the car for more than 100K miles, do change oil after break in. If not, don't bother.

DIY or find an independent shop.
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      04-01-2011, 06:34 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike185 View Post
I am thinking of changing my oil ? I just hit 1200 miles , should I do it ?
I changed the oil in my 2009 at 1,500 miles. It's been changed every 5,000 miles ever since.

Maybe the oil will go farther and be fine and maybe not. I change it myself and it runs about $60.00 for all OE stuff.

Do a search for Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance Schedule. If you can't find it PM me with your e-mail and I'll send you a copy. Can't post it here.

Found a link for you:

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/atta...ule-v01.09.pdf

Last edited by rs6655; 04-01-2011 at 06:37 PM.. Reason: add link
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      04-01-2011, 07:32 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rs6655 View Post
I changed the oil in my 2009 at 1,500 miles. It's been changed every 5,000 miles ever since.

Maybe the oil will go farther and be fine and maybe not. I change it myself and it runs about $60.00 for all OE stuff.

Do a search for Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance Schedule. If you can't find it PM me with your e-mail and I'll send you a copy. Can't post it here.

Found a link for you:

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/atta...ule-v01.09.pdf
Thanks for finding that. I've been looking for that for a few weeks. It's a good read, and something every BMW owner should have a printed copy of.
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      04-01-2011, 08:35 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsublime View Post
Why would you want to reset? Do your own change at 7.5k or whatever makes you happy, and then get your next change for "free" when the computer thinks the oil is 15k and due for service.
Good call guys! Totally wasn't thinking! This is the first vehicle we've had that included free oil changes. Plus resetting the oil life meter has become habit over the years.
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      04-02-2011, 07:13 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MA78 View Post
Thanks for finding that. I've been looking for that for a few weeks. It's a good read, and something every BMW owner should have a printed copy of.
You're welcome and I agree. I follow it pretty closely.
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      04-02-2011, 07:18 AM   #38
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Okay, crap, I think y'all are convincing me to do this. So, changing my own oil is just not something that's gonna happen these days. Where should I take it? BMW and just pay for a change? Does taking it someplace else have any impact on the BMW service and warranty if they use a different oil filter, for instance?
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      04-02-2011, 08:02 AM   #39
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For those of you getting quoted $200 plus from dealerships, make sure you're asking for an oil change, instead of oil service. Oil service is what they do at the 15k marks and includes other things such as inspecting your brakes and tires. Tell the dealer you're bringing it in between the 15k mark and that you only want an oil change, and specifically not the full oil service, and your quote should hopefully be much closer to $100.
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      04-02-2011, 08:05 AM   #40
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And for an interesting read on how BMW changed all its fluid change recommendations once it started offering the free maintenance program:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=120736
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      04-02-2011, 08:54 AM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nahoa View Post
Okay, crap, I think y'all are convincing me to do this. So, changing my own oil is just not something that's gonna happen these days. Where should I take it? BMW and just pay for a change? Does taking it someplace else have any impact on the BMW service and warranty if they use a different oil filter, for instance?
Just go to Jiffylube. They're good enough. It's not like they're going to be replacing a head gasket. Just ask them to show you the old filter when they're done. And watch to make sure they use synthetic.
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      04-02-2011, 09:15 AM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nahoa View Post
Okay, crap, I think y'all are convincing me to do this. So, changing my own oil is just not something that's gonna happen these days. Where should I take it? BMW and just pay for a change? Does taking it someplace else have any impact on the BMW service and warranty if they use a different oil filter, for instance?
The oil and filter are not that expensive at your dealer. Contact an indie shop http://www.bimrs.org/ and ask if they use oe oil and filters.... if not ask what they charge if you bring your own.

Of course all of this only applies if you intend on keeping it for a very long time. If not then don't worry about it.

I'm very picky as I keep cars I like at least 10 years.... I kept one almost 20. I also run the miles up quickly as we're both retired and have the Wanderlust. I'm already at 65,000 miles on my 2009. It's been absolutey flawless for every mile.

Last edited by rs6655; 04-02-2011 at 09:51 AM..
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      04-02-2011, 09:20 AM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MA78 View Post
Just go to Jiffylube. They're good enough. It's not like they're going to be replacing a head gasket. Just ask them to show you the old filter when they're done. And watch to make sure they use synthetic.
I honestly wouldn't.

My son used to work for Jiffy Lube when he was in High School. I don't feel comfortable saying more.

I also doubt they will have synthetic that meets BMW's warranty requirements.
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      04-02-2011, 09:24 AM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loatron View Post
For those of you getting quoted $200 plus from dealerships, make sure you're asking for an oil change, instead of oil service. Oil service is what they do at the 15k marks and includes other things such as inspecting your brakes and tires. Tell the dealer you're bringing it in between the 15k mark and that you only want an oil change, and specifically not the full oil service, and your quote should hopefully be much closer to $100.
I think mine gets $144.00 OTD. Still pricey but better than $200.00.
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