BMW Oil change ?

[wolf76]

Hello. Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question but here it goes. I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who has a 2004 BMW 325xi. It is out of warranty and he is due for an oil change. He called the dealer and was quoted $400! I almost fell over when he told me. I know dealers are high but that seems absurd. Is there something very unique about this model that would warrant a price anywhere close to that number? I did quick search on the BMW forum but couldn't find anything. Any input is appreciated.



Thanks,

Chris

[VincentVega]

Get the filter from Pelican and DIY

BMW E46 Filters & Belts - Page 2

[VaSteve]

I have that exact car, bring it over and I'll do it for $300!

That's probably the dealer price for the $50 oil change and $350 of looking it over. It's nonsense.

Jack and support car.
Remove belly pan (if not already destroyed by 6 years of "life")
Drain oil.
Replace plug and use new crush washer.
Torque to spec.
Open the "cannister" with a 36mm socket
Remove and replace element and rubber washer.
Reinstall lid and torque to spec.
Refill oil.
Reinstal pan
Lower car
Reset service interval counter (directions on web).

Oil filter kit for BMW is nice, it contains the crush washer and gaskets unlike Porsche.

xi takes a little more oil than a RWD car since the front transfer case runs through the oil pan. Guess who else does that? Panamera!

[wolf76]

Thanks for all the replies. I will let him know how far off the dealer is.


Thanks,

Chris

[MBAtarga]

The dealer probably quoted a mileage based service, which included oil change, air filter, fuel filter, check systems - brakes, etc.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by wolf76

Thanks for all the replies. I will let him know how far off the dealer is.


Thanks,

Chris

That's the standard dealer price, but it's $50 worth of supplies and effort. That's why I do it myself. They have a 50 point inspection but so do I.

[nocarrier]

You should have no problem tackling this at all.

One thing though, it is better to at least crack open the oil filter housing cap before hand.

It helps drain the oil out of the oil filter housing and into the pan instead of it draining out after you have replaced the drain plug.

Good luck!

Oh, and on the x5 the cv axle runs through the oil pan as well!

Also, since your friend owns this car I would strongly suggest increasing the oil change intervals. I have seen way too many BMW engines that had sludge in them from owners only changing the oil when the light informed them to.

[mattdavis11]

The price the dealer told your friend could reflect the cost of the part and installation of the oil level sensor. It's going to go out, it's just a question of when. I'd go ahead and get it out of the way now.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

The price the dealer told your friend could reflect the cost of the part and installation of the oil level sensor. It's going to go out, it's just a question of when. I'd go ahead and get it out of the way now.

The 2004 model has a dip stick, Jimmy.

[mattdavis11]

It also has one of these, Jimmy.

It makes people, unlike you and I, alarmed.

[David]

We had an e46; super easy.