When talking about a BMW, people frequently bring up its ultramodern and luxury design. It is, however, a high-priced vehicle with correspondingly high maintenance requirements, particularly for oil changes.
While it is apparent that BMW oil changes are costly, the reasons for this are not always clear. Here’s what I found out about the matter!
Why Are BMW Oil Changes So Expensive?
BMW oil changes are expensive because it’s a procedure provided by BMW, a company known for its costly automobiles and aftercare. Additionally, due to the labor-intensive nature of the service, BMW oil changes cause substantial labor charges. BMW oil changes necessitate the purchase of expensive synthetic oil and the repair of other components.
Keep reading to find out why BMW oil changes are so expensive!
1. BMW Oil Change Prices Are Set By BMW’s Prestige
People have become accustomed to having to spend a significant amount of money to purchase an iconic BMW vehicle because BMW is a luxury automaker.
Therefore, because owning a BMW is so expensive, charges for vehicle maintenance are also quite high.
As a result, BMW oil changes cost well over a hundred dollars—far more than what you would pay for an oil change on a more affordable vehicle.
2. Oil Changes Are A Must For BMW Engine Performance
Oil changes are a critical service needed for vehicles to stay in good health and keep operating smoothly.
Additionally, an oil change provides lubrication to the engine and its components, which is important for temperature regulation and keeping the engine operating smoothly.
Generally, oil changes entail eliminating debris particles and build-up from the engine’s lubricated parts before replacing the engine oil and the oil filter.
As a result of the time and resources required to complete the process, BMW oil changes are pricey.
3. Oil Changes Can Improve BMW Gas Mileage
In addition to preserving engine health, oil changes also have the added benefit of improving gas mileage.
As mentioned earlier, fresh oil provides lubrication that then increases engine performance and helps it run more efficiently.
Ultimately, oil changes result in less engine work and less gasoline consumption.
While oil changes are expensive, better gas mileage on a BMW is something people are willing to pay a premium for.
4. BMW Only Permits Specific Oils For Oil Changes
BMW oil changes are pretty expensive because of the different types of oil that can be used.
Every few years, BMW improves its oil compositions; however, the cars prefer synthetic oil for oil changes, which contributes to the high cost of a BMW oil change.
5. Oil Filters Add To BMW Oil Change Prices
In addition to changing the engine oil, the oil filter must also be replaced on a BMW.
That said, the oil filter removes impurities and built-up sludge from the engine, preventing these particles from causing damage to the engine.
Although cheaper oil filters are available for as low as $5 per piece, the more expensive ones are recommended since they are more durable and last longer.
Also, BMW uses its standard oil filter during its oil changes, resulting in a higher oil change fee.
6. BMW Oil Change Prices Rise Due To The Cost Of Labor
Labor costs account for a significant amount of the cost of an oil change, as they would with most services.
That said, oil changes are time-consuming, especially if the engine has accumulated a significant build-up.
Furthermore, oil changes are usually conducted by BMW’s team mechanics or specialists with extensive experience. As a result, labor expenses impact BMW oil change pricing.
7. BMWs Need Less Frequent Oil Changes
Another reason for the high price of BMW oil changes is that you can go a long time between oil changes compared to more affordable vehicles.
Typically, BMW recommends that its vehicles be brought in for an oil change every 12,000 to 15,000 miles driven.
However, other factors such as climate and driving habits can bring this requirement closer to 7,500 to 10,000 miles instead.
On the other hand, more affordable vehicles need an oil change after 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
While it’s true that BMW oil changes are more expensive, being able to go longer periods between oil changes is something that many would gladly pay for.
8. Diagnostic Checks Are Performed During Oil Changes
BMW oil changes are costly because diagnostic inspections are performed during every oil change.
During an oil change, the specialist working on the vehicle ensures the other parts of the BMW are in order, and generates a report indicating any issues or parts that need replacement.
That said, this adds value to BMW oil changes, thus contributing to its high price.
9. Locality Has An Impact On BMW Oil Change Prices
An oil change may be more expensive depending on where you live.
For example, obtaining an oil change from a BMW dealership in a densely populated city like Los Angeles will cost more than getting one in a less populated locale like Memphis.
Furthermore, the expense of importing engine oil and other oil-change components might contribute to the high cost of a BMW oil change.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why Subaru oil changes are so expensive, why Volkswagen oil changes are so expensive, and why Mini Cooper oil changes are so expensive.
Conclusion
BMW oil changes are expensive for various reasons, the most notable of which is the brand’s renown and the considerable resources used during the oil change process.
Furthermore, oil changes are labor-intensive processes, with higher labor expenses in more expensive urban locations.
As a result, BMW oil changes are noted to be steeper than those for other vehicles.