90 bux sheee ... i am gonna go hit autozone up ... anyone have any advice on the oil change

Well less see. There's about $40 worth of oil & filter and about a half hour of labor. About $90 sounds about right in light of those costs.

if it's sythetic it's not that bad for a dealer. 8 quarts aint cheap.

I spend about $50-$55 to do it myself with a Mann filter and 8 quarts of Mobil 1 full synth - it's so easy to do yourself I can't imagine spending the extra time and money at a stealership.

90 bux sheee ... i am gonna go hit autozone up ... anyone have any advice on the oil change


Welcome to Bimmer ownership!

Unless you have the tool needed you'll have to take it to the dealer to reset the lights anyway. Spend the 90$ and get it done right. I just took mine to a local shop to save money. I am NEVER doing that again! It took them 20 minutes to figure out what kind of filter, oil and how much oil my car uses. I was afraid to start my car after that experience. This is a good local shop too.


just curious....does a 97 528I use 8quarts of oil?

Whatever you do, use a factory filter. Don't go with anything else. Mobil 1 0/40 too please. It's a cake walk to do. Resetting the light is simply a jumper wire from pin 7 on the diag. connector to chassis ground for about 10 seconds.

cake walk, I say!

rjp

Well less see. There's about $40 worth of oil & filter and about a half hour of labor. About $90 sounds about right in light of those costs.

+1

As the next poster noted, 2 gallons of good synthetic and filter = $50.00 or so.

Resetting the light is simply a jumper wire from pin 7 on the diag. connector to chassis ground for about 10 seconds.

cake walk, I say!

rjp

do you do this with the car on or off? the shop i went to couldn't reset the lights.

ask for oil service next time, the price is going to make you laugh. but to answer your other question, its 7QTs for the m52

do you do this with the car on or off? the shop i went to couldn't reset the lights.

stop going there then. All it involves it taking a paper clip, making it a long wire and then sticking 1 end in pin 7 and the other end to pin 19. Make sure you stick the ends deep down into the connectors. If you just touch them to the tops, it will not work.

It costs me exactly 50 dollars to do a oil change by myself using an OEM filter (9 dollars and change at the dealership, plus (2) 5 gallon jugs of mobile 1 5w40 oil at 19.88 each.

Also, if you go by the oil lights on the dash, you get like 7k miles out of 1 oil change. Most people spend 20-25 dollars every 3000 miles. It actually works out that my bimmer costs less for an oil change than the rest of my cars in my sig.

What is the oil change interval on this synthetic oil?

on the avg is about 10K miles.

yeah - if you do a lot of stop and go driving you might want to shorten your change intervals to like 7500 miles.

yeah - if you do a lot of stop and go driving you might want to shorten your change intervals to like 7500 miles.
With a lot of stop and go driving and short, low speed, trips shortening the interval to as low as 3k makes a lot of sense in terms of engine life and reliability.

90 bux sheee ... i am gonna go hit autozone up ... anyone have any advice on the oil change


I know mine isn't an e30 but you think that is bad the delaership gave me for my e36 ti a price to do my rear brakes $489. I can do it myself for $120,now thats a joke.

Sorry to hijack this thread.

$90 every 7500-10000 miles... seems like you're ripping them off!!! Quit complaining, thats pretty good. Just make sure they're using the good stuff.

I've always used regular cause anxious to get that dirty stuff outta there.

And if you buy an oil extractor, then you don't even have to jack up the car to drain the oil. You can be sucking the oil out while having a beer. Cost = $50

went to the dealer as well today:

remote key: $136
6 oem ngk 4 prong spark plugs: $108

quick way to spend $250!

And if you buy an oil extractor, then you don't even have to jack up the car to drain the oil. You can be sucking the oil out while having a beer. Cost = $50


x2

I have an oil extractor and it sucks out every bit of oil I put in on the previous change! Takes me literally 20 minutes to change my oil now!

It does brake fluid and coolant as well.

I think mine was $115 at the stealership. Going to do it myself from now on.

If it takes you half an hour to change your oil, then something is wrong. The only thing you really have to wait for is for the oil to drain. It shouldn't take the dealership more than 10 minutes. I do it in 15 without lifting the car off the ground. It's one of the easiest things you can do on the car. I usually pay around $35-40 for oil and $11 for the filter. I remember a local dealership doing oil changes for $70 on the 540s. Still not worth it, IMO.

about $100 is the normal price..

Yeah, I pay about $87...but it averages out.....

So, I am the type that likes to do this myself.....where can I get one of those oil extractor doo-hickies?

Yeah, I pay about $87...but it averages out.....

So, I am the type that likes to do this myself.....where can I get one of those oil extractor doo-hickies?

try looking up Pela Extractor.
http://www.pelaproducts.com/

$189 is just insane. $120, tops :eek:

Mine was $103.02 exactly, but I got a free cup.....

If you do it yourself use either an O.E. a Mann or a Hengst filter.

$90 every 7500-10000 miles... seems like you're ripping them off!!! Quit complaining, thats pretty good. Just make sure they're using the good stuff.

I've always used regular cause anxious to get that dirty stuff outta there.

Well i am probably gonna change my oil ever 4500 miles because i like my cars running on fresh oil and 93 octane gas .... What weight to you guyz use on 540i e39 > 5 w 30 is the dealer recomendation ..... :D

$90 sounds about right from most dealerships. Most crappy places will charge you about 60-70 on average for synthetic. I get mine done here at the Syracuse dealership for $110, they also throw in a free inspection of the entire car as well. Without inspection it's $90 for just oil and filter.

I get mine for $25-$30 at the local gas station.

x2

I have an oil extractor and it sucks out every bit of oil I put in on the previous change! Takes me literally 20 minutes to change my oil now!

It does brake fluid and coolant as well.

So you just stick that down the filler cap and then you just pump it out?

try this (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?btnG=Search+Froogle&q=auto+oil+extractor&lmode=online&scoring=r)

Thanx sirtiger and Tony :cool

Was reading the container for Amsoil 0-30. "Change at intervals up to 35,000 miles"! Have been using it in the 525i. Been changing the oil FILTER (Manns) every 4 to 5,000 miles and have about 10,000 miles on the oil. Will change at about 15,000 miles. What do you think about that maintainance interval? I think it is about
$ 8.50 per quart.

90 bux sheee ... i am gonna go hit autozone up ... anyone have any advice on the oil change

$90.. that's it?? Sterling BMW (Newport Beach, CA) wants $240! I got to get my oil changed too... but I don't know how to reset the code. Hell if I'm paying 240, I'm going to do it myself instead, but 90's a deal in my book. :eek:

... but I don't know how to reset the code. :eek:
It depends on what model year you have...
E39s from 1997-2000: use the data port under the hood

OIL Service Reset requires pin 7 and 19 to be closed for 3+ seconds
INSPECTION Service Reset requires pin 7 and 19 to be closed for 10+ seconds


E39s from 2001 ~ 2003: Oil Service Reset Procedure

Iginition OFF (POS 0)
Press and Hold the trip odometer button while turning key to position 1 (ACCESSORY)
Keep the button depressed (about 5 secs.) until you see "Oil Service" or "Inspection" with "Reset" or "Re" in the display
*Note: On vehicles with "High" cluster, you will also see the amount of fuel (in litres) remaining until next service
Press the button again and hold for approx. 5 secs. until "Reset" or "Re" flashes
While the display is flashing, briefly press the button again to reset the Service Interval. After the display has shown the new interval you should see "END SIA" for about 2 secs.
Note that if the "Reset" or "Re" does not flash, then you have not met the minimum consumption level and cannot reset.

(BTW, I found this info by typing "oil reset" using the search feature...don't forget that it is available and can save time by finding previous discussion that already contain the answer(s)) :D

sorry to sound stupid but, which is pin 7 and which is 19? Is there a diagram?

It depends on what model year you have...
E39s from 1997-2000: use the data port under the hood

OIL Service Reset requires pin 7 and 19 to be closed for 3+ seconds
INSPECTION Service Reset requires pin 7 and 19 to be closed for 10+ seconds


E39s from 2001 ~ 2003: Oil Service Reset Procedure

Iginition OFF (POS 0)
Press and Hold the trip odometer button while turning key to position 1 (ACCESSORY)
Keep the button depressed (about 5 secs.) until you see "Oil Service" or "Inspection" with "Reset" or "Re" in the display
*Note: On vehicles with "High" cluster, you will also see the amount of fuel (in litres) remaining until next service
Press the button again and hold for approx. 5 secs. until "Reset" or "Re" flashes
While the display is flashing, briefly press the button again to reset the Service Interval. After the display has shown the new interval you should see "END SIA" for about 2 secs.
Note that if the "Reset" or "Re" does not flash, then you have not met the minimum consumption level and cannot reset.

(BTW, I found this info by typing "oil reset" using the search feature...don't forget that it is available and can save time by finding previous discussion that already contain the answer(s)) :D

Wow, thanks!

Search feature... my car comes with that too? Do I turn the key to position one, then hold down the trip odometer for 3 seconds? ;) :stickoutt

Yes, I will use it next time. :)

So you just stick that down the filler cap and then you just pump it out?

try this (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?btnG=Search+Froogle&q=auto+oil+extractor&lmode=online&scoring=r)

No you stick it down the dipstick tube for the oil until it hits the bottom of the pan. The extractor siphons out the oil into the container. If you have a V8 makes sure you get an extractor large enough to accomodate 8 quarts at least.

Thats funny but it actually does take at least half hour to change the oil. By the time you check all the fluids and tire pressure its 0.5hrs. Also 90 bucks isn't bad. If they strip ur oil pan they pay for it if you do it well thats on you.

Sometimes I get scared to wait 15k (thats what the dealer said) miles for the next oil change

do you do this with the car on or off? the shop i went to couldn't reset the lights.

I typically ground pin 7 with the car off, then turn the vehicle to "run" but don't start the car- leave that way for about 15 seconds. Typically takes me about 2 - 3 passes before it catches, it's kind of flaky.

Paper clip to 19 works too, but it seems to give better results with a piece of copper wire pinched to ground.

good luck.

rjp

Sometimes I get scared to wait 15k (thats what the dealer said) miles for the next oil change

eek - I would highly recommend at least one more oil change midway through that - even if you have to pay out of pocket for it if the regular ones are covered by your warranty.

I guess being dealer-maintained is a good selling point, but my 540i was supposedly regularly maintained at the dealership with oil changes at suggested intervals, but when I dropped my oil pan guess what I found? Sludge so thick that it look like someone had left a mudpie in there for me.

sorry to sound stupid but, which is pin 7 and which is 19? Is there a diagram?
the pins are numbered so when you open the data port...you'll see the numbers next to the pins ...or ...if you click on the search link and type "oil reset"...I'm sure you'll find a pic. Over the years I've seen many pics and diagrams of homemade wire devices shown shorting pins 7 and 19...Bruno's site is one that comes to the top of my head. :)

Here ya go...I found this pic by M. Wong...he used a wire to short pins 7 and 19...then follow the instruction in post #34 (above) for the correct time interval. If you leave it in too long...you will do an INSPECTION reset (of course you can always buy a rest tool, as well):

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/206000-206999/206524_141_full.jpg

I typically ground pin 7 with the car off, then turn the vehicle to "run" but don't start the car- leave that way for about 15 seconds. Typically takes me about 2 - 3 passes before it catches, it's kind of flaky.

Paper clip to 19 works too, but it seems to give better results with a piece of copper wire pinched to ground.

good luck.

rjp
I'm not quite sure how to respond to your post...because there is no info in your post that indicates which BMW you have. If its a 5 series...do you have the e12, e28, e34, e39, or e60? Year and model is also helpful in helping others to help you better.

If you have an e39...scroll up the thread to post #34 where I posted the instruction for resetting the service light for the early e39 and late e39...if you have an early e39...you're supposed to short pins 7 & 19...perhaps that's why the procedure appears to be "flaky" in your situation. :D

90 bux sheee ... i am gonna go hit autozone up ... anyone have any advice on the oil change

Let the dealer do it. Autozone or oil changers dont know what they are doing. Once you hook up with a dealer they will send out oil change specials.

Let the dealer do it???

Hey, take a weekend and learn how to DIY. If you really want to be a car enthusiast, this is part of the path. After you purchase the tools to do the job, the cost per change will drop to ~$50 instead of $90 at the dealer.

Here's a few reasons not to have the dealer do your oil change and not to do it yourself.

1. The dealer only has to keep the car on the road until the warranty runs out. Dealer recommended fluid change intervals are only meant to keep the car running reliably until the car is out of warranty. The best example of this is their "lifetime fluid" in their auto transmissions. The actual transmission manufacturer recommends you change the fluid in the e39 auto tranny every 50k miles, and if you don't change it failures are common from 100k-120k. Go figure.

2. A mechanic that deals with just a few types of BMWs, ever day for years will spot problems during an oil change. All vehicles over their lifetime with exhibit similar problems, and a good mechanic that has seen the same problems time and time again, will spot problems ahead of time. An oil change at a good indy BMW mechanic is like free service inspection. They do more then just change your oil, and because they have the car on a lift they'll see alot more then you would.

I like to do alot of stuff DIY, and at the same time I make sure my mechanic has his eyes on my daily driver every 3-5k miles.

If you find a good indy mechanic that is always trying to get you to spend less money, not more, you've found yourself an honest man.

Sure you can do alot of this stuff your self, but you'll never have the experience of a BMW ONLY indy mechanic that does it day in day out for a living.

It's like the Olympics. You can't train only on the weekends, then show up to the big event and expect to win ;-)

These are my opinions, take it for what its worth.

2. is a valid point, but also very hard to find.

Get a Peake reset tool. They also scan engine fault codes, and they are inexpensive.

Well i am probably gonna change my oil ever 4500 miles because i like my cars running on fresh oil and 93 octane gas .... What weight to you guyz use on 540i e39 > 5 w 30 is the dealer recomendation ..... :D
It depends on your location I believe. Warmer climates can run a little thicker oil and colder climates have to use thinner oil. Im in southern california where it probably doesnt get quite as hot as texas. I use Castrol GTX Dino oil 20w50 IIRC. Just changed my oil 3 days ago or so. :redspot

For now I have my own millage timer in my head on when to change the oil. I havnt reset my service or oil light since I got the car. I plan on getting a code reader some day though and will reset it at that time.

It depends on your location I believe. Warmer climates can run a little thicker oil and colder climates have to use thinner oil. Im in southern california where it probably doesnt get quite as hot as texas. I use Castrol GTX Dino oil 20w50 IIRC. Just changed my oil 3 days ago or so. :redspot

For now I have my own millage timer in my head on when to change the oil. I havnt reset my service or oil light since I got the car. I plan on getting a code reader some day though and will reset it at that time.

Thanks >>> Anyone in texas or in a hot region ??? Oil Weight ???

$90.. that's it?? Sterling BMW (Newport Beach, CA) wants $240! I got to get my oil changed too... but I don't know how to reset the code. Hell if I'm paying 240, I'm going to do it myself instead, but 90's a deal in my book. :eek:

$240? now you are pulling my leg

:bs

perhaps he means an Inspection 1 rather than just a simple oil change?

7 quarts of Castrol Syn, Mann oil filter about 40.00, Use a drill pump to pump the oil out of the dipstick tube, and you have a easy oil change and very little mess. Beats the hassel of taking the car to the dealership. My dealer wanted 150.00 for a oil change. 2001 525i

wtf is wrong with you - diy itll take your 20 min and only cost you 40 MAX with syn mobil 1 oil and a BMW oil filter package


No offense but you got hit hard

It takes me 15 minutes to change the oil myself. Mann Oil filter, 8 quarts Mobil 1, 55 bucks.

^^^ sounds like a plan

It takes me about an hour and 6 beers to change my oil.

It takes me about an hour and 6 beers to change my oil.

Yeah about two blunt breaks = 1.4 hours

As someone previously said, $90 for an oil change sounds like a very good deal! But do ask them first exactly what type of oil they use for the oil changes. Even if you plan to change your oil more often (e.g. every 10000 miles) be sure to use the correct spec oil. It needs to meet BMW's LL01 spec and be of the right viscosity for the ambient temperatures of your location.

Just an FYI (I'm not affiliated with them at all), but Bimmerzone has 5 packs of E39 540i filters for $38 shipped - so what like $7.60 each? They have Mann and Mahle ones - no price difference between the two. Here's the link: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=468059