2011 BMW 528i Maintenance Schedule

[meac1998]

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for a 2011 BMW 528i?

[meteck]

Recommended by whom? Your monitor says 15000 miles, but I definitely will change my oil before that. Probably around 7500.

[PwrdbyM]

It depends! Are you leasing the car? If so, go to the dealer whenever the car tells you to. If you own the car and want to keep it past 100k then a 7,500 oil change interval, plus tranny, diff & brake fluids every 2yrs/30k is critical. In BMW speak "lifetime" means warranty period.

[meteck]

Actually, BMW changes the brake fluid every year.

[dpritchett]

Actually, BMW changes the brake fluid every year.

With the CBS it's usually every two years.

[Sonnie]

My dash reading was flashing "Next service 16,000 miles" when I first got it. Now I have 5,700 miles on it and it is flashing up "Next service 13,000 miles".

One year or 15,000 miles is correct.

[VicTx2011]

Just signed up for bimmerforums. GREAT forums with full of information.

I did search for "Oil change" and came across only a few hits including this. So, pardon me , if this question was asked before.

I am leasing my car right NOW. However, I opted for Owner's choice (applicable for a few states like TX, IL), so I can keep the car if I want at the end of the leasing period.

1) Do you advise oil change at 7500 miles interval in this case as well?
2) Is it ok if I change oil at NTB (or an independent car repair shop) and not at the BMW dealer USING BMW recommended LL-01 oil and filter? I have no idea how much BMW dealer will charge me for an oil change.
3) BMW LL-01 does not mention the brand of filter to use. so, If I decide to do at NTB, what filter shall I buy/use as to not void the BMW warranty.

Kindly help........I have around 6600 miles and need to act fast.

Thanks a LOT....Vic

[wildvan]

Yes on 7500 miles
Yes on a trusted independent, I try to make sure they specialize in BMW
Not sure if Mann is making the oem, look at many areas or do a search on filters, if you are using a good shop, the will take care of it for you.

[VicTx2011]

wildvan ...Thanks a lot.

Did search on internet and found out that besides Mann (http://www.mann-hummel.com/) 2 others make OEM filter kits - Hengst & MAHLE-KNECHT as per this site http://www.bimmerspecialist.com/usa/...FQ5U7AodDBzFzg.

[meteck]

The scheduled maintenance readout is based on your driving. In town driving will shorten the interval while highway driving will lengthen it.
Being extra cautious, I plan to buy my filter from the dealer.

[VicTx2011]

Thanks. You are right............safe to buy from dealer than from these sites. Btw.....how much BMW dealer charge for oil change in Houston?

The scheduled maintenance readout is based on your driving. In town driving will shorten the interval while highway driving will lengthen it.
Being extra cautious, I plan to buy my filter from the dealer.

[wildvan]

I checked and could not find a filter for my 550 from Mann yet, so stealer may be only place to get one. I am guessing a oil change will put you back 250 or more. If your 535 has the same oil capacity, that is 9 quarts which will be 100 just for oil then add filter and at least one hour labor charge. I would look for a good independent, they will do work that will not void your warranty and you will generally get a better price. It is good to find one now so you will know were to take your car after warranty is up. Stealer is just so expensive.

[meteck]

Thoughts in general: You have no dipstick, therefore knowing how much to put in is critical. You can get BMW oil from Tischer for $6 per quart and they probably have the filter too. They have oil change kits for the E60 for $70 for comparison. I worked a deal with an lube facility to let me furnish the parts and they charge $30 to do the work. I let a place change the oil on a 740 and they didn't have a filter and didn't say anything so I bring my own stuff now. Most places do not carry filters for BMW's.

[frank9]

I am thinking about to change my 2012 BMW 528i xdrive, diff front and real fluids, and transfer case fluid myself for the first time, mileage at 48K
I bought a low profile floor jack, I made 4 jack pads off hockey pucks. I just ordered 2 more big read Jack stand, so I will have 4 jack stand.

my questions with the fluids, I got from BMW dealer:


1. Real diff fluid part # 07-51-2-293-972(synthetic), 1 bottle $22
2. Front diff fluid part # 83-22-295-532(hypoid axl), 2 bottles 2x$54=$108
3. Transfer Case fluid part #83-22-2-409-710(DTF 1:8325)1 bottle $53

on item 2, the bottle is 500ML, do I need 2 bottles? I see some diy job the real and front fluids is the same? I see someone use REDLINE fluiid, does anyone know the drain/Fill plugs and washer for real and front, and transfer case. I am confident I can change the real and front diff fluids, but with transfer case fluids, need take out the transfer case bracket, kind of hard. what kid basic hand pump do I need to use?

Any Advice

Thanks

Frank