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How many miles can I go until I need to change the oil on my BMW?

Can I really go 15,000 miles between oil changes with my BMW? I’m a first-time owner, and so far, I’ve driven it 10,000 miles. I haven’t had an oil change yet and am wondering if I should. To drive 15,000 miles until my first oil change seems unusually long to me.

avatar
Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Well, this is a tricky question. It is a little more complex than you might think!
How often you should change your oil depends on the
BMW
make, model, and year.
While many BMW owner manuals will recommend an oil change every 15,000 miles, it is better for your car and the environment to change your engine oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or 12 months (whichever comes first). This will prolong your engine life and improve your car’s performance.
How frequently you change your oil also depends on the climate where you live. People who live in a city with a more temperate climate can wait longer than people who live in colder or less forgiving climates. These drivers should consider an oil change every 5,000 miles.
Regardless of how many miles you’ve driven, if you notice your engine making a rumbling noise or an oil smell inside the vehicle, these are clear signs to get an oil change—or worse. There may be something wrong with the engine. Make sure you take your vehicle to a service center for maintenance.
In the future, after every oil change service is complete, remember to record it so you can
track how many miles
you went between oil changes and dial in what’s best for your vehicle.
It is clear you care for your vehicle, so ensure it’s protected by great car insurance—without overpaying for it.
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