Oil Change at Local Jiffy Lube?

[jlb555]

I've got a 95 318i, and it's coming due for it's first oil change since I purchased it used a few months back. This is the first BMW I've owned, and I'm wondering if the group advises against taking it to the local midas (where I've taken all my cars) for the oil change.
I don't have the means to change it myself, and I know the dealers charge about 3 times what midas would charge...so if there is nothing special the dealer would do over a local shop, it would make the decision easy.
Lastly, any idea on whether a quick lube place like Midas would have the key to reset the oil change indicators on the dash?

I appreciate any thoughts...

 

[andreyiv]

I am 90% sure they will not reset the service lights because many BMW drivers change the oil at the dealer because it's usually free with a new car or make a quick DIY out of it. I don't know if the dealer does something extra except for the long wait and resetting the lights. Maybe they use "BMW brand" oil, which is either Castrol or Mobil usually. I myself would go to midas if I were in your situation because the closest appointment to the dealer is 2 months away most of the time and I can rest the lights myself with a piece of wire so why pay more? But that's me, everyone is different.

 

[carcus]

I've got a 95 318i, and it's coming due for it's first oil change since I purchased it used a few months back. This is the first BMW I've owned, and I'm wondering if the group advises against taking it to the local midas (where I've taken all my cars) for the oil change.
I don't have the means to change it myself, and I know the dealers charge about 3 times what midas would charge...so if there is nothing special the dealer would do over a local shop, it would make the decision easy.
Lastly, any idea on whether a quick lube place like Midas would have the key to reset the oil change indicators on the dash?

I appreciate any thoughts...

I just got mine done, Midas has the BMW reset tool, at least in my area, I took it to a different shop though, similar to a Jiffy Lube, I actually bought my own filter. Some shops do not carry BMW filters. Oil change was 23 bucks, full fluid service, just got it done yesterday. I went home and reset the oil change lights my self, 5 cent ground wire. The top loading BMW oil filter is easy to replace. Make sure they replace the O ring and gasket with the new filter, it is included in the filter. I get military discount so I buy my own filter. Hope this helps. Make sure they have a filter in stock and a reset light for the BMW. It is pretty nice to drive in and out in under 15 minutes saving money and no appointment. I watch them like a hawk though. Be advised, some shops will not change the oil unless they use their filter....liability issues I guess. I bought Mann filter....about 10 bucks if I remember. Hope this helps, screw the dealer for oil changes and the appointment thing. If I had ramps, I would be doing it myself.

 

[jlb555]

Thanks to both of you for the advise!

 

[carcus]

No need to be afraid.....alot of shops have the reset light. If no, do it yourself for 5 cents. Email me if you need help. Just call a local lube shop, ask them if they can do the oil change, if they have the reset light, and if they have the filter. If they do not have the reset light....5 cent black ground wire, keep it in the glove box. Almost all auto parts stores stock 3 series filters....about 10 bucks with the o ring and gasket. MAKE SURE THEY REPLACE THEM DURING THE OIL CHANGE!!! WATCH THEM LIKE A HAWK!!!! Hey, it is a top loaded filter, easy to remove. Less oil on them. Most lube places like doing BMW oil changes. I am running Castol 5W-30 out here in Mississippi. If you want Mobil 1...check "GASP" Walmart......cheap on 0W-40 synthetic Mobil one. I have a big trip coming up and just did the dino oil. Hope this helps. Hell, if you need brake pads...get a set of LIFETIME pads.....some oil changes offer LIFETIME oil changes for 40-50 bucks.....if you do not plan on moving, they even top off all fluids for free.

The BMW dealer is not like a GOD, go to them for dealer only parts or quirks. Dealer is the Stealer most of the time.

With a used E36...the dealer can BITE ME for what they charge. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jlb555]

Thanks again for your words of advise Carcus! I'll definitely go that route.

 

[carcus]

No prob, just glad I could help. ALot of places work on BMW....at least older used ones. BMW wants you to think you have to go back to them...as does Mercedes.....if you have the money...hey, more power to you. When my brakes go....getting life time pads....one less thing I have to deal with. Got a life time radiator, when the alternator goes, will go lifetime warranty on that. Most mechanics will swap them out cheap. Heck, you can get most things fixed pretty cheap unless it is computer related or DEALER ONLY PARTS...that is where BMW has you by the balls....just like replacement keys.

 

[adamsonem]

I feel more comfortable changing my own oil and keeping track of the mileage.

 

[carcus]

I agree with that also.....just need to pickup some ramps. And a big container to recycle the oil into. The top loaded filter is real easy to replace. Sometimes, I get lazy, the hardest part is getting under it, draining the oil, and putting the plug back in. Wish I had a nice garage with a lift. Ramps are coming though. Miss where I could crawl under my Jeep and just do it without jacking it up....cheap Fram filter, some dino oil....those were the days.

 

[adamsonem]

lol, true. I went to my friends house to change mine today (I am getting paid $70 plus reimbursement for oil/filter for a 2-hr survey on Monday). He has a floor jack and some jack-stands, a drain tub, and plastic containers. I need to take a picture of the underside of my front end so you can see the easiest oil-change setup EVER! The filter is about 1-foot away from the drain plug right at the bottom... No need to move from draining to filtering! If I ever find a car with an easier change setup, I will probably crap my pants; it takes me about 5-10 minutes to change mine once I get the car jacked up.

 

[andreyiv]

Where does the old oil go after youre done? That is one thing that always bothered me.

 

[carcus]

Take it to most auto parts stores and they will dispose of it properly for you.

 

[andreyiv]

I had no idea you could do that. Thanks. Umm, do you have to pay anything in order for them to do it?

 

[carcus]

I had no idea you could do that. Thanks. Umm, do you have to pay anything in order for them to do it?

Normally free of charge, some might charge a disposal fee. Most tire shops when you buy new tires charge a disposal fee also. Just some FYI stuff people never check on the new tire receipt for.