[FastSoul16]

I have F30 M sport inline 6 manual trans and wanted to get a sense of what is appropriate costs for general maintenance in 2021 dollars (a lot of threads are old). I like the local service centers and want to protect BMW center privacy but live in southern California (Ventura county). I don't want to pay if these prices are too high or over react this this is expected.

Coolant flush $400 (includes 2 hours labor)
Brake bleed/fluid change $200-250
Oil change $150-200

I am protective of my BMW and fear going independent but was wondering if anyone has advice? Is Santa Barbara more reasonable with costs? Are these numbers normal for BMW (I used to own Audi which was significantly cheaper).

Thanks for your advise!

[Wgosma]

those prices are clearly high (Dealer); car out of warranty, find reputable Indy shop and you'll save ~ 30% off those prices.
I cannot fathom how shop's in Santa Barbara would be less costly than Oxnard/Ventura....SB is not exactly the low rent district 😏

[learntocode]

Originally Posted by FastSoul16

Oil change $150-200

Check often which BMW center is nearby. Some will have monthly specials..

https://www.rusnakbmw.com/service/service-specials/

Oil change for $99.95, this month of Jan.

[ooshnoo]

You can easily DIY each of those for a fraction of the cost.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by FastSoul16

I have F30 M sport inline 6 manual trans and wanted to get a sense of what is appropriate costs for general maintenance in 2021 dollars (a lot of threads are old). I like the local service centers and want to protect BMW center privacy but live in southern California (Ventura county). I don't want to pay if these prices are too high or over react this this is expected.

Coolant flush $400 (includes 2 hours labor)
Brake bleed/fluid change $200-250
Oil change $150-200

I am protective of my BMW and fear going independent but was wondering if anyone has advice? Is Santa Barbara more reasonable with costs? Are these numbers normal for BMW (I used to own Audi which was significantly cheaper).

Thanks for your advise!

Find your local independent BMW mechanics on BimmerShops website. I buy my parts/fluids on FCP Euro and take them to my factory trained Indy mechanic who charges $120/hour.

Cost me $700 labor for automatic transmission service, coolant service including replacing Mickey Mouse and coolant return line, replace plugs, replace coils, replace fluids in front and rear differentials and the transfer case. Car was there for the work day.

If I had this done at a dealer the cost would be nuts. Their book hours likely would have claimed like 2-3 days at $160/hour. Absolute joke!

[chowser51]

do the oil and filter yourself for $60ish. Brake fluid is $11 for the bottle. with a buddy, you can do it yourself or buy a bleed kit for $50.

find an independent. stay away from the stealership.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by FastSoul16

was wondering if anyone has advice?

Yes, if it isn't broken don't fix it. Unless it tests bad there's no reason to flush either the coolant or the brake fluid. All of the prices you listed are at least twice what you should pay if the work is actually necessary.

[FastSoul16]

Thank you guys so much! I was sticker shocked and new to BMW service out of maintenance program. I do plan to perform as many of these services myself. There are about 3 dealers within 45 min drive, if anyone likes their local Ventura county area dealer or BMW independent, I'm more than happy to try them out.

[veloella22]

I visited my local indie yesterday and paid the following:

Oil change - $120
Brake fluid replacement/flush - $130

[FastSoul16]

Originally Posted by veloella22

I visited my local indie yesterday and paid the following:

Oil change - $120
Brake fluid replacement/flush - $130

That's awesome! Those prices are way more reasonable.

[ooshnoo]

Originally Posted by FastSoul16

That's awesome! Those prices are way more reasonable.

DIY oil change is $45

[Fliplegend]

Originally Posted by ooshnoo

DIY oil change is $45

Even less if you get a rebate.

[trebec]

Originally Posted by learntocode

Check often which BMW center is nearby. Some will have monthly specials..

https://www.rusnakbmw.com/service/service-specials/

Oil change for $99.95, this month of Jan.

That price makes me cringe. It took me about an hour my for my first oil change, new to me car and all, taking my time looking at stuff that might need attention later, taking a call from work, and not rushing since I enjoy wrenching. The kit cost me 68 bucks from FCP Euro and it'll only cost me shipping the next time, super easy and great piece of mind that some new guy isn't gonna strip the drain plug or lock tight it in place. To each his own I suppose.

[learntocode]

Originally Posted by trebec

That price makes me cringe. It took me about an hour my for my first oil change, new to me car and all, taking my time looking at stuff that might need attention later, taking a call from work, and not rushing since I enjoy wrenching. The kit cost me 68 bucks from FCP Euro and it'll only cost me shipping the next time, super easy and great piece of mind that some new guy isn't gonna strip the drain plug or lock tight it in place. To each his own I suppose.

OP fear was going to independent mechanic. Giving him suggestions if he still wanted to service his car at the BMW dealership.

It's always better to DIY whenever possible as there are resources on the forums and videos on YT.

[heifetz17]

A month ago I had every fluid flushed on mine. Auto trans, t-case, both diffs, brake fluid, oil, and coolant and my bill was $860.

[davewes]

Originally Posted by FastSoul16

I have F30 M sport inline 6 manual trans and wanted to get a sense of what is appropriate costs for general maintenance in 2021 dollars (a lot of threads are old). I like the local service centers and want to protect BMW center privacy but live in southern California (Ventura county). I don't want to pay if these prices are too high or over react this this is expected.

Coolant flush $400 (includes 2 hours labor)
Brake bleed/fluid change $200-250
Oil change $150-200

I am protective of my BMW and fear going independent but was wondering if anyone has advice? Is Santa Barbara more reasonable with costs? Are these numbers normal for BMW (I used to own Audi which was significantly cheaper).

Thanks for your advise!

Just had my brake fluid change at my local dealership. EXCELLENT experience. Literally sent me a video clip of the results of my vehicle inspection along with a courtesy loaner.

But I digress. I paid right around 200.00 for a fluid flush and brake inspection. So that quote seems right on point for the dealer.

[Juan Verduzco]

Originally Posted by chowser51

do the oil and filter yourself for $60ish. Brake fluid is $11 for the bottle. with a buddy, you can do it yourself or buy a bleed kit for $50.

find an independent. stay away from the stealership.

stealership

[Juan Verduzco]

Originally Posted by ooshnoo

DIY oil change is $45

Wondering which type/brand of oil and filter did you used.
Wanna do it myself but this is my first Bimmer

[ooshnoo]

Originally Posted by Juan Verduzco

Wondering which type/brand of oil and filter did you used.
Wanna do it myself but this is my first Bimmer

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...27640862kt1-lm


Take advantage of their lifetime warranty. Buy and Change your oil. Then on your next oil change, reorder same kit and return your first order for a refund. Only pay for return shipping.

[Juan Verduzco]

Thanks for the info