BMW automobiles and SUVs or Sports Activity Vehicles in the German luxury make’s parlance, are sport-luxury vehicles built in various factories around the world, as well as in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Known for being the “Ultimate Driving Machine,” they offer many care options that can work with owners, whether they have leased or have bought their vehicles.

BMW Ultimate Care

To keep their BMWs operating like new, the manufacturer has compiled a maintenance schedule to keep their cars on track. BMW Ultimate Care offers free scheduled maintenance during the first 3-years/36,000 miles of ownership. The vehicles carry a standard 4 year/50,000-mile warranty.

BMW Maintenance Guidelines

BMW’s maintenance guidelines are sensor-driven and center around a Condition Based Service (CBS) system that is cycled to occur every 10,000 miles, whether it involves a simple oil change and tire rotation or other standard service. Throughout the menu of scheduled services, BMW technicians will perform multi-point inspections on fluid levels and other needs of your vehicle. By following the guidelines listed in the BMW Owner’s Manual, owners can stay aware of all aspects of their maintenance schedules.

BMW utilizes electronic oil measurement to monitor the engine load on the current oil fill, based on driving style and distances. It is monitored on the vehicle’s Control Display. If outside its specified operating range, a Check Control message is displayed.

10,000 Miles or 12 Months

Synthetic Oil and oil filter changes typically occur every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first. Coolants are also changed at the 10,000-mile mark.

20,000 to 40,000 Miles

Fuel filters are next, being changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Brake fluid may also be changed at the 30,000-mile mark, then every 60,000 miles thereafter.

60,000 Miles

BMW technicians will change the engine air filter and spark plugs every 60,000 miles.

Extended Service/Extended Warranty

BMW Ultimate Care is the ultimate for owners in that it offers 3 years or 36,000 miles of factory recommended maintenance including engine oil, engine filter, brake fluid and spark plug changes. It also includes BMW TeleService which “phones home” (to BMW) when your vehicle needs service, Unlimited-Mileage Roadside Assistance for four years and four years/50,000 miles of new vehicle warranty coverage.

BMW offers Ultimate Care+ for owners who intend to keep their car for longer than the term of a lease (typically 3 years/36,000 miles). Available in various levels, the price, if bought at the time of sale of the vehicle, can be rolled into the vehicle finance plan. Otherwise, it may be added as an a la carte plan within the first 90 days since purchase. In order to qualify for the plan, all buyers must buy the basic Ultimate Care+ plan for $600, which covers brakes (Except Carbon Ceramic brakes), wipers and clutch. From there, it can be enhanced through the purchase of BMW Ultimate Care+1, 2, 3, and 4 which will extend coverage all the way out to 7-years/125,000 miles. Prices vary, but can go a long way towards reducing maintenance costs over the vehicle ownership period.