BMW Dealers Engine Oil Change

[161BMW]

BMW Dealers Engine Oil Change do they change by the oil sump plug (which is presumably better?) or a suction device ?

And if they do by the suction device is it possible to request via the oil sump plug ?

Which is better for the engine ?

[RichardM5]

They will do it via the sump plug, it's quicker for them (undo the drain and leave it for 15 minutes) and many of the newer engine don't have a dip stick to suck up from anyway!

[161BMW]

They would do this for E46 M3 via the sump right ?

[RichardM5]

I don't see why not, as I said it's easier for them. But you'd have to ask the person that does it to be sure, people do strange things.

[161BMW]

RichardM5 said:

I don't see why not, as I said it's easier for them. But you'd have to ask the person that does it to be sure, people do strange things.

Thanks very much :-)

[helix402]

BMW dealers use the sucker or sump plugs depending what is available.

[161BMW]

Sump plugs are always available and is a quicker method surely ?

[AW10]

161BMW said:

Sump plugs are always available and is a quicker method surely ?

But they require putting a car up on a lift which adds to the time...

[161BMW]

Which takes what a minute ?

[AW10]

If it's a drive-on lift, yes. If it's a chassis lift it'll take a few more. Time is money - it's all about throughput.

[Schermerhorn]

I wouldn't trust the suction device to remove all of the oil anyway and you could also get new engine oil mixing with the remaining black oil as well. Sometimes the old way is the best way.

[N7GTX]

You'd be surprised how much the suction pump does remove. I use one on some cars particularly those with under-trays that need a whole load of screws removing first. As said above, time is money and for a simple oil change the suction pump may well be quicker but the oil does have to be hot or it takes 10 minutes or more if cold.
There are some cars where you do not get the last 0.5 litre out so if doing the job properly then the sump plug is the way.

[jcolley]

Dealerships will all follow what TIS procedures tell them to in order to guarantee the work. TIS directs removal of the oil sump drain plug for every car I've ever looked at.

[helix402]

I'm afraid I don't agree. Dealership staff do what gets the job done quickest, they are paid on bonus. I worked for a main dealer for 10 years. I work for myself now. A good suction drainer is remarkably effective, I have removed a sump plug after sucking the oil out and the sump has been empty.