Oil Filter

[wing2pc]

I recently read through the threads about oil filters. It seems that the main concern with using non-BMW oil filters is with the outside paint on the filter. Someone recommended using the BOSCH premium oil filters. Can any of you tell me if they are an acceptable alternative or are they the same as BMW oil filters? Thank you.

[messenger13]

Buy your BMW filters from a local dealer. Three reasons:

Peace of mind
Maybe if we'd all do this more, we wouldn't see so many of them going out of business. Of course, not just filters...but a lot of our maintenance items. We saves a few bucks here and there, and then whine when our local dealer closes their doors.
Also builds your relationship between you and the local dealer. Scratch their back...and you'll never know when you'll want a return favor.
Food for thought...

[TPadden]

There are several filters that I have used and I've seen recommended by others, my current favorite is Wix: 51348

1. I have enough piece of mind
2. The nearest BMW dealer is 7 hours round trip and if he is relying on my filter purchase to stay in business - he won't.
3. My dealer LOVES me anyway

[rglassma]

I agree with Joe. I have been using BMW oil filters..

I know one thing for sure, I certainly would not want BMW of Denver to close. You need to support your local dealer as long as they provide good service and reasonable pricing. Compared to the quality that they provide, the other dealers in the area are second best at best. Plus, the pricing can't be beat anywhere that I have found.

I certainly for one would not want to have a big problem without them around.

I had planned to do all my own maintenance to save money. But, for the amount of time that it takes (which I don't have) and what I am getting away with for a 12K service (around 450.00), I had them do it. I do my own oil changes, but buy what I need from a dealer except the oil.

Since you are suppose to replace the filter ring, etc. you might as well get the whole thing there.

If you own the bike for 100K ( and most people don't) and you change your oil (with synthetic) ever 6K that is just under 17 oil changes. If you save 5.00 on an oil filter counting shipping counting the ring and washer replacements, over the life of the bike you are talking above less then 100.00. That to me isn't really enough to matter much.

But, it sure gives me piece of mind to have a dealer with a Master Mechanic on staff to handle the more serious stuff.

The 12k service at 450.00 is worth it to me because during my day, as a business owner, spending time doing the service could cost me 2 or 3 times that.

I try not to be penny wise and pound foolish.

[NOGILLS2]

$450.00 for a 6K is a good price I have paid over $700 in Co Springs and it took three days, unaccepable to me, especially since I was on vacation and had to rent a car to make reservations and then had to leave early to return to pick up bike because they close on Mondays. The thing that really made me angry was they told me there was nothing on the books before me, and I made the appointment a month in advance.

So I then decided to do my own service, although I do buy parts and other items from local dealer.

ps I was impressed with Denver BMW.
just my .02

[rglassma]

Sounds like you need to try BMW of Denver. That was 450.00 for a 12K without valve adjustment.

I know you would love their service. Ask for Martin. He is the service manager. Tell him Bob Glassman Recommended them..

I won't go anywhere else if I can help it.