First Oil Change

[chiefcorey]

I went to get the first oil change on my car since i've purchased it. I've put 2,000 KM's on it since I got it, but I had no real idea when the last oil change really happened (they told me they did it a couple months before, but who really knows).

So off I go to Mr. Lube (who have always been good to me, unlike some of my friends). Drive in and they tell me they don't have the filter. Sorry can't do your oil change.

But I know another one not too far away, so I thought I'd try my luck there. I only had time Sunday afternoon to get it done, so away I went.

They had it... supposedly.

Started the oil change, then they tell me I have a canister oil filter and need to charge an extra $15 to change it. Uh, what???

not impressed at this point, but it explains why the other place didn't have it. Why does a car come with a canister filter anyways??

So they get the filter and go to put it in and it DOESN'T fit! AHHHH!

The kids that work there were pretty good though, he seached around to find the right one, it turns out their 'computer' had the wrong part number noted for it.

Not a good experience, and it's costing me $15 more for every oil change now. I like the drive through experience, but I think that's ridiculous.

Still love my car though.

[pgrindstaff]

why not get the oil filter from bma or bavauto and change it yourself? its guite an easy job.

[Spasso]

why not get the oil filter from bma or bavauto and change it yourself? its guite an easy job.

You don't even have to go to a specialty house for a filter. I get mine through NAPA. They can usually have one there in a day or less. Cost isn't much more than a standard spin on. I buy 5 at a time.WIX brand/NAPA Gold, stay away from Fram
They also have sealing washers for the drain plugs, engine and transmission, usually in stock. .20 a piece, copper or aluminum.

Find a REAL auto parts store and it will make your life easier. NOT Shmucks, Kragen, Checker, Autozone etc.......... only good for light bulbs and oil there.

[chiefcorey]

why not get the oil filter from bma or bavauto and change it yourself? its guite an easy job.

Getting the filters from somewhere else is a good idea, but changing it myself isn't really an option. i live in a condo downtown, and while I can do some stuff myself with tools I keep in my storage locker, changing oil isn't one of them.

[Zeuk in Oz]

A good reason for doing it yourself !

If you're not sure how, look at Bruno's site : www.bmwe34.net

There is a real satisfaction in doing it yourself and knowing it is done right !

[Ross]

They overcharged you. Avoid quick lube joints like venereal disease.

[markus]

i agree. i used to work at one and i remember my manager telling me to sell crap people didnt even need and didnt even work.. i hated trying to con people into this stuff but he did it and people are so stupid to belive it.

[chiefcorey]

i agree. i used to work at one and i remember my manager telling me to sell crap people didnt even need and didnt even work.. i hated trying to con people into this stuff but he did it and people are so stupid to belive it.

I haven't had the issued of them ever trying to oversell me on stuff. Maybe I just look like they can't push me over so they don't try.

But the extra coin to change a canister filter is crap.

[markus]

i rather jsut change oil myself but thats me I never took my car anywhere to get an oil change. I dont want to risk some idiot not tightenting my drain plug enough or not replacing the gaskets on the oil filter top.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

and change the oil yourself, and spend sleepless nights pondering sludge, the best oil weight, to go synthetic or dino or blend...should I shorten the change interval.....

Whew! I need my medicine