BMW X1 2017 Petrol (2.0i) Sport trim - Service Questions and Advice Needed

fandyman

fandyman

fandyman

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Hi everyone,

I own a 2017 BMW X1 2.0i petrol, which I purchased in December 2022 with 13,000 miles on the clock. It’s now at 18,800 miles. I want to maintain its service history without doing unnecessary work and was hoping to get some clarity on a few points.

Current Service Status:​


My CBS system only shows that Engine Oil and Vehicle Check are due. However, I’ve received a dealer email recommending additional services:
  • Spark Plugs
  • Microfilter (Cabin Air Filter?)
  • Air Filter (Engine Air Filter?)

Is it possible for the CBS system not to display some of these items?

Spark Plugs:​


They were last changed in January 2021, about 4 years after the car was manufactured. The official BMW maintenance schedule (see BMW Maintenance PDF) suggests spark plugs are due every 6th engine oil change (approximately 60,000 miles).

Considering my low mileage (18.8k), is it okay to delay replacing them, or should I stick to a 4-year interval and change them in January 2025?

Also, does anyone know if spark plug replacement is time-based as well as mileage-based, or is it strictly based on miles?

Microfilter and Air Filter:​


According to the BMW schedule, the engine air filter should be replaced every 4th engine oil change (approximately 40,000 miles). However, the last air filter replacement was done during the car’s 2nd oil change in January 2021. Would this mean the air filter is next due two engine oil changes from now?

Can I replace the microfilter and air filter myself, or is it better to have them done professionally during service?

Service Cost and Items:​


I’m trying to balance maintaining a proper service history while avoiding unnecessary charges. Are the dealer's recommendations (spark plugs, microfilter, air filter) necessary now, or should I just stick to what the CBS system suggests?

MOT and BMW Vehicle Check:​


Does getting an MOT at a BMW dealership automatically count as a Vehicle Check, or do I need to specifically book a Vehicle Check service as well?

Oil Service Costs:​


BMW dealerships charge a premium for oil services. Does anyone know how much the engine oil itself costs if sourced independently? Would there be significant savings by buying my own oil and using an indie garage for the service?

Summary:​


I’m trying to figure out:

  1. Are the spark plugs, microfilter, and air filter replacements necessary based on mileage, time, or both?
  2. Why the CBS system doesn’t show these items despite the dealer recommending them.
  3. How best to maintain service history while keeping costs reasonable.

I’d appreciate any advice or experiences, especially from those with similar models and driving habits. Thanks in advance!
 
It sounds like you're trying to balance proper vehicle maintenance while being mindful of costs, which is a great approach. Here’s a breakdown of your queries:

### 1. **CBS System and Recommendations:**
The CBS (Condition Based Service) system should only display services based on the actual condition of components (such as engine oil level, brake wear, etc.). However, it doesn't necessarily account for time or mileage-based service intervals like spark plugs, air filters, etc. This is likely why the CBS system hasn’t shown the spark plugs, air filter, or microfilter, as these are typically based on manufacturer recommendations (time/mileage), not on condition.

### 2. **Spark Plugs:**
- **Mileage-based service:** According to BMW, spark plugs are typically changed every **60,000 miles** or so, or about every **6th oil change**.
- **Time-based service:** While spark plugs can last for many years, it’s also recommended to replace them after **4-5 years** due to wear and potential degradation. Since your spark plugs were last changed in **January 2021**, and it's now December 2024, you're at about a **4-year mark**, which might make it a good time to replace them, even though the mileage is low.
- **Verdict:** If you’re aiming for a strictly time-based maintenance schedule, you could replace them now, but it’s not absolutely necessary if you're still under the mileage threshold. Given that the interval is both time and mileage-based, you can technically wait until around **January 2025** if you're following the time-based guidance.

### 3. **Microfilter (Cabin Air Filter) and Air Filter:**
- **Microfilter:** The microfilter (often referred to as the cabin air filter) is typically changed every **2 years** or **20,000 miles**, depending on driving conditions. If it's been a while since the last replacement, it could be worth considering a change soon, especially if you’re getting close to that time frame.
- **Air Filter (Engine Air Filter):** According to BMW’s maintenance schedule, the engine air filter is generally replaced every **40,000 miles** or **every 4th oil change**. If the last replacement was in **January 2021**, you’ve likely still got a good amount of time before it’s due (unless you’re seeing a decrease in engine performance, which would suggest a filter change).
- **Verdict:** It’s unlikely that the air filter needs changing at 18,800 miles, but the microfilter might be due soon if it’s been more than 2 years or 20,000 miles since its last replacement.

### 4. **DIY vs. Professional Service for Air Filters:**
Both the **microfilter** and **air filter** can often be replaced yourself, especially if you have basic mechanical skills. BMWs tend to make these components fairly accessible. You could save money by buying the parts online and following DIY tutorials, but be sure to check whether any specific tools are needed (BMWs can sometimes require special tools or a bit of finesse). However, if you're looking to keep your service history completely in line with dealer recommendations, having the work done by the dealer might be better.

### 5. **MOT vs. Vehicle Check:**
- **MOT:** The **MOT** is a legal inspection required in the UK every year for vehicles over 3 years old. It ensures that the vehicle meets basic safety and environmental standards but doesn’t cover all aspects of maintenance.
- **BMW Vehicle Check:** This is a more comprehensive inspection of your vehicle, which includes checks beyond the MOT (like fluids, filters, electrical systems, etc.). While an MOT might catch safety-related issues, it doesn't replace the BMW Vehicle Check.
- **Verdict:** **MOT does not automatically count as a Vehicle Check**, so you would need to book that separately.

### 6. **Oil Service Costs:**
- **Cost of Oil Service:** BMW dealerships do charge a premium for oil changes, but you can potentially save money by sourcing the oil yourself. For example, **BMW-approved oil** typically costs around **£10-£15 per liter** at retailers. A full oil change will require roughly **5-6 liters** for your X1, so you’re looking at **£50-£90** just for the oil. Independent garages may charge less for labor but check if they use BMW-approved oils.
- **Verdict:** If you supply your own oil, you might save money on the oil itself, but the labor cost for an indie garage might still be significant. It’s worth calling around to get quotes from both BMW and independent garages.

### 7. **Summary of Recommendations:**
- **Spark Plugs:** If you’re following a time-based schedule (every 4 years), replace them in **January 2025**, even if you haven’t hit 60,000 miles yet.
- **Microfilter:** Likely due soon, especially if it’s been over 2 years since the last replacement.
- **Air Filter:** Still not due based on BMW's recommended intervals (around 40,000 miles or every 4th oil change).
- **CBS System:** The CBS doesn’t necessarily show time-based services, so you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s schedule for those.
- **MOT and Vehicle Check:** Make sure you book a separate **Vehicle Check** if you want that extra inspection.
- **DIY Filters:** Replacing the air filters yourself can save money, but you might prefer a professional service for convenience and maintaining dealer documentation.

Hope this helps clear things up! If you’re looking to keep costs reasonable while maintaining your service history, focusing on the CBS-recommended items and handling filters yourself might be a good middle ground.
 
The schedule you've found is from the USA where the oil service duration is much shorter.

The spark plugs and air filter are generally changed every other oil service on a UK BMW of this year, so in this case I think the dealer is correct to tell you they are due.

An MOT is not a Vehicle Check. Vehicle Check is part of the service schedule and usually happens every 4 years or 35-40k miles. It's generally due around the same time as the oil service that includes spark plugs and air filter so it makes no sense that this is also due.

It is confusingly named and people often mistake it for the MOT.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the answers. So I take it it is genuine advise from the dealer to change the engine air filter and spark plugs in Jan 2025.

I did not notice the maintenance booklet is from US - good spot. Wonder why I cannot find the UK one hmm.
 
[TW]Fox said:
The schedule you've found is from the USA where the oil service duration is much shorter.

The spark plugs and air filter are generally changed every other oil service on a UK BMW of this year, so in this case I think the dealer is correct to tell you they are due.

An MOT is not a Vehicle Check. Vehicle Check is part of the service schedule and usually happens every 4 years or 35-40k miles. It's generally due around the same time as the oil service that includes spark plugs and air filter so it makes no sense that this is also due.

It is confusingly named and people often mistake it for the MOT.
Click to expand...
If the vehicle check is done every 4 years then it does make sense actually, doesn't it?

This is my service history:

10/01/2019
1) Scope of maintenance work: Engine oil
Remaining distance: 9,321 Mi

2) Scope of maintenance work: Microfilter (consider further additional job(s) if appropriate)
Remaining distance: 9,321 Mi
Remaining service life: 12/2018

07/01/2020

1) Scope of maintenance work: Brake fluid
Remaining service life: 12/2019

25/02/2021

1) Scope of maintenance work: Engine oil
Remaining distance: 11,185 Mi
Remaining service life: 01/2021

2) Scope of maintenance work: Air filter element
Remaining distance: 11,185 Mi
Remaining service life: 01/2021

3) Scope of maintenance work: Vehicle check
Remaining distance: 11,185 Mi
Remaining service life: 01/2021

4) Scope of maintenance work: Spark plugs
Remaining distance: 11,185 Mi
Remaining service life: 01/2021

18/02/2022

1) Scope of maintenance work: Brake fluid
Remaining service life: 01/2022

05/12/2022

1) Scope of maintenance work: Engine oil
Remaining distance: 9,942 Mi
Remaining service life: 01/2023

2) Scope of maintenance work: Microfilter (note further additional work if necessary)
Remaining distance: 24,233 Mi
Remaining service life: 01/2023

07/02/2023

1) Scope of maintenance work: Brake fluid
Remaining service life: 02/2023
 
I am unsure if I am planning to keep the X1 forever hence I will stick to the dealer servicing even if it is a bit pricey or seem unnecessary. I suppose that is a good strategy for now.
 
fandyman said:
I am unsure if I am planning to keep the X1 forever hence I will stick to the dealer servicing even if it is a bit pricey or seem unnecessary. I suppose that is a good strategy for now.
Click to expand...

It's an 8 year old X1, not exactly an M5 Competition. Do the bare minimum like everyone else does and don't overspend as you'll not recoup that money come selling time. If you intend to keep it then it makes sense to take good care of it, but if not, the next buyer won't give a monkey's about the additional servicing.
 
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