Its been a little over a month since i bought my 550, and i need to get a oil change within the next 600 miles. Anybody in SoCal, know of any shops that can do it or can i just go to any other oil change place?

 

No magic on an oil change. Just need to be sure the shop is using BMW approved oil (it's in your owners manual) and a proper filter.

I do my own, but if I was in your shoes I'd bring it to an independent shop that specializes in European cars or better yet BMWs. This way they will be familiar with what oil is needed, they will have the filters on hand and they will also have the tools/know how to reset the oil change for the CBS reminder.

The CBS reset can be done via BMW capable scantool or for the DIYer I found these instructions on how to perform CBS resets

 

Just had mine done yesterday. I found a BMW Tech that works at home too

$80 for a new filter, gasket and 8.5 q of BMW Synthetic... plus a thorough inspection and top off of everything else. Sure better than $150+ just for the oil change!!

 

Shelly BMW - Buena Park

$99 oil change (and car wash) at dealership. Not a bad deal.

http://www.shellybmw.com/service-specials.php

 

This may sound like a stupid question. And this is not sarcastic! What does CBS stand for?

 

CBS = Condition-Based Service. This is the date or miles that appear in iDrive for various service items. Condition-based refers to adjustments for the way you drive your car, i.e., mostly short trips shortens the service interval, or mostly longer trips lengthens the service interval. I believe this is described in the owner's manual. See here.

 

+1 My dealer frequently emails me service "specials" or posts them on their website or Facebook page. If I don't buy a new BMW after my BMW Service Warranty coverage expires I'll take advantage of those specials as my car's maintenance needs come up. That said, Oil services are pretty easy - don't even require a lift or ramps unless you have M-Tech front bumpers etc. And there are easy to follow iDrive service reset procedures posted on the forum. And you can find oil/filter packages on line or buy them at a 10-25% discount at many BMW dealers. If you're not able or willing to tackle the oil change find a BMW trained indy - they might be slightly less expensive than regular prices at a BMW shop.

 

The dealership wash job. I call that a "free scratch and swirl"

 

That's a hell of a deal you got from that mechanic! It cost about $80 just for the parts. I'd still prefer to do it myself but if I was going to pay someone that is one killer price. The N54 motor in my car is a bit cheaper since it is 7 quarts of oil rather than 9 (8.5 but you can't buy a 1/2 quart)

Treat that guy well!!!!

 

I agree its a hell of a deal. He's got all the equipment and diagnostic tools you need plus a professional lift as well. Recently had him do plugs and a brake flush too at just over cost of the material.

And leese8080, DO NOT LET THE DEALERSHIP WASH YOUR CAR!!!!!!