Question about Modern BMWs and Hondas......

urbantechie

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Jun 28, 2000
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My dad told me that we might not even be able to change oil on the BMW. And on the Honda that it might be hard because he said the oil filter is behind the engine block and is hard to get to. And also, the BMW we might not even be able to do the normal things to your engine since it is coded with a computer and you have to bring it to a BMW mechanic shop.
 

urbantechie

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Jun 28, 2000
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<< And on the Honda that it might be hard because he said the oil filter is behind the engine block and is hard to get to. And also, the BMW we might not even be able to do the normal things to your engine since it is coded with a computer and you have to bring it to a BMW mechanic shop. >>



Is that true or not?
 
Oct 9, 1999
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when you do an BMW oil change you got to reset the trip computer. You need a device. Check the back pages of &quot;Car and Driver&quot; there is an ad to buy BMW computer code readers that will allow you to reset it.

As for new honda's I have no idea.

BTW: Any dealer / oil change place can do both cars. Jiffy lube can easily do it (they should have the BMW reset device - check before giving your car in).

We give it to the dealer since they check other stuff and if they need replacemetn they will do it.
 

urbantechie

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Jun 28, 2000
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Yea, thats what my dad said kinda. Like anything tuning up or engine mods you gotta do something with a computer. Thats why he doesn't want my sister getting one for now.
 

Windogg

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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I thought all BMWs come with a 3 year/36K mile service plan that includes scheduled oil changes.

Windogg
 

urbantechie

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Jun 28, 2000
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Dunno, but my sister and I really really want to buy a 98' 318ti Coupe Second Hand so I don't think it won't have the warranty. My dad is telling her to buy a 2001 Honda Accord :|
 

lupin

Platinum Member
Oct 11, 1999
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Yes you can still change the oil on your BMW by yourself.

As for the computer reset light, it's basically a timer that tells you when to change your oil. I think the interval is around 5000 miles, when you're closer to the mileage, there is a little oil change light in the instrument cluster that will change from green to yellow and finally to red. What the reset tool basically does is tell the computer that the oil has just been changed. So, you don't really need to reset it. (provided you can live with the light on the red mark, which is not a big deal, it's a small light)

or
you can buy the reset tool for $40, or make your own using parts from radio shack for <$5.

In addition to this, there are also lights for service intervals (every 15,000 miles, change filters and stuff). Same thing. You can just ignore the light and the car will run just fine. Although a lot of private mechanics that works on BMWs have this tool. ($40 is nothing compared to snap-ons) If they don't have the tool, you probably won't want them to work on your BMW anyway.

I'm not sure about the position of the oil filter on the 318, which is a 4 cylinder. If she's buying the 6 cylinder models (323, 325, 328, 330), the oil filter is very easy to find. Open the hood and the first thing you'll see is the oil filter. BMWs have a good reputation of being an easy car to work on.

As for Hondas, that I don't know.
 

woodie1

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2000
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BMW oil changes are easy provided you are prepared. I can't speak to your engine but the V8 holds 8 quarts and will make a mess if your drain pan isn't big enough. The lid on the filter canister takes a 1-7/16&quot; 12 point wrench/socket if you don't have metric tools. What has been said above about the change oil light is true. If you look around on the web you should be able to come up with the schematic to make a reset tool. Also, there are several sites that sell the oil filters far more reasonable than your local store. One good source of information is the BWW car Club of Am. www.bmwcca.org
 

amb#cog

Platinum Member
Jan 14, 2000
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I certainly wouldn't let the oil change thing stop me from getting such a sweet car. I'd love to have either, but a bimmer is such a sweet ride man.

I would think the Honda is a smarter buy, because of the warranty, but you won't take the new car hit with the BMW (i.e. huge devalue once you drive it out of the lot). Both hold their value well too.

That's a tough call. New cars are nice???
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
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Don't know about the BMW, but on my '88 Accord the oil filter is on the back of the block and requires a reach around the catalytic converter to change. I assume that is close to the location your father is talking about on the newer Hondas. Despite the location, I have had no problems changing the oil and filter, all it requires is a little care that you don't burn your forearm while changing the filter. If can change the filter without burning myself anyone can.

Zenmervolt
 

urbantechie

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Jun 28, 2000
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<< ($40 is nothing compared to snap-ons) >>



Is it a tool? Or a computer device? Cause all my dad uses are Matco and Snap-On.


So, does anyone know about the oil-change on the Honda? (2001 Accord 4CYCL or V6)