When it comes to your brakes, you don’t want to take any chances – especially if you’re driving a fast and expensive BMW. It’s extremely important to change your brake fluid regularly, and the cost to do so can vary depending on the model that you own.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the BMW brake fluid change cost for some of the most popular models on the market, so that you won’t get ripped off. We’ll also give you some tips on how to save money on this essential service.
What’s the Average BMW Brake Fluid Change Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350 for a BMW brake fluid change at the dealership for most BMW models made after 2010. For older models, the average cost is closer to $150 – $200.
This price includes the cost of the brake fluid, which is usually around $20 or $30, as well as the labor costs associated with the service. However, the price may be slightly higher or lower depending on your location.
How Long Will the Brake Fluid Change Take?
The average brake fluid change takes around 2 hours to complete on most BMWs. However, this can vary depending on the model of BMW and the mechanic performing the service.
How to Save Money on a BMW Brake Fluid Change
Let’s be real, $200 to $300 for a brake fluid change is a lot of money – especially if you’re on a budget. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can save money on this service.
First, you don’t need to take your BMW to the dealership just to get the brake fluid changed. There’s not much to it, and most independent shops should be able to do it for a fraction of the price. We’re talking $50 to $100 instead of $200 to $300.
Second, you can do it yourself if you’re feeling up for a little DIY. Again, it’s not a difficult job and you can save yourself a ton of money by doing it yourself. All you will need is a set of wrenches, 2 liters of DOT4 brake fluid, and a brake bleeder kit.
How Often Should You Change the Brake Fluid on a BMW?
As a general rule, you should change the brake fluid on your BMW every 2 years – or sooner if you notice any issues with your brakes, or if you do track days often. However, always refer to your owner’s manual for the specific interval recommended by BMW for your specific model.
While a lot of people neglect brake fluid changes and sometimes even forget about them, they are actually a crucial part of maintaining your BMW’s braking system and keeping it in top condition. Not to mention, it’s relatively easy and it could make the difference between stopping safely in an emergency, or not. So don’t wait – get it done today!
Lastly, we do not recommend going more than 3 years without changing your brake fluid, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and it will start to degrade due to moisture intrusion and become less effective at doing its job.
Brake Fluid Change VS Brake Fluid Flush – What’s the difference?
You may have heard of a brake fluid flush, and you may be wondering what the difference is between that and a brake fluid change.
Well, the truth is that brake fluid flush and brake fluid change are exactly the same thing. Some people just use different terms to describe the same service.
The only way to change brake fluid is to flush the old fluid out and replace it with new, fresh fluid. There’s no other way to do it, thus if the dealership or a mechanic tries to upsell you a brake fluid flush for an extra cost, know that it’s the same exact thing as a brake fluid change.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – everything you need to know about the BMW brake fluid change cost. Just remember, you don’t need to take your BMW to the dealership to get this service done.
Most independent shops can do it for a fraction of the price, and you can even do it yourself if you want to save even more money.
Just be sure to follow the brake fluid change interval recommended in your owner’s manual, and always use fresh, clean DOT4 brake fluid. Never use brake fluid from an opened container.
Eddie is the co-founder of CarCareCamp.com, and the site’s primary contributor.
Under his belt, Eddie has a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Electronics Engineering and almost a decade of experience working as a semi-truck technician (specializing in electrics).
Great article! Saving money is always a good thing. I feel confident to do it myself since I have experience working on my own cars. Keep up the good work!