Whether you’re driving an old beater or the newest model to roll off the assembly line, there is one thing that every BMW has in common — the need for regular oil changes.

What do you need to know about getting engine oil for your car? Can the handy among us change their BMW’s oil at home? Let’s take a closer look at engine oil for the BMW and everything you need to know about it.

Conventional or Synthetic Oil?

When you drive to your local auto parts store, you have two types of oil to choose from — conventional and synthetic. Conventional oil is petroleum-based while synthetic is manufactured with a variety of chemicals and natural elements. Which one do you need for your BMW? That depends entirely on the year, make and model you’re driving.

The best answer to this question is going to be in your owner’s manual. That little booklet in your glove compartment offers a wealth of information on everything from recommended tire pressure to the type and weight of oil you should use for various seasons.

Does Brand Matter?

There are nearly as many brands of motor oil as there are cars. Does the brand of oil you choose matter, or can you just grab whatever is on sale at your local AutoZone?

Again, we recommend referring to your owner’s manual. You may find that it only suggests weight and type, but there are cases where the manufacturer recommends using only BMW branded oil. This is a bit pricier than what you might find on sale, but it is specifically designed to protect BMW engines. If your manual doesn’t recommend BMW branded oil, there will likely be a list of brands that the brand considers safe to use for their vehicles.

What Color Should Your Oil Be?

You should be checking your oil at least once every couple of weeks just to ensure that it’s maintaining levels. For older cars that aren’t equipped with oil level sensors, you may want to bump that up to once a week. When you do, make sure you’re checking the color of your oil as well as the level. Fresh oil should be transparent and amber in color. Over the course of regular use, it will slowly darken. This is entirely normal over the course of a few months, but if your oil is turning black quickly, it could be the sign of another problem.

The same goes for oil that turns milky or opaque. That is usually a sign that there is water in your oil, which could be from a blown head gasket. That is why checking your oil regularly is so important. If you don’t, it could be months before you spot that problem, leaving it to wreak habit inside your engine while you wait for your next oil change.

Can You Change Your BMW’s Oil?

Many DIY mechanics like to change their own oil and do their own maintenance at home, many only taking their car to the shop for major repairs that they don’t have the tools or experience to accomplish. Can you do the same with your BMW?

The short answer is yes, especially on older models. The long answer is more complex. Many modern BMWs built in the last 10 years or so come equipped with engine covers that make it nearly impossible to work on your own vehicle. In some cases, there isn’t even a dipstick for you to check your oil. That said, there are still ways that you can change your own oil so you can skip your trip to the shop. Just make sure you have everything you need on hand so you don’t have to make a mad dash to the parts store.

How Often Are Oil Changes Needed?

Twenty years ago, getting your oil changed every three months or 3,000 miles was the golden rule of automotive maintenance. Older engines and older oil formulations necessitated these frequent changes, but we’re living in the 21st century. The old rule is a thing of the past. Most BMW owner’s manuals recommend changing your oil every 15,000 miles.

If you don’t drive much, you can get away with this extended interval, but in most cases, you’re going to want to change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. That way you’re getting the most out of your oil but you’re not pushing it to absolute extremes and potentially putting your engine at risk.

Don’t Skip Your Oil Changes

No matter how new or old your BMW is, it can benefit from regular oil changes. Don’t skip this essential maintenance step, no matter how inconvenient it is. Losing an afternoon to an oil change is still less hassle than dealing with a broken-down car.