BMW 4 Series service: key facts
- Oil service every 10,000 miles or 1 year
- Basic service costs £120–£320 depending on garage
- DCT transmission service: £400–£600 — don't skip this one
- 3 generations from 2013 to 2024
- 9 tracked service items across routine, major, and periodic schedules
Routine service items
These are the items covered in a standard service. Most garages include oil, oil filter and a basic inspection. The rest are typically checked or replaced on a schedule.
| Service item | Interval | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine oil and filter
BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 specification required depending on engine.
F32, F82, G82
|
10,000 miles or 1 year |
£120–£180
Dealer: £200–£320
|
|
Air filter
Genuine BMW or Mann filter recommended. Turbocharged engines require clean airflow for optimal performance. Inspect at each service - may need earlier replacement in dusty conditions.
F32, F82, G82
|
30,000 miles or 4 years |
£50–£80
Dealer: £80–£120
|
|
Cabin pollen filter
Located behind glovebox. Activated carbon filter recommended for city driving. Blocked filter reduces HVAC efficiency and can cause interior condensation issues.
F32, F82, G82
|
30,000 miles or 2 years |
£40–£70
Dealer: £70–£110
|
|
Fuel filter
Critical for diesel engines to prevent injector damage from contaminated fuel. Include water sensor replacement. Poor fuel quality may require earlier replacement.
F32 · N47, B47, N57
|
60,000 miles or 6 years |
£120–£180
Dealer: £200–£300
|
Major service items
These are the big-ticket items. Miss them and you risk engine or gearbox damage. The costs are higher but the consequences of skipping are much worse.
| Service item | Interval | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
|
DCT transmission service
Essential for DCT longevity. Includes fluid and filter change using BMW DCT fluid. Track-driven cars benefit from 40k mile intervals. Adaptation reset required after service.
F82 · S55
|
60,000 miles or 6 years |
£400–£600
Dealer: £700–£1000
|
Periodic maintenance
Items that don't need doing at every service but should be on your radar at the right mileage or age.
| Service item | Interval | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Brake fluid
DOT 4 specification required. Essential for maintaining brake pedal feel and preventing internal corrosion. Track-driven M4s should consider annual replacement due to higher brake temperatures.
F32, F82, G82
|
2 years |
£80–£120
Dealer: £150–£200
|
|
Spark plugs
NGK or Bosch plugs to BMW specification. Turbo engines are sensitive to incorrect heat range. Replace ignition coils at the same time if over 80,000 miles to prevent misfires damaging new plugs.
F32, F82, G82
|
60,000 miles or 6 years |
£200–£300
Dealer: £350–£500
|
|
Coolant flush
BMW Longlife-12+ coolant required.
F32, F82, G82
|
100,000 miles or 10 years |
£150–£250
Dealer: £300–£450
|
|
DPF forced regeneration
Required when DPF becomes saturated from short journeys.
F32 · N47, B47, N57
|
As needed |
£80–£150
Dealer: £150–£250
|
Check a BMW 4 Series's service history
Enter a reg to see franchised dealer service records — dates, mileage, and work done at every visit.
Check service history£6.99 · Full refund if no records found
Related
BMW 4 Series service FAQs
How often should a BMW 4 Series be serviced?
A BMW 4 Series should have an oil service every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 specification required depending on engine.
How much does a BMW 4 Series service cost?
A basic service at an independent garage typically costs £120–£180. Main dealer servicing is usually £200–£320. Major items like timing belts or gearbox services cost significantly more.
Can I service a BMW 4 Series at an independent garage?
Yes. Under UK consumer law, using an independent garage does not void your manufacturer warranty, provided they use parts meeting the manufacturer's specification and follow the correct schedule. However, independent services won't appear in the franchised dealer digital records.