1996 BMW 318i Scheduled Maintenance

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Your BMW 318i isn’t just a car. It’s a part of your lifestyle. Keep it running newer, longer and schedule your routine maintenance appointment today.

1996 BMW 318i Maintenance Schedule

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the 1996 BMW 318i?

What to Know About 1996 BMW 318i Scheduled Maintenance

When it comes to your BMW 318i, how you treat your car makes all the difference in its performance. With proactive maintenance, you could hit 200,000 miles (or beyond!) in your 318i. But how do you know what service to get and when? Instead of waiting for an issue to arise with your 318i, you can stay ahead of problems before they even begin. Just follow your 1996 BMW 318i maintenance schedule!

BMW knows your vehicle inside and out (they made it, after all!), so they’ve designed this schedule with your car’s unique needs in mind. Driving conditions, climate variations, and other variables can affect which scheduled maintenance services you’ll need; in most cases, though, recommended maintenance will consist of services like tire rotations, vital fluid checks/exchanges, filter changes, brake pad replacement, and oil changes. Scheduling routine service appointments is one of the best ways to help extend your 318i's life, decrease your risk of dangerous malfunctions on the road, and maybe even save you the headache of dealing with common 1996 BMW 318i problems in the future.

Overview of Essential BMW 318i Maintenance Needs

Bring your 1996 BMW 318i to Firestone Complete Auto Care for factory-recommended maintenance services and an expert technician will begin by performing a Courtesy Check. A Courtesy Check helps "set the stage" for your service and catch any small problems before they turn into big repairs. Each Courtesy Check includes a free battery test and an inspection of your 318i's windshield wiper blades, head and tail lights, filters, fluid levels, tires, and alignment.

Could your 1996 BMW 318i be ready for a new battery? If your current battery is more than three years old, it may be time for a replacement (batteries typically last somewhere between three and five years). Yours may need to be replaced sooner depending on your driving habits and climate. Short trips and extreme temperatures can shorten the overall life expectancy of your BMW 318i battery. It can be tempting to try and get as much life out of your battery as possible, but it’s smart to check it regularly and replace it before it gets too weak. Otherwise, you may find yourself (and your trusty 318i) stuck in the middle of nowhere. Your BMW 318i won’t even be able to start with a weak battery, much less get you where you need to go.

In addition to maintaining a strong battery, investing in regular oil changes can help your 1996 BMW 318i's engine run smoother. Reference the chart toward the top of the page if you're not sure about the optimal oil change intervals for your 1996 318i. Don’t forget, though, that weather conditions in your area or your personal driving habits can affect this interval. A Firestone Complete Auto Care technician will be happy to help you determine the best oil change frequency for your car’s needs. We'll also help you understand what type of oil to use for your 1996 BMW 318i.

Periodic service to the steering system in your BMW 318i can improve ride comfort and help you maintain control of your vehicle. That's important if you plan on taking the road less traveled! You can count on Firestone Complete Auto Care’s trained technicians to inspect this system and, if needed, provide the appropriate BMW 318i steering and suspension services. This can include things like power steering fluid replacement, wheel alignment adjustments, replacement of struts and wheel bearings, and ball joint lubrication. Prevent damage or premature wear and tear on your BMW 318i's steering system with regular maintenance.

If you fall behind on routine BMW 318i maintenance (or worse, don’t do it at all!), you could be feeling the heat on the road – literally! A malfunctioning A/C system or overheating engine can wreak havoc on your car. Don’t sweat it, though! Our technicians can take care of those issues, too. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we have what it takes to provide top-notch service for your BMW 318i engine heating and cooling systems, as well as your air conditioning. Need a new BMW 318i radiator? We’ve got your back. A/C smelling musty? We’re on it. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your spot for 1996 BMW 318i maintenance.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong with your car. Visit your nearest location for proactive maintenance today.

1996 BMW 318i Maintenance Q&A

Take an active role in maintaining your 1996 BMW 318i. Get answers to common BMW 318i maintenance questions and learn more about caring for your vehicle.

  • What do I do if I hit a pothole in my BMW 318i? Check your car for pothole damage! If you’ve recently hit a pothole (or even if you don’t remember hitting one… they can be sneaky!) check your tire treads, tire sidewalls, and wheels for damage. Potholes can also knock your car out of alignment, so have your alignment checked if you suspect you’ve driven over a rough patch of road lately.
  • When should I use high mileage oil in my BMW 318i? Do you have more than 75,000 miles on your BMW 318i? If so, request to switch to high mileage oil at your next oil change. This type of oil is specially formulated to keep aging engine parts in the best possible condition.
  • Can BMW dashboard warning lights wait? It's better to get them addressed as soon as possible. An illuminated dashboard light means something in your vehicle isn't functioning like it should. Letting problems linger can mean bad news for your BMW 318i, so be sure to take your car in for service as soon as you notice an illuminated dashboard light