I just bought a “new-to-me” 2015 BMW X1 (x28i, 4×4). The computer told me the car was well overdue for an oil change and brake fluid replacement. I needed to get these taken care of ASAP.

I had a couple left over filters from my X3, but they were not the right size. I got the right one from the local AutoZone. Oil too. And brake fluid. After work I went to the base Auto Craft Shop to do the work.

The oil change was interesting for a couple reasons. One, the whole bottom of the car is covered with aerodynamic covers. I had read there was an access panel. It turns out this access was much further aft under the car than I expected. When I opened it the drain bolt turned out to be vertical into the bottom of the sump instead of horizontal on the side. My filter came with a new metal gasket and new rubber o-rings. Oil out. Plug back in.

The oil filter housing cap is different from what I’m used to, but the shop fortunately had the right filter “wrench.” I need to figure out what size it is and buy myself one. No surprises with the filter or refilling the oil.

It took me a few minutes to figure out where the brake fluid reservoir was. It’s under a cover in the back-right corner as you look from the front. This was the second time I used my Motive pressure bleeder. It went really quickly. My problem the first time was getting the vinyl tubing on the bleed nipple far enough that it wouldn’t pop off. This time I made sure to get it snug.

It almost took longer to pump up the bleeder to operating pressure than it did to actually flush all four corners. It was that fast!

Computer Based Service instructions came from Bimmerfest, to give credit where it’s due!

I forgot to get a sticker to record the mileage for the next oil change. I’ll have to hit the parts store tomorrow. For now, I have a picture!