BMW 440i Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Bavarian Brute in Great Shape!
Owning a BMW 440i means you’ve invested in a coupé powerhouse. With its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, the 440i offers an exhilarating driving experience. But to keep this high-performance vehicle at its best, regular maintenance is crucial. Proper upkeep doesn’t just keep your car running smoothly—it also preserves its longevity, maximizes performance, and maintains resale value.
Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned BMW enthusiast, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your 440i. Below you will find essential maintenance tasks, including some specific tips unique to this model.
Looking to take the guesswork out of servicing? Check out our 440i specific service kits below:
Genuine BMW Home Service Kit - BMW 440i
Millers Performance Home Service Kit - BMW 440i
1. Oil and Oil Filter: Yearly or 12,500mi/20,000km (whichever comes first)
Oil changes are the lifeblood of any engine, and the 440i is no exception. Stick to BMW's recommended intervals of every 12 months or 12,500 miles (20,000km). This will ensure that your engine runs smoothly, efficiently, and with reduced wear.
Owners of the B58 Gen 1 platform have experienced issues with the oil filters upon removal, this can result in the oil filter breaking, and parts remaining stuck within the housing. To prevent this, avoid BMW LongLife servicing and use high quality oil.
JXL Performance Tip - Use 5w30 for daily, and light track use. 5w40 can be used on more track-orientated cars, due to the viscosity changes once up to temperature. If you use your car hard, consider more frequent oil changes.
2. Air Filter: Every 3 years or 37,500mi/60,000km
The air filter ensures that clean air reaches your engine, essential for efficient combustion. Replace the air filter every three years or 37,500 miles (60,000km). For the 440i, this maintenance is even more critical as the turbocharged engine relies heavily on a consistent, clean air supply to produce maximum power.
Consider upgrading to a performance air filter (JXL Performance recommends the K&N high-flow filter) if you’re looking to enhance airflow and boost performance. Performance filters are often reusable, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
If you have an induction kit fitted, it's worth checking on the condition of your filter yearly, especially those with foam filters that require semi-regular maintenance and oiling.
3. Cabin Filter: Every 2 years or 25,000mi/40,000km
Often overlooked, the cabin filter improves air quality inside the car by filtering out dust, pollen, and other allergens. It’s especially important if you drive in urban areas with higher pollution levels. Replace the cabin filter every two years or 25,000 miles (40,000km).
If you’ve noticed a musty smell when running the air conditioning, it’s likely time to replace your cabin filter. Keeping it clean also helps prevent unnecessary strain on the HVAC system, preserving the overall comfort of your 440i.
4. Spark Plugs: Every 3 years or 37,500mi/60,000km
Spark plugs are crucial for engine ignition. Faulty or worn spark plugs can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, and poor acceleration. BMW recommends replacing them every three years or 37,500 miles (60,000km).
Given the 440i's turbocharged engine, spark plugs endure more heat and pressure compared to naturally aspirated engines. Using high-quality, BMW-approved spark plugs will keep your engine firing smoothly and help maintain your car’s performance. Alternatively, high-quality, high performing spark plugs are available from NGK - we use these in our own tuned M240i.
JXL Performance Tip: If your vehicle is tuned (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 2+, or even Stage 3) you are best to consider changing your spark plugs every year, a consistent strong spark is incredibly important for the B58 as they rely on good ignition timing to make power. Replacing your spark plugs yearly reduces the chances of any fouling, or ignition problems from over-worked plugs.
5. ZF8 Transmission Service: Every 60,000mi/96,000km
The ZF8 8-speed automatic gearbox in the BMW 440i is a feat of modern engineering, offering smooth shifts and lightning-fast response. However, many owners mistakenly believe that the transmission fluid in these gearboxes is "lifetime" fluid. In reality, BMW recommends servicing the ZF8 every 60,000 miles (96,000km) to ensure it stays healthy.
A transmission fluid change can prevent premature wear, keep your shifts crisp, and protect one of the most expensive components in your car. Neglecting it could result in rough shifting or even complete transmission failure over time.
JXL Performance Tip: If you experience jerky or hesitant shifts, don't ignore it. Early detection and servicing could save you from a costly gearbox repair.
6. Brake Fluid: Every 2 years
Brake fluid attracts moisture over time, which can compromise braking performance. Regularly flushing the brake fluid every two years will maintain optimal brake response and help prevent corrosion in the brake system. For a car as fast as the 440i, you need to be able to rely on your brakes at all times.
JXL Performance Tip: If you've installed high-performance brake fluid, such as RBF600, or RBF660, please note that this usually requires changing MORE often than normal brake fluid, every 1 year is recommended.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters for Your 440i
The BMW 440i is more than your average vehicle, it's high powered, and designed to be driven hard. However, that performance comes with the need for proper care. Regular maintenance ensures:
- Enhanced performance: Keeping engine components like the oil filter and spark plugs in top condition ensures you’re always getting the best out of your 440i.
- Improved reliability: Prevent unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs by staying ahead of maintenance issues.
- Maximized resale value: A well-maintained car with service records will always command a higher price on the used market.
Your Trusted Source for BMW 440i Parts & Accessories
Now that you know how to maintain your BMW 440i, why not make your maintenance journey easier with quality parts from JXL Performance?
We offer a wide range of BMW-approved oils, filters, spark plugs, and performance upgrades tailored specifically for your 440i.