Servicing questions for E46 M3
Discussion
Hello,
My first post so please go easy on me
I'm looking to buy an E46 M3 convertible. I've read through a lot of the forum and done a few searches, but I would appreciate it if I could get some definitive answers to a few questions regarding servicing.
I understand that the crucial running in service should be done at 1200 miles. How far either side of this is acceptable when looking at a used car? For example, is 1500 miles too high?
I understand that after the running in service, the service intervals vary according to how the car is driven/length of journeys/number of cold starts etc. I've seen a car advertised that has gone 17,000 miles between servicing (FBMWSH). Is this feasible? To me it seems ridiculous that a highly tuned engine circa 340BHP is allowed to go that far between services without compromising long term reliability, even if its driven extremely sympathetically.
If I was to change the engine oil and filter myself in between dealer services, would this extend the service indicator on the car, ie would the cars computer "see" the clean oil and extend the service interval accordingly?
What order are the services carried out in (inspection 1, inspection 2 etc etc)?
What EXACTLY is involved in each service? I've heard the horror stories of gigantic bills for inspection 2 services, what is it they actually do for such vast sums of money?
Many thanks in advance for any help.
Cheers
My first post so please go easy on me
I'm looking to buy an E46 M3 convertible. I've read through a lot of the forum and done a few searches, but I would appreciate it if I could get some definitive answers to a few questions regarding servicing.
I understand that the crucial running in service should be done at 1200 miles. How far either side of this is acceptable when looking at a used car? For example, is 1500 miles too high?
I understand that after the running in service, the service intervals vary according to how the car is driven/length of journeys/number of cold starts etc. I've seen a car advertised that has gone 17,000 miles between servicing (FBMWSH). Is this feasible? To me it seems ridiculous that a highly tuned engine circa 340BHP is allowed to go that far between services without compromising long term reliability, even if its driven extremely sympathetically.
If I was to change the engine oil and filter myself in between dealer services, would this extend the service indicator on the car, ie would the cars computer "see" the clean oil and extend the service interval accordingly?
What order are the services carried out in (inspection 1, inspection 2 etc etc)?
What EXACTLY is involved in each service? I've heard the horror stories of gigantic bills for inspection 2 services, what is it they actually do for such vast sums of money?
Many thanks in advance for any help.
Cheers
Thanks for all the replies and information, much appreciated. I don't think I'm going to follow up any further on this particular vehicle. Its a shame as its got nearly every option including SMG, but 17,000 miles between a service is worrying. Also, I had a friend check the history at BMW, and the running in service is not showing up on BMW's database, although the seller (private) has told me its been done and has a stamp to prove. Also, on the BMW database its showing as having a lot of visits for warranty work. Think I'll keep looking.
On a side note, with regards to cars measuring the quality of the oil and determining servicing intervals accordingly, I was once told by a VW technician that new Polos (and presumably other models in their range) actively monitor the oil quality. By changing the oil on these yourself in between services on the long-life servicing schedule, you can greatly increase the time between dealer visits. He also told me that simply opening the bonnet now and again will make a difference as the car will "see" this and determine you are carrying out basic maintenance checks (eg checking oil level). I don't know how true this is, but if it is then its a good way to keep away from the dealer
I would have thought that unless a cars service indicator is actually linked to the quality of the oil, its pretty rubbish. A car doing hundereds of 3 mile journeys will need fresh oil sooner than a car doing long motorway journeys. I would have thought a car as sophisticated as an E46 M3 would have this detection capability.
On a side note, with regards to cars measuring the quality of the oil and determining servicing intervals accordingly, I was once told by a VW technician that new Polos (and presumably other models in their range) actively monitor the oil quality. By changing the oil on these yourself in between services on the long-life servicing schedule, you can greatly increase the time between dealer visits. He also told me that simply opening the bonnet now and again will make a difference as the car will "see" this and determine you are carrying out basic maintenance checks (eg checking oil level). I don't know how true this is, but if it is then its a good way to keep away from the dealer
I would have thought that unless a cars service indicator is actually linked to the quality of the oil, its pretty rubbish. A car doing hundereds of 3 mile journeys will need fresh oil sooner than a car doing long motorway journeys. I would have thought a car as sophisticated as an E46 M3 would have this detection capability.
ian in lancs said:
'just opening the bonnet' affects service intervals. Come on were you born yesterday?!
In case you didn't read my post properly, I didn't say I actually believed this, I was simply re-laying a conversation.ian in lancs said:
I'd put money on that's rubbish! Firstly oil analysis is a sophisticated science usually lab based. Also hugely variable on oil brand, type, temperature etc and all change world wide. Too risky!........... If all this was possible it would be found on prestige cars not VW's - too expensive.
From here: http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/fleet/long-life-s... :The latest range of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle engines have been developed using this advanced oil. These engines use built-in sensors that continually monitor the oil quality, making it possible to enjoy reliable and confident motoring throughout the LongLife servicing period
Oh dear, looks like the technology on a lowly non prestige car is more advanced than you thought.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff