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
Running in service up to about 1700 is OK.
But 17,000 between services is pretty much impossible - sounds like one has been missed. The schedule goes Running in service / Oil Service / Inspection 1 / Oil Service / Inspection 2 / Oil Service / Inspection 1 / etc
The expensive bit of E46 M3 Insp2 is checking & adjusting the valve clearances (done with shims). Apart from that, it's pretty much like a normal BMW Insp2, so looks at all the brakes, handbrake wear, suspension parts, belts, you name it. You can get it done for £800 at a main dealer if you shop around (the price is extremely variable between dealers)
But 17,000 between services is pretty much impossible - sounds like one has been missed. The schedule goes Running in service / Oil Service / Inspection 1 / Oil Service / Inspection 2 / Oil Service / Inspection 1 / etc
The expensive bit of E46 M3 Insp2 is checking & adjusting the valve clearances (done with shims). Apart from that, it's pretty much like a normal BMW Insp2, so looks at all the brakes, handbrake wear, suspension parts, belts, you name it. You can get it done for £800 at a main dealer if you shop around (the price is extremely variable between dealers)
Edited by outnumbered on Sunday 2nd November 22:53
The E46 M3 and the Z4M have service indicators that indicate when the service is due based on use. So no, it wouldn't detect new oil and filter. It has to be manually reset. With normal driving they get to about 11-12000mls between services and 17k is way out, nearly 50% over - I'd look into that. BMW have a computer record so it may be worth a phone call. 1500mls is a bit long but fine I think. Is it a BMW Approved Used Car or a private sale. I think if it is, fine, but if not I'd look elsewhere - there's loads out there. An M3 is weepingly expensive to fix if it goes wrong and a delayed service (late changing the oil) might just contribute or at least indicate an uncaring previous owner!
Edited by ian in lancs on Monday 3rd November 08:12
Mine had running in at 1900 and was retailed as approved used before I bought it. I checked that this car maintained fully engine warranty with BMW customer services and it does, (much to the relief of the vendor who was pretty cross when I uncovered this issue with his £31K motor) so long as warranty is extended with them (which it is). The dealer that retailed it (Sytner Sheffield) as approved used certified the engine effectively. I have this in writing, so it may be possible for other cars too. I am its third owner and I am confident that any problems will be covered fully, presently sitting at 37K on an 04.
I carry out interim oil changes myself around 7K after the dealer services the car.
I think 1750 is the 'no questions asked' limit.
If I had no warranty to maintain I'd go independant for servicing (better job for less cash) but that option is not available to me.
Had Insp 1 last year for £500 approx (but got coolant done too, which added about £50 on that) at Chesterfield via BMW drivers club offer, so do shop around within the network. This included valve clearances and seemed to be a good job. ( marked up the service items to ensure everything got done). Do check / stress with each dealer that they musy use the 10W60 oil ONLY in this M3.
I'd get an SMG, they are fab and very reliable, as is most of the car except RTABs. Stick to Continental or PS2 tyres. I will ensure gear and diff oil get done at my inspection 2 due in about 12K miles.
The M3 seems to be the best performance car for real-world use, I love mine to bits!
I carry out interim oil changes myself around 7K after the dealer services the car.
I think 1750 is the 'no questions asked' limit.
If I had no warranty to maintain I'd go independant for servicing (better job for less cash) but that option is not available to me.
Had Insp 1 last year for £500 approx (but got coolant done too, which added about £50 on that) at Chesterfield via BMW drivers club offer, so do shop around within the network. This included valve clearances and seemed to be a good job. ( marked up the service items to ensure everything got done). Do check / stress with each dealer that they musy use the 10W60 oil ONLY in this M3.
I'd get an SMG, they are fab and very reliable, as is most of the car except RTABs. Stick to Continental or PS2 tyres. I will ensure gear and diff oil get done at my inspection 2 due in about 12K miles.
The M3 seems to be the best performance car for real-world use, I love mine to bits!
ian in lancs said:
The E46 M3 and the Z4M have service indicators that indicate when the service is due based on use. So no, it wouldn't detect new oil and filter. It has to be manually reset. With normal driving they get to about 11-12000mls between services and 17k is way out, nearly 50% over - I'd look into that. BMW have a computer record so it may be worth a phone call. 1500mls is a bit long but fine I think. Is it a BMW Approved Used Car or a private sale. I think if it is, fine, but if not I'd look elsewhere - there's loads out there. An M3 is weepingly expensive to fix if it goes wrong and a delayed service (late changing the oil) might just contribute or at least indicate an uncaring previous owner!
Not quite right, I believe BMW the same as new Mercs work out their mileage to service on oil quality. Changing the oil could lengthen service intervals.Edited by ian in lancs on Monday 3rd November 08:12
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.
paoloh said:
ian in lancs said:
The E46 M3 and the Z4M have service indicators that indicate when the service is due based on use. So no, it wouldn't detect new oil and filter. It has to be manually reset. With normal driving they get to about 11-12000mls between services and 17k is way out, nearly 50% over - I'd look into that. BMW have a computer record so it may be worth a phone call. 1500mls is a bit long but fine I think. Is it a BMW Approved Used Car or a private sale. I think if it is, fine, but if not I'd look elsewhere - there's loads out there. An M3 is weepingly expensive to fix if it goes wrong and a delayed service (late changing the oil) might just contribute or at least indicate an uncaring previous owner!
Not quite right, I believe BMW the same as new Mercs work out their mileage to service on oil quality. Changing the oil could lengthen service intervals.Edited by ian in lancs on Monday 3rd November 08:12
Toilet Duck said:
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'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! Secondly 'just opening the bonnet' affects service intervals. Come on were you born yesterday?! How can there be a predictable correlation between bonnet opening (to just fill the washer tank for example) and a brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, battery, Steering fluid check??!!If all this was possible it would be found on prestige cars not VW's - too expensive. What some BM's do have is low fluid level sensors for oil, coolant and washer fluid.
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.
Toilet Duck said:
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.
http://www.impact-tek.com/Engineering/Category.asp...
Oh OK it seems like the technology is now available after all and VAG have adopted it early. Good and a brave move for them. Reading VAG tech brief it does mandate the use of a specific oil for full and the partial top - ups to ensure reliable results but that shouldn't be a problem.
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