BMW Service Intervals
Discussion
I've had my pre-registered E92 335i for just shy of a year now, although have only done just under 6k miles.
As a result the onboard service indicator is still showing plenty more thousands of miles to go, or until Sept 2014, before a service is due.
This leaves me feeling a bit uneasy at the thought of running the car for well over a year without an oil change. I know it's long-life oil, but still...
What's the consensus on servicing, wait until the car asks for it or pre-emptively hand my wallet over to the BMW dealer to give it a service and oil change? Will the dealer even give it a full service after they've read the key which will show it's still months until the car thinks it needs attention?
As a result the onboard service indicator is still showing plenty more thousands of miles to go, or until Sept 2014, before a service is due.
This leaves me feeling a bit uneasy at the thought of running the car for well over a year without an oil change. I know it's long-life oil, but still...
What's the consensus on servicing, wait until the car asks for it or pre-emptively hand my wallet over to the BMW dealer to give it a service and oil change? Will the dealer even give it a full service after they've read the key which will show it's still months until the car thinks it needs attention?
I follow the service guide which as you know is condition based (generally 15-20 k miles) or 24 months whichever is sooner.
The dealer will do what you tell them. A lot of a service is checking things not changing anything and as the car is such low mileage it's highly unlikely they'll pick something up you've not noticed (brakes etc are still virtually new). And youre wasting your money on pollen filters etc.
But as it's a first service there's nothing stopping you just asking for an oil change and asking if there are any service bulletins (things they want to do which aren't recalls as such but jobs the factory advises and are foc). If you have a service pack they won't pay that far outside its schedule.
The dealer will do what you tell them. A lot of a service is checking things not changing anything and as the car is such low mileage it's highly unlikely they'll pick something up you've not noticed (brakes etc are still virtually new). And youre wasting your money on pollen filters etc.
But as it's a first service there's nothing stopping you just asking for an oil change and asking if there are any service bulletins (things they want to do which aren't recalls as such but jobs the factory advises and are foc). If you have a service pack they won't pay that far outside its schedule.
stroberaver said:
I've had my pre-registered E92 335i for just shy of a year now, although have only done just under 6k miles.
As a result the onboard service indicator is still showing plenty more thousands of miles to go, or until Sept 2014, before a service is due.
This leaves me feeling a bit uneasy at the thought of running the car for well over a year without an oil change. I know it's long-life oil, but still...
What's the consensus on servicing, wait until the car asks for it or pre-emptively hand my wallet over to the BMW dealer to give it a service and oil change? Will the dealer even give it a full service after they've read the key which will show it's still months until the car thinks it needs attention?
I would get the oil changed. Baring in mind your car has a turbo, an oil change is essential in my eyes.As a result the onboard service indicator is still showing plenty more thousands of miles to go, or until Sept 2014, before a service is due.
This leaves me feeling a bit uneasy at the thought of running the car for well over a year without an oil change. I know it's long-life oil, but still...
What's the consensus on servicing, wait until the car asks for it or pre-emptively hand my wallet over to the BMW dealer to give it a service and oil change? Will the dealer even give it a full service after they've read the key which will show it's still months until the car thinks it needs attention?
The service intervals are likely to be for optimal conditions (i.e. more constant-speed driving, like motorways). I personally stick to half the recommended interval (somewhere around 8000 miles in reality) for oil changes; oil is reasonably cheap and the filter is easy to change compared to the cost and time to replace a turbo or something!
The BMW intervals for my mine are 15k miles or 2 years.
For me that's about twice a year.
However I still do an interim oil/filter change every 6-7k miles (or when I've got a 'Ring trip planned). I also do brake fluid changes more frequently than the prescribed 2 years.
Seems to be working for my 102k mile Z4MC.
For me that's about twice a year.
However I still do an interim oil/filter change every 6-7k miles (or when I've got a 'Ring trip planned). I also do brake fluid changes more frequently than the prescribed 2 years.
Seems to be working for my 102k mile Z4MC.
I have been told by bigger brains than me if you have a diesel than youmust change oil between condition services to preserve the turbo.No could having a go at me if you dont agree you will only be shooting the messenger ive been told this a few times by good mechanics.Your petrol may be fine I guess
mmm-five said:
The BMW intervals for my mine are 15k miles or 2 years.
For me that's about twice a year.
However I still do an interim oil/filter change every 6-7k miles (or when I've got a 'Ring trip planned). I also do brake fluid changes more frequently than the prescribed 2 years.
Seems to be working for my 102k mile Z4MC.
30k a year in a Z4MCFor me that's about twice a year.
However I still do an interim oil/filter change every 6-7k miles (or when I've got a 'Ring trip planned). I also do brake fluid changes more frequently than the prescribed 2 years.
Seems to be working for my 102k mile Z4MC.
If you want to change the oil early, then do it, but don't pay BMW main dealer prices. It won't affect your warranty (if you use OEM filter and spec oil) if you go to an independent garage and you can still go to the main dealer when the car says the service is due to keep your service history intact.
I change my oil every year/8K miles regardless of what the car tells me to do.
I change my oil every year/8K miles regardless of what the car tells me to do.
helix402 said:
I recommend oil at filter change at 12k/1 year intervals. BMW extend the intervals to make servicing look cheaper, not to make your car last longer. Oil filters start collapsing sometimes if left to BMWs intervals.
This.redtwin said:
If you want to change the oil early, then do it, but don't pay BMW main dealer prices. It won't affect your warranty (if you use OEM filter and spec oil) if you go to an independent garage and you can still go to the main dealer when the car says the service is due to keep your service history intact.
I change my oil every year/8K miles regardless of what the car tells me to do.
...and this.I change my oil every year/8K miles regardless of what the car tells me to do.
Bungleaio said:
30k a year in a Z4MC
Used to be the same in my e34 M5s - but they had 6k mile intervals, and valve clearances every 12k, so cost almost double to run what the Z4MC did, even including depreciation.Still miss the M5s though - and it'd have to be an e34 as the e39/e60 do nothing for me. Not had a chance to drive the F10.
Thanks guys, fully agree/admit that the first service is mainly checks and minor stuff - there's nothing going to need major attention at this stage. It's the oil and filter that most concerns me. The DIY option is certainly tempting (but would it not be beneficial to tell the computer/iDrive that it has new oil - or will that just muck up the servicing regime with BMW?) - just need to establish...
[*] Exactly how much oil needs to be put into the N55 engine (precise figures seem to vary around the web and the handbook, and it's kinda hard to judge without a dipstick)
[*] Which oil is closest/matches BMW's spec?
[*] Due to the low(ish) underbody height of the car, I've not really been underneath it yet as my dad's trolleyjack will struggle to fit underneath once the jack pad is in place. But I know that most of the underneath is covered in smooth plastic cladding. Does anyone know if the sump plug is accessible without removing this cladding?
TIA
[*] Exactly how much oil needs to be put into the N55 engine (precise figures seem to vary around the web and the handbook, and it's kinda hard to judge without a dipstick)
[*] Which oil is closest/matches BMW's spec?
[*] Due to the low(ish) underbody height of the car, I've not really been underneath it yet as my dad's trolleyjack will struggle to fit underneath once the jack pad is in place. But I know that most of the underneath is covered in smooth plastic cladding. Does anyone know if the sump plug is accessible without removing this cladding?
TIA
stroberaver said:
Thanks guys, fully agree/admit that the first service is mainly checks and minor stuff - there's nothing going to need major attention at this stage. It's the oil and filter that most concerns me. The DIY option is certainly tempting (but would it not be beneficial to tell the computer/iDrive that it has new oil - or will that just muck up the servicing regime with BMW?) - just need to establish...
[*] Exactly how much oil needs to be put into the N55 engine (precise figures seem to vary around the web and the handbook, and it's kinda hard to judge without a dipstick)
[*] Which oil is closest/matches BMW's spec?
[*] Due to the low(ish) underbody height of the car, I've not really been underneath it yet as my dad's trolleyjack will struggle to fit underneath once the jack pad is in place. But I know that most of the underneath is covered in smooth plastic cladding. Does anyone know if the sump plug is accessible without removing this cladding?
TIA
If you are that unsure about a DIY oil change take it to a BMW independent garage. They will still be able to do it cheaper than a dealer. [*] Exactly how much oil needs to be put into the N55 engine (precise figures seem to vary around the web and the handbook, and it's kinda hard to judge without a dipstick)
[*] Which oil is closest/matches BMW's spec?
[*] Due to the low(ish) underbody height of the car, I've not really been underneath it yet as my dad's trolleyjack will struggle to fit underneath once the jack pad is in place. But I know that most of the underneath is covered in smooth plastic cladding. Does anyone know if the sump plug is accessible without removing this cladding?
TIA
Don't reset the oil change interval on the idrive or allow the Indy to do it. Get it done by main dealer when it is due if you are bothered about maintaining a full main dealer service history. Don't give the service book to the Indy that way you won't get non dealer stamps in it.
I always get my oil changed more regularly than advised. I buy it from Opie so I know I'm getting the best (full ester synth) and have it done at my local Mr Clutch because they charge peanuts (and quite rightly so given how easy the job is )
I think long service intervals are used to sell cars, by the time long service interval-related problems arise most of the cars will be outside the main dealer service network so they don't care what happens
I think long service intervals are used to sell cars, by the time long service interval-related problems arise most of the cars will be outside the main dealer service network so they don't care what happens
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff