A Z4 I didn't buy, Was I being unreasonable?

[budfox]

I'll keep it short.

3 owner 2.5si from a main dealer. It had a PDI in december 2008, and it's first ever service at 19k miles in Dec 2012. To me that's too long between oil changes, despite the fact that the car has a service indicator. The only other service was done last month by the dealer selling it.

In other words, only one of the three owners ever took it for a service.

Dealer assured me that it wasn't a problem, but I bet it would be when I trade it in or sell it.

Thoughts appreciated.

Edited by budfox on Thursday 21st November 21:15

[LiamM45]

Well there's a lot of Z4's about so you can afford to be picky!

[Snowboy]

There are two schools of thought on modern cars that do low miles.

1. Use the service indicator light - it's clever and works well.
2. Service every year regardless.

It's unlikely people with strong opinions either way will ever change thier minds.

[kambites]

Can you even tell whether it was run for most of those five years with the light on, or it just never came on?

Generally, I think I'd tend to expect manufacturers to be pessimistic about servicing intervals rather than optimistic since it brings more money into their dealer network.

[RicksAlfas]

Snowboy said:

1. Use the service indicator light - it's clever and works well.

Don't these usually have a time element built in as well? So even if you do very low miles at some point the light will come on and say it's time for a service?

[kambites]

RicksAlfas said:

Snowboy said:

1. Use the service indicator light - it's clever and works well.

Don't these usually have a time element built in as well? So even if you do very low miles at some point the light will come on and say it's time for a service?

Yes they use all sorts of parameters (including time), I think that's what he meant by "it's clever".

[motco]

The handbook for my 2.2 Z3 (very late model and M54 engine) that uses Longlife oil says change the oil every year regardless of mileage. It also says to change the brake fluid every two years. In any case it should have had a first service much earlier.

[Rovinghawk]

kambites said:

I think I'd tend to expect manufacturers to be pessimistic about servicing intervals rather than optimistic since it brings more money into their dealer network.

They are overly optimistic in order to persuade the fleet buyers that their car is an economical choice. If the car dies after the warranty period then where's their problem other than having to sell a new engine/car?

[kambites]

Rovinghawk said:

kambites said:

I think I'd tend to expect manufacturers to be pessimistic about servicing intervals rather than optimistic since it brings more money into their dealer network.

They are overly optimistic in order to persuade the fleet buyers that their car is an economical choice. If the car dies after the warranty period then where's their problem other than having to sell a new engine/car?

Hmm, fair enough and I could understand that on rep-mobiles like Mondeos and 3-series; but how many Z4s sell to fleet buyers?

[chr15b]

they would be kicking you in the balls if you were trading that..

[kambites]

chr15b said:

they would be kicking you in the balls if you were trading that..

Don't they do that when you trade in anything?

[HTP99]

If it was priced accordingly to take into account the lack of history then it is up to you whether you want to buy it or not; it doesn't make you unreasonable, however if it wasn't priced accordingly and was priced as any other Z4 out there with a FSH then I don't blame you for walking.

[oceanview]

You definately made the right decision. with that low mileage and neglect to change oil etc, probably a sludge buildup already and people who cant be bothered to pay for new oil/filter have probably neglected the car generally as well.
Id much rather have a properly maintained example, thats been cherished to some extent!

[Denis O]

Z4 handbook details when the computer says or 2 years, whichever comes first. I would say you were right not to buy it. I wouldn't have done.

[JimmyConwayNW]

Could have done higher mileage and been clocked in those first years between leaving dealer and actually going in for a service.

I like to see service receipts not just stamps and especially not stamps with mobile numbers.

Have a look elsewhere and find the right car for you.

[goodfella7777]

sounds about right

I had 59 plate 320d , had its first service at about 16k, second service (inspection 1) at about 33k and when i sold it few months ago at 48k it was due its third service

So up until 48k it only had two services and had full service history.

[J4CKO]

Yeah, what you want is 3 Litre.

[Rick 343]

chr15b said:

they would be kicking you in the balls if you were trading that..

[budfox]

J4CKO said:

Yeah, what you want is 3 Litre.

Agreed. You try finding one with black leather, heated seats, under 40k miles, fewer than 3 previous owners and a properly good history. Budget is £12k, prefer to spend £10k.

Could probably find a privately owned one, but not locally, so I'm after a main dealer car with the backup of a year's BMW warranty.

No hurry either, it will be a third car toy and that means waiting to find the right one.

Edited by budfox on Thursday 21st November 22:14

[GrizzlyBear]

They are not rare, so have a look around for another one.

It's your cash, if you are not comfortable with the car walk away. Your concern sounds reasonable to me, I am not a fan of these long service intervals and would probably change it more regularly anyway.