BMW servicing

TDK

TDK

TDK

Associate
Joined
16 Jun 2003
Posts
911
Location
London
Hi, Could someone give some advice, I have an E46 Saloon 2003 - not worth a huge amount, the service light has come on and ive done 800 miles since the service due, so I really need to get it serviced, is it worth getting a service at a BMW garage, i know they charge a lot more than just going to a recommended local garage? If it is does anyone know of a good BMW garage in London. Any info would be appreciated thanks :p
 
TDK said:
Hi, Could someone give some advice, I have an E46 Saloon 2003 - not worth a huge amount, the service light has come on and ive done 800 miles since the service due, so I really need to get it serviced, is it worth getting a service at a BMW garage, i know they charge a lot more than just going to a recommended local garage? If it is does anyone know of a good BMW garage in London. Any info would be appreciated thanks :p
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"Independent BMW Specialist" + Google will be your friend.
http://www.technosport.co.uk/ - NW London.

http://www.independentbmw.co.uk/

http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/garages_neng.html

http://www.mrrjustbmw.com/

Just a few of the many examples listed.

Me I use Moseley Motorsport but, there in Shropshire! what the hell, you'd enjoy the drive! :)
 
hey thanks for the reply, how would i know if i need an inspection 1 or 2 service? thanks. and Shropshire's abit far......... :D
 
TDK said:
hey thanks for the reply, how would i know if i need an inspection 1 or 2 service? thanks. and Shropshire's abit far......... :D
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No problem mate, I assume you have no service history to look through? Not to worry.

Your BMW Inspection & Maintenance Plan:

BMW Inspection I
The BMW Inspection 1 Service is the smaller of the two inspection services recommended by BMW. It includes basically all of the items that assures safety and full functionality of your vehicle. Other makes and models can also utilize this maintenance program to ensure a pleasant drive and ownership (But make sure you mechanic says it is OK first). Inspection 1 could cost in the range of $200+ to $300+ depending on who you go to and also if you have any repairs. (Repair cost are not included in the inspection cost) So be prepared to spend more!. If your mechanical skills are high, just DO-It-Yourself! The items that are generally checked are listed below. If you are performing the inspection yourself, We carry most of the BMW parts you need to complete the inspection and replacement of BMW parts. Click here for the Online BMW Parts Catalog. Don't forget to purchase the BMW service/oil change reset tool.

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.



Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission




Inspection II
The Inspection 2 Service is the larger of the two Inspection Services and basically includes all of the items performed on the Inspection I Service along with some extras like differential oil change; fuel filter and air filter replacements; Replacement of spark plugs. Inspection 2 generally runs around $400+ to $500+. Below are the items that are normally performed. If you are performing the inspection yourself, We carry most of the BMW parts you need to complete the inspection and replacement of BMW parts. Click here for the Online BMW Parts Catalog. Don't forget to purchase the BMW service/oil change reset tool.

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
Check thickness of parking brake linings.
Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.


Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace intake air cleaner element.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission




These are the recommended interval for models years from 1986 through 1998 models, more frequent inspections are essential if driven in extreme conditions:



5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
10,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
15,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
20,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
30,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
40,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
45,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
50,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
60,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
70,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
75,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
80,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
90,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)



For 1999 and later models, the recommended service/inspection intervals are as follows:


5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
10,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
15,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
20,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
30,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
40,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
45,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
50,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
60,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
70,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
75,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
80,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
90,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
100,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)


Legend:
Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
Inspection I Service (I/1)
Inspection II Service (I/2)
Intermediate oil service (O/F)



Hope this helps. :)
 
Not worth it on cars like this, the dealers are a complete rip off, sell it and buy another one which has just had its service :p
 
Jez said:
Not worth it on cars like this, the dealers are a complete rip off, sell it and buy another one which has just had its service :p
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Mines just had a service and is for sale! - Result! :D
 
Try bmwland forums, they have a list of recommended garages.

I personally avoid my local main dealer, as their mechanics seem to be a bunch of jokers, they are also expensive. I use a local specialist who are very reasonable.
 
What E46 is it, and whats the mileage?

If you are careful with what you ask them you can get BMW main dealer servicing to cost not an awful lot more than an independant - my next service is an Inspection 1 and will be done by the main dealer, with a days loan car, for less than £200.
 
[TW]Fox said:
What E46 is it, and whats the mileage?

If you are careful with what you ask them you can get BMW main dealer servicing to cost not an awful lot more than an independant - my next service is an Inspection 1 and will be done by the main dealer, with a days loan car, for less than £200.
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Well Fox, I have to disagree to an extent, I got my last oil service and a loan car for well under £90! - Ok, I am friends with the guy who serviced my car (I let him have it for the week and I used his e30 Touring as the specialist I use is in Shropshire & I'm in Staffordshire) Ok, the car did'nt come back valeted,but, you get my point, I'm sure. :)

Nothing quite like rattling about in a 1990 e30 to truly appreciate my own car & its ride once I got it back !!!!!
 
R124/LA420 said:
Well Fox, I have to disagree to an extent, I got my last oil service and a loan car for well under £90! - Ok, I am friends with the guy who serviced my car (I let him have it for the week and I used his e30 Touring as the specialist I use is in Shropshire & I'm in Staffordshire) Ok, the car did'nt come back valeted,but, you get my point, I'm sure. :)
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Thats an Oil Service though - I had an Oil Service last year, again main dealer, and it cost £135. For £45 difference between glass-house main dealer with stamp and backstreet Indy is it really worth the hassle?

Plus irrespective of mileage peoples opinions are, perhaps wrongly, that main dealer = better (I know a decent indy is probably more skilled but most dont) and thus even if you've got a 15 year old E34, compared to another identically priced 15 year old E34, comprehensive main dealer history would be a big plus point for a buyer.

If its hundreds and hundreds more don't bother, but it needn't be.
 
[TW]Fox said:
What E46 is it, and whats the mileage?

If you are careful with what you ask them you can get BMW main dealer servicing to cost not an awful lot more than an independant - my next service is an Inspection 1 and will be done by the main dealer, with a days loan car, for less than £200.
Click to expand...

Care to divulge further on this fox? I had a quote for my Inspection 2 from my local dealer (Stephen James - Blackheath) and they wanted £480 or if i drive to Canvey Island I can get BM Bitz (as recommended by GSXR) to do it for £270. Over £200 difference is ridiculous!

NS
 
NightShadow said:
Care to divulge further on this fox? I had a quote for my Inspection 2 from my local dealer (Stephen James - Blackheath) and they wanted £480 or if i drive to Canvey Island I can get BM Bitz (as recommended by GSXR) to do it for £270. Over £200 difference is ridiculous!

NS
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1) Ask for BMW 4Plus discount
2) Supply your own BMW Approved Oil - you end up paying £50 for oil not £100
3) Omit the Microfilter change, you still get a stamp and you can do it yourself in 5 seconds using a £10 filter from GSF.
 
Jez said:
Not worth it on cars like this, the dealers are a complete rip off, sell it and buy another one which has just had its service :p
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If you don't want to go the DIY route (Most people wouldn't have a problem with a wadge of receipts and parts invoices and the service record filled out by yourself) then find a good local BMW Specialist - shop around as there are loads about.

My local one is www.grantsbmw.com who are very good! Prices are there too.
 
Dave L said:
My local one is www.grantsbmw.com who are very good! Prices are there too.
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They look very expensive indeed and the website appears set up to make the price look very confusing, you have to add up all the individual elements to get a price.

For my car, for example

Oil Service:

Grants: £147 exc 'service kit' cos I dont know what that is
BMW Main Dealer: £139

Inspection 1 (Not supplying own oil):

Grants: £256.48
BMW Main Dealer: £251

When you do the maths, many Indys are no cheaper.
 
NightShadow said:
Care to divulge further on this fox? I had a quote for my Inspection 2 from my local dealer (Stephen James - Blackheath) and they wanted £480 or if i drive to Canvey Island I can get BM Bitz (as recommended by GSXR) to do it for £270. Over £200 difference is ridiculous!
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My dealer, BMW Fairfield's, are pretty good on price. My oil service cost £84 when I supplied my own oil, with Mobil 1 costing £47 and giving me well over a litre spare, leaving me with a bill similar to Fox. Got an 07 MINI Cooper for a day and a half too.

Personally, I'll probably never use BM Bitz unless it's at a last resort. The other week I needed the simplest thing done - a clear of fault codes. Despite me explaining multiple times that I just needed a clear, that I was willing to pay for, they were insistent it had to be booked in for a checkover as the warning lights "were serious". I ended up driving to BMW Fairfield who cleared the lights for free, assuring me that as the faults were not currently present, it wasn't serious at all. I thought indys were meant to be helpful!
 
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[TW]Fox said:
They look very expensive indeed and the website appears set up to make the price look very confusing, you have to add up all the individual elements to get a price.

For my car, for example

Oil Service:

Grants: £147 exc 'service kit' cos I dont know what that is
BMW Main Dealer: £139

Inspection 1 (Not supplying own oil):

Grants: £256.48
BMW Main Dealer: £251

When you do the maths, many Indys are no cheaper.
Click to expand...

Must admit, I didn't look at their prices. Brave people to publish prices on the net!
 
Dave L said:
They usually are; sounds like you stumbled across a jobsworth.
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It's weird. They come quite well recommended, as per GSXR on here and other comments I've heard. I can only assume they've had a bad experience in the past clearing someone's codes, with them coming back screaming blue murder or something... :confused:
 
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