My wife and I recently purchased a 2007 335i convertible, therefore this is my first post. I adore this forum so far and the abundance of knowledge it has about these autos.
It needed an oil change, so I took it to my neighborhood dealer today to have them handle it (I was hoping they would match my pricing of $80 for the oil change) and give the car a general inspection since I just bought it.
The quoted fees were absurd, so I quickly departed without having them complete the work as I can do it all myself.
The previous few hours have been spent reading through the DIYs and other resources. However, it’s still unclear to me if “Standard Scope” servicing merely entails resetting the maintenance indications or whether it entails using a different procedure for which I lack the necessary equipment.
The GT1 scan tool, available through BMW dealers, plugs into the OBDII port and checks the vehicle for problem codes. The GT1 is all that is used in the normal scope to scan the vehicle.
You can scan the car yourself using one of the many various aftermarket BMW scan tools that are available online. You do not currently have any OBD II emissions fault codes if the Service Engine Soon light is not activated in the instrument cluster. However, an OBD II scan tool can miss BMW-specific fault codes in your automobile. In order to cover all your bases, if you intend to perform the maintenance, I advise purchasing both an OBD II scan tool and an aftermarket BMW scan tool. An OBD II trouble code format for an emissions-related issue code is typically not provided by the majority of BMW scan tools, thus you must search up the BMW code to determine what OBD II code it corresponds to.
For routine maintenance, I suggest staying away from dealers and either doing it yourself or finding a reliable BMW independent repair.
Yes, I intend to perform each DIY maintenance task myself. I was just considering that because the car is new to me, it would be nice to have the dealer do a cursory inspection to see if there were any concerns.
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bikerdave
Update: I walked into the dealer today and made the car reservation over the phone, which I found to be pretty unique, LOL, and not through the online system. Due to the fact that the “standard scope” is a part of the service pack, I won’t have to pay anything extra. I asked about the brake fluid change at three years because I have the three year pack, and the answer was that it is covered! If this is accurate, the pack will have saved me money when compared to the dealer’s web estimated pricing because I don’t do the mileage to hit the second service. Since the car won’t arrive until the end of March, I won’t discuss my “dealer” experience until after the maintenance has been completed and I’ve requested the brake fluid in writing. At this point, all I will say is that I “feel” like this is a minefield when everything should be so simple. Those are just my thoughts.
New Service Approach: Typical Scope?
My 2001 BMW 325i received “Inspection I” and “Inspection II” services, mixed in with oil changes and other work that “needed” to be done. Before I simply took over the service in my driveway, it was a long back.
Just purchased a CPO 2004 325i wagon with 55k miles. The woman who answered the phone when I just called to arrange an oil change and ask where it fits into the Inspection I/II routine claimed that the 2004 models don’t get such service packages. She claimed that it would receive the “regular scope,” which entails connecting a device to the PCM or computer and requesting information from the vehicle. She stated that the normal scope was $61 and the oil service cost $117. It resembles performing an OBDII CAN diagnostic.
Is this a good thing? Dealers among you do this? And lastly, has anyone managed to conduct this diagnostic on their own (discovered the tool, software, etc.)?
She has no idea what she is discussing. She is merely stating that she has no idea what the automobile requires, and the man working behind the scenes will fix the vehicle and charge appropriately.
The service schedule for 2004 and 2001 are same. When the service interval indicator reaches 7500 miles (don’t reset it at this point), many users on this forum choose to perform an additional oil change.
As indicated by the dealership representative, the dealership’s “Oil Service” probably includes an oil change as well as a few extra services like plugging it into the computer. This allows the dealership to uncover more problems to charge for repairs. If you’re lucky, they’ll also likely put it through the automatic vehicle wash, er, swirl mark maker.
A service done on “CBS automobiles” is referred to as “Standard Scope”. that is, not your E46. Condition Based Service, or CBS in BMW parlance, is only available on the most recent models of automobiles. In essence, CBS cars divide the oil changes and inspections into a la carte menus of services that are carried out at specific intervals, where you might not get the microfilter replaced at the same time as the oil and the engine air filter isn’t always changed at the inspection (which is now called a Vehicle Check).
Therefore, the “gal” you spoke with was mistaken when she said that “the ’04s don’t get those services,” because they do. In reality, she was merely attempting to let you know that she wasn’t as knowledgeable about the service schedules as she ought to be.
Even so, OT? With all the flashy automobiles, expensive watches, and contributions to keep other members’ Volvos going, the average 401(k) around here is probably approximately $6.
critter: great information thanks. I’ll be glad to arrive there tomorrow knowing at least a little bit about how things operate.
nathan: I still drive a 2001, and every 7 miles I make my own oil changes. Without a doubt, I’ll adjust the vehicle to the dealer’s instructions. thanks.
Any of you guys buy oil in bulk while we’re at it? I might be able to save enough money now that I have two of these to make it worthwhile to shop around.
What exactly does a BMW service include?
Which package best satisfies your needs? Choose between the extended BMW Service Inclusive Plus, which covers both maintenance work and wear-and-tear repairs, and BMW Service Inclusive for routine maintenance. Both packages feature a ten-year contract term and a 200,000-kilometer mileage cap.
All maintenance tasks, including any necessary oil changes and BMW Original Parts, are covered by the BMW Service Inclusive Package.
Services provided:
Maintenance:
- top-ups and service for the engine oil
- vehicle inspection and common scopes
- replacement or maintenance of air filters
- replacement or repair of the fuel filter
- replacement or repair of a micro filter
- replacement or maintenance of spark plugs
- replenishment or maintenance of brake fluid
This package is available with a contract length of up to ten years and a mileage cap of 200,000 km.
All maintenance tasks as well as additional wear-and-tear repairs, including any necessary Original BMW Parts, are covered by the BMW Service Inclusive Plus Package.
Wear-and-tear:
- new brake pads for the front and rear brakes
- replace the brake discs on the front and rear
- changing the clutch (if necessary)
- Changing the wiper blades (during the engine oil service)
Can I maintain my BMW on my own?
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re looking for information on whether you have to take your BMW to the dealer for maintenance or an oil change. Can I take my BMW to any mechanic? is a question you may have already questioned yourself. In summary, you can take your BMW to whichever mechanic you choose for maintenance and oil changes. There is a little more to it than that, but overall, you are under no need to visit the BMW dealer ever again if you choose not to.
You must keep in mind that not all mechanics are certified to operate on your BMW, even though you have a choice in who does so. Even though all modern cars have four wheels, many of them are very specialized, and sometimes that’s where the similarities between various manufactures end. We’re going to go into the specifics of getting your BMW serviced today, including some warning signs you should watch out for. In the end, we’ll provide you with enough knowledge to locate a skilled BMW mechanic in your neighborhood. Since it’s in their best financial interest to have you return to them for everything, including the needless nitrogen for your tires, you probably won’t hear this information from your BMW dealer.
The dealership industry has a little-known secret: “Service and repair” is their “bread and butter.” They make every effort to prevent you from taking your repairs elsewhere because of this. They advocate against independent mechanics since it will put more money in their own wallets even though they are fully aware that they provide the same services for less money. You need to hear this if you’re still wondering, “Can I take my BMW to any mechanic for service?”
When should a BMW get a complete service?
A service is a crucial component of any automobile maintenance plan and will help to maximize the lifespan of your BMW by ensuring that your car stays in immaculate condition and performs to the highest quality.
A service will make sure that your vehicle is in good operating order and will also identify any possible problems before they become serious, whether you only need a portion of your BMW repaired or want the entire vehicle inspected.
Contrary to popular assumption, not every BMW requires maintenance at the same mileage point. BMW does advise that you get a service every year, or every 10,000 miles if you use your car a lot.
Do I have to have BMW service my car?
It can be really exciting to purchase a new car, but you may also have a lot of concerns. One of these issues might be if you must repair your BMW at a franchised shop in order to maintain your warranty.
You’ve come to the correct location since we’ll be discussing car service as well as your rights and responsibilities.
Many automobile owners may be unsure of their servicing needs and the best course of action when it comes to picking up and servicing a new car.
You are not needed to have your BMW serviced at a franchised dealership in order to maintain the conditions of your auto warranty. However, you should consider your car financing options since this could influence the outcome.
What does a yearly BMW service cost?
Remove the Band-Aid now. Every 10,000 miles, BMW owners may anticipate paying between $150 and $400 per service. A significant service may cost up to $3,000 or more. In the end, owners spend more on maintenance and repairs than most brands, between $1,000 and $1,700 annually.
You may always purchase an extended warranty, either directly from BMW or through a third-party service contract, if you’re concerned about future ownership costs. Standard BMW maintenance expenditures are not covered by a car warranty, but it will cover pricey items that are more prone to break over time.
We’ve combed the market and selected a handful of the top third-party extended vehicle warranty companies because there are many possibilities for extended coverage. These are businesses who did well in regards to things like price, standing, and customer support.
To help you reduce your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs, compare the best BMW extended warranty packages above.
What does “service due” mean on my BMW?
Service Vehicle: Your BMW needs service if this light is red. When it’s yellow, your BMW needs maintenance soon. It’s best to book a servicing appointment as soon as you can in either situation.