What does free maintenance mean?

I wanted a better understanding of what the free 4yr/50K scheduled maintenance is supposed to cover:

1. I have a 2004 Z4 3.0 with close to 9K miles bought last August. The low oil light (yellow) would come on occasionally so I took it to the dealer. The dealer said that the car needs some oil. But instead of topping it off for free, the wanted me to buy it. I went through the routine of going to the parts department to order the oil, then going to the cashier, then going back to the parts department to pick up a greasy quart of oil, then go out to the service bay for them to top it off. Apart from the hassle, what bothered me is that though the car is about an year old, the dealership felt that topping the oil is not standard maintenance!

2. Similarly my 2003 525 is now close to two years and at 28K miles. I got a low coolant warning sign today and drove up to the dealer. This time they said that the car has to be cool before they can add the coolant (I had driven less than two miles) and suggested that buy a can of coolant and take it home with me!

The dealers are scheduling the service only based on the service needed indicator (15K miles approximately) and are not performing anything based on the time elapsed. Stuff like the coolant and other fluids evaporates with time and needs to be topped off.

Though the cost of the oil/coolant is trivial, I do not want my garage to become a store-house for automative fluids. I also do not want to get my hands dirty right now (too busy with a new baby

and a remodel).

On any other car I would have some scheduled maintenace performed at least once a year but with the newer BMWs, the scheduled maintenance may not be due for almost 2 years (like my Z4 which is driven 8K/year).

Does BMW expect me to perform the fluid top-offs, and other checks periodically in their own garage or some other auto-maintenance shop, while I wait for the light to turn yellow? Some premium ownership experience this is

Reply » What does free maintenance mean?

I never had to pay for any service during the warranty period. It was covered 100%.

Reply » What does free maintenance mean?

I was also covered for everything maintenance wise. My warranty period just ended this month (3 years on a 2002 MY 530i). I'm kind of amused at how much emphasis BMWUSA puts into their Free Maintenance in their advertising. For me the Free Maintenance amounted to 2 oil changes, 1 Brake Fluid change, 2 new sets of windshield wipers, and a top off of the wiper fluid. I paid for 3 or 4 other oil changes out of my own pocket. I wonder how BMWUSA makes any money with all this free maintenance their giving away?

Reply » What does free maintenance mean?

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The dealers are scheduling the service only based on the service needed indicator (15K miles approximately) and are not performing anything based on the time elapsed. Stuff like the coolant and other fluids evaporates with time and needs to be topped off.

Your statement is not quite correct. Under the Free Maintenance program oil is change is provided via the indicator or 12 months from last oil change. I had my oil changed when 12 month had elapsed from delivery but the car only had 7,500 miles. When the oil change light came on at 12,500 miles I got another fee oil change. At the rate I am going I will be due for another oil change no later than at 26,000 miles or before if the 12 month period kicks in earlier. In a couple of weeks I will be taking my car in to have the brake fluid flushed for free because 24 months will have elapsed since my car was manufactured.

I am not sure why you are making such a big deal about topping off fluids. Even if it was free as you would like to be it would not be worth the effort take to the dealer. I hope you do not run over to the dealer everytime you want your tire pressures checked and air put in.

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Originally Posted by BayAreaBMWFan Though the cost of the oil/coolant is trivial, I do not want my garage to become a store-house for automative fluids. I also do not want to get my hands dirty right now (too busy with a new baby

This is contrary to the beliefs of many people on this board. We bought a BMW because it is a car that involves you in the driving experience. We want to be one with car. Based on you statement above you must not even want to wash and detail your own car. That is a sacrilege to many of us, I have never let anybody else even attempt to wash my car.

Reply » What does free maintenance mean?

I have never considered topping off fluids are part of the free maintenance. BTW the coolant is a sealed system, so it doesn't "evaporate." Neither does oil.

What you get is: At least 1 oil change every year (4 plus service indicator requirements); brake flush every 2 years (2 of them); coolant flush and fill; tranny and diff are lifetime (although M3 gets diff fluid at Inspection 2); maybe brakes, including rotors; 1 - 2 sets of wiper blades, and 1 or 2 Inspections.

Reply » What does free maintenance mean?

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I have never considered topping off fluids are part of the free maintenance.

I wish fluid topoffs were included. I keep having to add gasoline, and at over $3 a gallon, I think the dealer should cover it.

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You would hate my garage then, as I have the right oil for each of four vehicles I own, plus extra filters for all. Not to mention two-stroke oil, chain saw oil, brake fluid, trans fluid, power steering fluid, anti-freeze, and miscellanous lubricants and cleaners, not to mention gasoline and gasoline pre-mixed with oil. Still, is it a big deal to have a quart of oil and a gallon of anti-freeze? What about washer fluid? You can't get your hands dirty at all? They selll soap for that. Adding a quart of oil isn't hard; perhaps my 70 yr old mom could show you how.

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