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Another Newbie question re: maintenance
Hello Everyone,
I just purchased by first bimmer on Friday, a 2003 Z4 2.5i 11K miles. I know the warranty is good for 5 years, but does BMW include all maintenance as well, such as oil changes, etc.? I keep seeing this advertised but didn't know if my vehicle qualified. Thanks for the help.
Scott
| | Reply » Another Newbie question re: maintenance |
Quote: Hello Everyone,
I just purchased by first bimmer on Friday, a 2003 Z4 2.5i 11K miles. I know the warranty is good for 5 years, but does BMW include all maintenance as well, such as oil changes, etc.? I keep seeing this advertised but didn't know if my vehicle qualified. Thanks for the help.
Scott | congratulations on the car, post some pics!
Yes, your car qualifies - starting with model yr 2003 you get 4yrs (from the orig sale date) or 50K mi of free maintenance from BMW, whichever comes first (2000-2002 model yrs had 3yr/36K).
Do you plan on keeping the car past that time? If so, you'll want to do more than the recommended maint.
| | Reply » Another Newbie question re: maintenance |
Quote: congratulations on the car, post some pics!
Yes, your car qualifies - starting with model yr 2003 you get 4yrs (from the orig sale date) or 50K mi of free maintenance from BMW, whichever comes first (2000-2002 model yrs had 3yr/36K).
Do you plan on keeping the car past that time? If so, you'll want to do more than the recommended maint. | I do plan on keeping the car for a very long time, why do you say that I need to more than the recommended maint.?
| | Reply » Another Newbie question re: maintenance |
well, i'm not the most versed in all of this. My recommendation would be to find a good independent BMW mechanic in your area...they will give you the lay of the land. If you don't know of one, go to your local BMW CCA chapter meeting and ask around.
The basic gist of it is....once upon a time BMW didn't offer free maintenance. The cars sold during this time had a given maintenance schedule. Then, BMW started offering free maintenace. Suddenly oil change intervals doubled...some fluids became "lifetime" (!)...etc, etc. BMW now only cares that the car survives through the end of the warranty. After that, they'll gladly sell you a new engine when the need arises. the next 5yrs should be interesting as the e46/e39/etc cars begin to age and engines begin to fail.
for instance, i get my oil changed every 5k miles. that means i pay for 2 and the third one is my free "scheduled" oil change. once you start reading the forum(s) more and more you'll be up to speed.
now let's see some pics!
| | Reply » Another Newbie question re: maintenance |
First, the timing was also the same as changing over to all full synthetic fluids, which DO last longer, twice as long is not out of the question. Our M Roadster had 3 year 36K mile maintenance and nominal oil change intervals of 9K miles on CONVENTIONAL oil. Our E46 M3 has 15K nominal oil changes on full synthetic. That makes sense to me. And with BMW change intervals, the harder you drive the car, teh more frequent they become. Also there is an annual oil change, so if you drive less than 15K per year, you get an oil change every year, no matter how few miles. Also witness Mobil's new Extended Performance oil good for 15K miles.
As for extra maintenace, some people do an extra oil change in between the BMW ones. I do this on my E46 M3, but I do track the car. And drive it moderately hard. Changing syntehtic oils too often may actualy reduce protection. Some of the additive require some time to become fully active or do their things.
I would DEFINATELY change the tranny fluid and diff fluid every 30 - 50K miles, versus BMWs "lifetime" fluid.
But many people forget the coolant every 2 or 3 years depending on the model and year. Also brake flush every 2 years. Funny that some who do overly frequent oil changes don't EVER do the coolant and brake fluid.
| | Reply » Another Newbie question re: maintenance |
Quote: | But many people forget the coolant every 2 or 3 years depending on the model and year. Also brake flush every 2 years. Funny that some who do overly frequent oil changes don't EVER do the coolant and brake fluid. | What happens if you don't do the brake fluid and coolant? Are those in the first 5 years of scheduled maintenance? I know every mandatory maintenance in that period has been done but that's about all the information I have; the car was also certified when I bought it (if that is really relevant??). Luckily the previous owner only put 40K miles on the car over 5 years...
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Another Newbie question re: maintenance