In Research Mode - '11/'12 Z4

Atebit · 06-19-2011, 05:15 PM

For those of you that perform. "in between" maintenance, do you do it yourself, go to an indy, or go to the dealer?

I'm not adverse to more frequent oil changes, but I would most likely go to an euro-specialist indy rather than the dealer. So I wonder what the dealer would do when I then show up for my free "scheduled" maintenance once a year. I'm sure they would be able to tell that it had been serviced outside of a BMW center.

HerrK · 06-19-2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atebit

For those of you that perform. "in between" maintenance, do you do it yourself, go to an indy, or go to the dealer?

I'm not adverse to more frequent oil changes, but I would most likely go to an euro-specialist indy rather than the dealer. So I wonder what the dealer would do when I then show up for my free "scheduled" maintenance once a year. I'm sure they would be able to tell that it had been serviced outside of a BMW center.

I do it myself. I rather cringe at the thought of even taking the car to the dealership, but I try to control my OCD. I use a BMW oil filter which I bought a lot of 5 pcs ($50) @ ECS. I use Mobil 1 EU 0-40 from Walmart @ $6.50 x 7. So it costs me $56 in parts and as a bonus I get to look at all the fine German engineering underneath the plastic belly pan. How can one have anymore fun than that! ECS also sells a BMW Inspection 1 Service Kit (7 Qts of BMW oil & a filter) for $54 + shipping.

Either way unless the BMW mechanic is a visionary how would they ever know you've changed it yourself, unless you or the Indy put in some alternate brand oil filter. Ask them to use a BMW filter or bring them one to use

I did mine at 5K miles, no mention of anything when I had my one year done at 11K miles. I get another freeebie at 16K according to the computer, as the dealer does not reset the oil life at the 1 year change.

Atebit · 06-19-2011, 06:47 PM

Thanks, sounds like good advice, especially showing up with the BMW filter if there's any question. You also answers my next question, which was if I should reset the maintenance minded afterwards.

With less than 800m on the clock I've got a ways to go to 5K, but now I have plenty of time to explore the options!

Didn't mean to hijack the OP, but hopefully that's useful info for him as well.

Boudreaux · 06-23-2011, 01:47 PM

Thanks to all for your info and opinions.....!!!

06-19-2011, 05:15 PM	#23
Atebit Private First Class 4 Rep 107 Posts Drives: Yellow 2011 Z4 sdrive30i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	For those of you that perform. "in between" maintenance, do you do it yourself, go to an indy, or go to the dealer? I'm not adverse to more frequent oil changes, but I would most likely go to an euro-specialist indy rather than the dealer. So I wonder what the dealer would do when I then show up for my free "scheduled" maintenance once a year. I'm sure they would be able to tell that it had been serviced outside of a BMW center. __________________
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06-19-2011, 06:47 PM	#25
Atebit Private First Class 4 Rep 107 Posts Drives: Yellow 2011 Z4 sdrive30i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Thanks, sounds like good advice, especially showing up with the BMW filter if there's any question. You also answers my next question, which was if I should reset the maintenance minded afterwards. With less than 800m on the clock I've got a ways to go to 5K, but now I have plenty of time to explore the options! Didn't mean to hijack the OP, but hopefully that's useful info for him as well. __________________
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06-23-2011, 01:47 PM	#26
Boudreaux Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: '00 Avalon Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Church Point, LA iTrader: (0)	Thanks to all for your info and opinions.....!!! __________________ Boudreaux from Cajun Country
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