Do It Yourself Maintenance

[mac-z4]

Getting close to warranty expiration. Thinking of doing my own basic maintenance. Regarding oil changes, am I correct it's seven quarts for the 3.0? And, the recommended oil is Castro Synthetic 5w30. Also, is there a need for re-programming or re-setting the cars computer to reflect the oil change? As for brake pads, I assume replacing the front pads is normal process; i.e. Compress caliper pistons and install pads. What kind of effort is it to replace front rotors?

As for the rear brakes, all I read says back to the dealer due to electronic hand brake - Any new info on this?

[rking117]

There is a specific BMW oil that you can get from getbmwparts.com I don't remember the actual grade but if you search by car or vin it will direct you to the right oil. they offer kits with filter and washer and everything you need. Around 60 USD the last time I bought it.

You can reset the service indicator via the trip indicator button on the dash. I don't remember the instructions exactly but if you go over to the E82 board (DYI section) they have a DYI on this there that will apply to the Z4. The steps might be a little different but the overall process is the same.

Rear brakes = fail at this point unless you can program. I have had the car in maintenance mode once but cant remember the steps that I took to do it. The rear brakes then release and once you unplug the dongle the brakes reengage. This is not really a DYI at this point until someone comes up with a method to do this easier.

[nicknaz]

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx

part numbers for OEM fill and specific list of "approved" non OEM oils

[jparnes1]

I got this from a forum several years ago. Works like a charm
Resetting Service Intervals

1. Switch the ignition on (so that the battery, Oil and Parking brake lights are displayed) and the key is ready to start the engine - but don't actually start the car.
2. Press the odometer reset button for between 5 and 10 seconds until a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark in the centre appears in the top window between the clocks.
3. Release the odometer button briefly and press again straight away which brings up a picture of the Brake Fluid symbol.
4. If you want to reset the Brake Fluid interval for another 2 years then keep holding the odometer button until the word "RESET?" appears at the bottom of the lower window.
5. Release the button briefly and push it in again and hold for about 5 - 10 seconds until the new date appears in the bottom window.
6. If you want to reset the Oil, Microfilter or Brake Pad indicators then you will need to follow the same sequence as steps 1 and 2 above, but when you get to step 3 and the brake Fluid icon appears, just release the button and press again and the next service item will appear.
7. You can continue releasing and pressing the button until the required service item icon appears for the one you want to reset. As soon as it does then hold in the button in until the word "RESET?" appears again as in step 4 above. Once the word "RESET?" has appeared, you need to release the button briefly and hold it in again for about 5 - 10 seconds until it is replaced by the new service interval figure (as per step 5 above).

Hints & Tips
If you do happen to hold the button down too long against an item you don't want to reset and the "RESET?" appears, just leave the button alone for 10 seconds or so and it will not let you reset the item. (Alternatively just switch the ignition off and start again).

Sometimes if you have not released and pressed the button again quickly enough, when you hold it down again the German technical writing will appear after about 15 - 20 seconds instead of the Service item icon you were expecting. (If this happens just switch off the ignition and start again).

[z4z4z4]

http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=843020

You can do your own brakes. I did. See above thread.

I always buy my oil from dealer, but I'm thrilled with this autozone Castrol and 10-15 degrees lower oil temps. Notice approval by BMW.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by z4z4z4

I always buy my oil from dealer, but I'm thrilled with this autozone Castrol and 10-15 degrees lower oil temps. Notice approval by BMW.

Wow. Nice info. How did you test the oil temp reduction?

[mac-z4]

Get informatin. Thanks to all.

[fisherman]

Just curious....what does a typical BMW dealer charge for a routine oil/filter change ? I'm still on the new car maintenance free program, but will be coming off next year. The way they force you to wait a full calendar year for the low mileage oil change means the final year's oil change ( at 4 years ) will be outside the 4 year cutoff date, so it will be a customer paid service.

[2011CrazE89]

Being that I bought mine used I’m not comfortable relying on the computer saying I still have 8K miles to go before my next oil change. If it wasn’t reset properly by the previous owner I may be way overdue.

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by fisherman

Just curious....what does a typical BMW dealer charge for a routine oil/filter change ? I'm still on the new car maintenance free program, but will be coming off next year. The way they force you to wait a full calendar year for the low mileage oil change means the final year's oil change ( at 4 years ) will be outside the 4 year cutoff date, so it will be a customer paid service.

About $85 - 100 depending where you live.

[haspi]

Originally Posted by 2011CrazE89

Being that I bought mine used I’m not comfortable relying on the computer saying I still have 8K miles to go before my next oil change. If it wasn’t reset properly by the previous owner I may be way overdue.

I would just get the filter and oil changed, just in case. $100 spent will give you a piece of mind...

[2011CrazE89]

Originally Posted by haspi

I would just get the filter and oil changed, just in case. $100 spent will give you a piece of mind...

My thoughts exactly. Just made my appointment.