So BMW service advisors.....

335idle · 03-11-2015, 09:44 PM

Hello,
so my car needs service(dash lights blah) I call to schedule an appointment.
And ask a few questions.

1. I'm at 41k miles (2011 335i auto sedan) and asked about 40k plus service or any intervals.
Answer- there is no such thing as service intervals. We only will fix what the car tells us.
I thought there where a few items that would be addressed at these miles?
Spark plugs?
Oil change?
Wipers?
Brakes/ pads?
Fluids?

So far services on my car
1 oil change
1 time when I needed some oil
1 climate control replacement (ikhs or something)
1 reprograming of my breaks. (Reset)
1 wipers replaced

Bmw added oil to my car, and somehow they noted adding a quart as a full oil change ? My friend was the tech that added the oil. And informed me it was only a quart. So how can Bmw say it was a full oil change ?

Current notifications
- coolant light
- oil light
- bulb fault light
- washer fluid
- brakes are startig to feel like crap
- auto trams starting to feel like crap
I'm at 41k and have til Nov or 50k til my warranty is up.

335NJ · 03-11-2015, 09:48 PM

The day my "mechanic" tells me adding a quart is a full oil change, is the day I find a new mechanic. They're likely not doing it because it's before the 10-15k "Interval" for oil change, which is total bullshit and they know it.

Majority of major fluids are considered "Lifetime", and your warranty can be void if they're changed. Which is more bullshit IMO.

Start going to a good Indy, or find a new dealer at the very least. I don't know the circumstances, but if i'm paying for an oil change, there better be fresh oil and a new filter. If you're under warranty, and have all of those notification lights, you'd better get in touch with BMWNA saying this dealer doesn't feel it's necessary to take any action on them, since there is no such thing as service intervals according to the dealer.

ctuna · 03-11-2015, 10:11 PM

If under warranty you are entitled to a once a year oil change
regardless of mileage. You have to insist on this at some dealerships.
but its in the warranty manual.(the add a quart is BS)
2 year brake fluid change .
spark plug change on 335 at 45k miles
wipers and worn brakes
They should at least keep the fluids topped while your under warranty.

So basically free maintenance means very little maintenance.
Some people on here say they have moved the oil change interval
back down to 10 k max on the new cars.
Repair of breakage items and that's about it.

Efthreeoh · 03-12-2015, 05:51 AM

This thread is just too stupid to comment on, but...

OP, it might help to read the set of manuals that come with the car that explain the maintenance schedule and how the Condition Based Service system works. It's no secret that BMW has long oil change intervals, and have had long oil change intervals since the mid-1980's. It's also no secret that if you don't trust BMW service schedules, you can have service done by your own free will and at your cost. BMW is clear on what maintenance is performed under the "free" maintenance plan. People also confuse "warranty" with "maintenance", which are not the same thing. Take responsibility for your maintenance and fluid levels. Plenty of DIYs and discussion topics on all these issues available on E90 Post.

FL335 · 03-12-2015, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

This thread is just too stupid to comment on, but...

OP, it might help to read the set of manuals that come with the car that explain the maintenance schedule and how the Condition Based Service system works. It's no secret that BMW has long oil change intervals, and have had long oil change intervals since the mid-1980's.

I don't care what BMW says about when to change the oil. The fact that a high heat, turbo engine can go 10k+ w/o an oil change is beyond absurd. They put the n54 in many cars mostly not driven by enthusiasts...BMW feels they can get away with these long intervals but in the long run, it only hurts the engine...

Anyone who buys a used, turbo BMW should be extra careful. Maintenance should have been regularly done and going forward 'normal' (5k-7.5k) should be adheered to.

My opinion if you want to keep your car for a while..without problems.

ef11 · 03-12-2015, 10:40 AM

Yeah one oil change in 41,000 miles? I think I'm reading the original post correct? That is insane.

bloppitybloop · 03-12-2015, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericfox11

Yeah one oil change in 41,000 miles? I think I'm reading the original post correct? That is insane.

No, I think he meant he's had the oil changed once since he's owned it. I assume he's not the original owner.

CantCatchMe · 03-12-2015, 12:41 PM

Number one, your BMW dealership is dumb. Number two, find a new mechanic. Number three, get rid of the car before your warranty is up. Number four, rejoice with a beer.

Gizm0 · 03-12-2015, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reckedhim

No, I think he meant he's had the oil changed once since he's owned it. I assume he's not the original owner.

I sure hope so... 1 oil change in 40k miles... poor engine I can't imagine the sludge build up.

AceOnShake · 03-12-2015, 01:06 PM

At my dealer in all the cars we bought new there I do an oil change once a year for free and one set of wiper per year. I tell this to all my extended family members who own BMWs and friends. They get shocked and they give me a call and tell them they had no idea and they just got it done.

mike5809 · 03-12-2015, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

spark plug change on 335 at 45k miles
.

Spark plugs on an N55 (which OP has) is every 60k (4th Oil & Lube Service)... just an FYI.

mike5809 · 03-12-2015, 01:16 PM

I'm at 41k miles (2011 335i auto sedan) and asked about 40k plus service or any intervals. Answer- there is no such thing as service intervals. We only will fix what the car tells us. I thought there where a few items that would be addressed at these miles? That is correct - the service goes off the CBS (Condition Based Service) indicator. However, there are general guidelines for some services just as Oil Change/Plugs

Spark plugs? As I mentioned above, N55 is 60k
Oil change? You get an oil change every 15,000 or at least 1 a year for a "low mileage oil change".
Wipers? Usually replaced every year, or if not working well or broken
Brakes/ pads? It completely depends on the car and your driving habits. They will measure and if the pads or rotors are below threshold they will replace, or if your pad sensors are triggered. If you are having a vibration or trouble braking let them know so they can inspect.
Fluids? Depends on which fluid. IE; brake fluid is every 2 years. Transmission is "lifetime". Differential/etc won't be under maintenance.

Bmw added oil to my car, and somehow they noted adding a quart as a full oil change ? My friend was the tech that added the oil. And informed me it was only a quart. So how can Bmw say it was a full oil change ? BMW will not consider an "oil top off" an oil change - your friend that said that is inaccurate or cheating the system if he is a tech. A full oil change they; take out the filter, drain, fill, and install new filter.

Current notifications
- coolant light Tell the dealership. Under warranty they will top it off if it is low and will probably inspect for leaks/air, etc - ask if they can "test" the waterpump and other items
- oil light Again if it is low then they will do complimentary top off and not consider an oil change
- bulb fault light They will inspect, read the code, and replace the correct bulb under warranty
- washer fluid If low they will top off, especially if they do an oil service
- brakes are startig to feel like crap Notify the dealer and have them look at it. Be more descriptive than "they feel like crap"; ie - vibration when stopping
- auto trams starting to feel like crap Same as above, tell them about this and provide more of a description of the issue. They can potentially reset adaptions

I think you just need to be educated a little more on BMWs and proper maintenance and service.

Efthreeoh · 03-12-2015, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike5809

Spark plugs on an N55 (which OP has) is every 60k (4th Oil & Lube Service)... just an FYI.

Oops, I missed that. Plugs every 60K.

335idle · 03-12-2015, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reckedhim

No, I think he meant he's had the oil changed once since he's owned it. I assume he's not the original owner.

Bought the car ar 17500 miles first oil change for the car was 18000 miles. I was very annoyed and asked how was this missed when During inspection before the sale. Reply- sorry sir would you like a free detail certificate.

Also thanks for the info, I'll read up on everything I can !

Efthreeoh · 03-13-2015, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335idle

Bought the car ar 17500 miles first oil change for the car was 18000 miles. I was very annoyed and asked how was this missed when During inspection before the sale. Reply- sorry sir would you like a free detail certificate.

Also thanks for the info, I'll read up on everything I can !

If the car was driven primarily highway then it is possible the CBS called for the 1st oil change at 18,000 miles. I can't speak to the N54/55, but the N52 easily handles 17,000 mile OCIs. I get that the N54 is turbo'd but it also has a good oil cooling system, where as the N52 doesn't. And the turbos are water cooled, so I'm not so sure the N54 is all that harder on oil than the N52.

ef11 · 03-13-2015, 08:29 AM

So the car has had one oil change at 18,000 miles and now you're at 41,000 and they aren't wanting to give you an oil change? So one oil change in 41,000 miles?

Just get a BMW Value service coupon and get your oil changed at least every 7,500 miles, it is only $80 if you pay for it yourself.

Do 335s not have a break in oil change at ~3,000 miles I'm guessing? M3s do though?

mike5809 · 03-13-2015, 08:32 AM

^ I find this so hard to believe. If you provide the last 7 of your VIN I am sure someone can run your VIN for your service history.

The only way I can see this happening is if the previous owner or you never took your car to the dealership. As soon as you take your car in they will scan your key and they will do the oil change if you are within 2,000 miles of needing it. If you have taken it to the dealership and they haven't done any oil changes I would notify BMWNA to document it in case you run into Engine issues due to oil starvation in the future and go to another dealership.

Delta0311 · 03-13-2015, 08:34 AM

I'm at 43k now.. Dealer did my plugs at 40k.

mike5809 · 03-13-2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta0311

I'm at 43k now.. Dealer did my plugs at 40k.

Interesting - I had thought it was 45k but was told that was only for N54, they changed it for the N55. I even called two other dealers - each said the same ... one SA at a dealer did originally say 45k but they called me back and said they were wrong and it is 60k and then even provided the new service interval guidelines for N55s. I guess you got lucky

I ended up paying out of pocket to have them done at 40k but only had to pay parts as they did them during the Vanos recall.

mike5809 · 03-13-2015, 08:56 AM

Found it again - this is the schedule for 2011 OP - this document will be beneficial for you

Page 19 (marked as 13) under "Spark Plugs"

Spark plugs (not shown in CBS)*
Maintenance work:
Replace spark plugs at the following intervals:
– 128i, 135i, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 528i, 535i,
550i, Z4 sDrive30i: 60,000 miles or at every 4th
engine oil service.

– 335is, Z4 sDrive35i, Z4 sDrive35is:
45,000 miles or at every 3rd engine oil service.
*Not applicable for 335d.

335idle · 03-17-2015, 07:42 PM

So,
Tried a new dealer(38 miles away) made a apoitnment blah blah. Pulled up waited in my car for a moment. After 2 mins I get out stand by my car, and a car pulls up behind me. SA walks over opens the clients door says hello and helps them. I wait another 6 minutes by my car and ask a valet guy for help. He wonders around for help. More waiting finally, SA asked if I had been helped. I go over my list(problems) I mention the oil change issue and suggest noting it to bmw, NA. The advisor tells me not needed, because they have it in the system already. First official oil change at 18,755 miles. I took ownership at 17500 miles and car was purchased at a Bmw dealer.
Services completed
-oil change
-found oil to be leaking, so removed intake manifold and replaced leaking gasket. Bleed coolant and topped.
- tail light fault replaced bulb
-new wipers, fluid filled
-replaced trunk release button
-replaced peeling starter ring
Total time 2 hours 20 mins., facility was nice(Bmw of fairfax)

03-11-2015, 09:44 PM	#1
335idle First Lieutenant 29 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 17 X3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Draper, Utah iTrader: (0)	So BMW service advisors..... Hello, so my car needs service(dash lights blah) I call to schedule an appointment. And ask a few questions. 1. I'm at 41k miles (2011 335i auto sedan) and asked about 40k plus service or any intervals. Answer- there is no such thing as service intervals. We only will fix what the car tells us. I thought there where a few items that would be addressed at these miles? Spark plugs? Oil change? Wipers? Brakes/ pads? Fluids? So far services on my car 1 oil change 1 time when I needed some oil 1 climate control replacement (ikhs or something) 1 reprograming of my breaks. (Reset) 1 wipers replaced Bmw added oil to my car, and somehow they noted adding a quart as a full oil change ? My friend was the tech that added the oil. And informed me it was only a quart. So how can Bmw say it was a full oil change ? Current notifications - coolant light - oil light - bulb fault light - washer fluid - brakes are startig to feel like crap - auto trams starting to feel like crap I'm at 41k and have til Nov or 50k til my warranty is up.
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03-11-2015, 09:48 PM	#2
335NJ Colonel 533 Rep 2,872 Posts Drives: 2008 335i 6MT E90 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NJ/Philadelphia Suburbs iTrader: (1)	The day my "mechanic" tells me adding a quart is a full oil change, is the day I find a new mechanic. They're likely not doing it because it's before the 10-15k "Interval" for oil change, which is total bullshit and they know it. Majority of major fluids are considered "Lifetime", and your warranty can be void if they're changed. Which is more bullshit IMO. Start going to a good Indy, or find a new dealer at the very least. I don't know the circumstances, but if i'm paying for an oil change, there better be fresh oil and a new filter. If you're under warranty, and have all of those notification lights, you'd better get in touch with BMWNA saying this dealer doesn't feel it's necessary to take any action on them, since there is no such thing as service intervals according to the dealer. __________________ *BSM E90 6MT*-JB4 G5 ISO-BMS DCI-Golf-Tee Mod-Hankook S1N2 Non-RFT-ER Chargepipe/TiAL BOV-E40 blend-VRSF V2's-M3 CDV-MHD/JB4 FLASH-VRSF 5" STEPPED FMIC
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03-11-2015, 10:11 PM	#3
ctuna Lieutenant General 1918 Rep 13,117 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If under warranty you are entitled to a once a year oil change If under warranty you are entitled to a once a year oil change regardless of mileage. You have to insist on this at some dealerships. but its in the warranty manual.(the add a quart is BS) 2 year brake fluid change . spark plug change on 335 at 45k miles wipers and worn brakes They should at least keep the fluids topped while your under warranty. So basically free maintenance means very little maintenance. Some people on here say they have moved the oil change interval back down to 10 k max on the new cars. Repair of breakage items and that's about it. Last edited by ctuna; 03-12-2015 at 02:29 PM..
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03-12-2015, 05:51 AM	#4
Efthreeoh General 17371 Rep 18,769 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	This thread is just too stupid to comment on, but... OP, it might help to read the set of manuals that come with the car that explain the maintenance schedule and how the Condition Based Service system works. It's no secret that BMW has long oil change intervals, and have had long oil change intervals since the mid-1980's. It's also no secret that if you don't trust BMW service schedules, you can have service done by your own free will and at your cost. BMW is clear on what maintenance is performed under the "free" maintenance plan. People also confuse "warranty" with "maintenance", which are not the same thing. Take responsibility for your maintenance and fluid levels. Plenty of DIYs and discussion topics on all these issues available on E90 Post. __________________ A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
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03-12-2015, 10:40 AM	#6
ef11 Captain 50 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Sedan M-Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tyler, Texas iTrader: (0)	Yeah one oil change in 41,000 miles? I think I'm reading the original post correct? That is insane.
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03-12-2015, 12:41 PM	#8
CantCatchMe Lieutenant Colonel 340 Rep 1,744 Posts Drives: 2012 335i xdrive msport(E92) Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: West Bloomfield, MI iTrader: (2)	Number one, your BMW dealership is dumb. Number two, find a new mechanic. Number three, get rid of the car before your warranty is up. Number four, rejoice with a beer.
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03-12-2015, 01:06 PM	#10
AceOnShake Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Windy City iTrader: (0)	At my dealer in all the cars we bought new there I do an oil change once a year for free and one set of wiper per year. I tell this to all my extended family members who own BMWs and friends. They get shocked and they give me a call and tell them they had no idea and they just got it done.
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03-12-2015, 01:16 PM	#12
mike5809 Major 131 Rep 1,086 Posts Drives: '11 335i M-Sport [LeMans Blue] Join Date: May 2011 Location: York, PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i M-Spo ... [9.66]	I'm at 41k miles (2011 335i auto sedan) and asked about 40k plus service or any intervals. Answer- there is no such thing as service intervals. We only will fix what the car tells us. I thought there where a few items that would be addressed at these miles? That is correct - the service goes off the CBS (Condition Based Service) indicator. However, there are general guidelines for some services just as Oil Change/Plugs Spark plugs? As I mentioned above, N55 is 60k Oil change? You get an oil change every 15,000 or at least 1 a year for a "low mileage oil change". Wipers? Usually replaced every year, or if not working well or broken Brakes/ pads? It completely depends on the car and your driving habits. They will measure and if the pads or rotors are below threshold they will replace, or if your pad sensors are triggered. If you are having a vibration or trouble braking let them know so they can inspect. Fluids? Depends on which fluid. IE; brake fluid is every 2 years. Transmission is "lifetime". Differential/etc won't be under maintenance. Bmw added oil to my car, and somehow they noted adding a quart as a full oil change ? My friend was the tech that added the oil. And informed me it was only a quart. So how can Bmw say it was a full oil change ? BMW will not consider an "oil top off" an oil change - your friend that said that is inaccurate or cheating the system if he is a tech. A full oil change they; take out the filter, drain, fill, and install new filter. Current notifications - coolant light Tell the dealership. Under warranty they will top it off if it is low and will probably inspect for leaks/air, etc - ask if they can "test" the waterpump and other items - oil light Again if it is low then they will do complimentary top off and not consider an oil change - bulb fault light They will inspect, read the code, and replace the correct bulb under warranty - washer fluid If low they will top off, especially if they do an oil service - brakes are startig to feel like crap Notify the dealer and have them look at it. Be more descriptive than "they feel like crap"; ie - vibration when stopping - auto trams starting to feel like crap Same as above, tell them about this and provide more of a description of the issue. They can potentially reset adaptions I think you just need to be educated a little more on BMWs and proper maintenance and service. __________________ '11 335i M-Sport xDrive Coupe [LMB] COBB V3 & PTF Tune \| E45 \|4in BERK DP \| VRSF 5in FMIC \| BMS Intake \| ER CP \| Exotics Tuning CF Lip \| CF Diffuser \| Eibach Springs \| Bilstein Shocks '07 BMW 335i Coupe & BMW Z4 3.0i - Gone Last edited by mike5809; 03-12-2015 at 01:30 PM..
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03-13-2015, 08:29 AM	#16
ef11 Captain 50 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Sedan M-Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Tyler, Texas iTrader: (0)	So the car has had one oil change at 18,000 miles and now you're at 41,000 and they aren't wanting to give you an oil change? So one oil change in 41,000 miles? Just get a BMW Value service coupon and get your oil changed at least every 7,500 miles, it is only $80 if you pay for it yourself. Do 335s not have a break in oil change at ~3,000 miles I'm guessing? M3s do though?
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03-13-2015, 08:32 AM	#17
mike5809 Major 131 Rep 1,086 Posts Drives: '11 335i M-Sport [LeMans Blue] Join Date: May 2011 Location: York, PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i M-Spo ... [9.66]	^ I find this so hard to believe. If you provide the last 7 of your VIN I am sure someone can run your VIN for your service history. The only way I can see this happening is if the previous owner or you never took your car to the dealership. As soon as you take your car in they will scan your key and they will do the oil change if you are within 2,000 miles of needing it. If you have taken it to the dealership and they haven't done any oil changes I would notify BMWNA to document it in case you run into Engine issues due to oil starvation in the future and go to another dealership. __________________ '11 335i M-Sport xDrive Coupe [LMB] COBB V3 & PTF Tune \| E45 \|4in BERK DP \| VRSF 5in FMIC \| BMS Intake \| ER CP \| Exotics Tuning CF Lip \| CF Diffuser \| Eibach Springs \| Bilstein Shocks '07 BMW 335i Coupe & BMW Z4 3.0i - Gone Last edited by mike5809; 03-13-2015 at 09:03 AM..
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03-13-2015, 08:34 AM	#18
Delta0311 Banned 7478 Rep 10,120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	I'm at 43k now.. Dealer did my plugs at 40k.
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03-17-2015, 07:42 PM	#21
335idle First Lieutenant 29 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 17 X3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Draper, Utah iTrader: (0)	So, Tried a new dealer(38 miles away) made a apoitnment blah blah. Pulled up waited in my car for a moment. After 2 mins I get out stand by my car, and a car pulls up behind me. SA walks over opens the clients door says hello and helps them. I wait another 6 minutes by my car and ask a valet guy for help. He wonders around for help. More waiting finally, SA asked if I had been helped. I go over my list(problems) I mention the oil change issue and suggest noting it to bmw, NA. The advisor tells me not needed, because they have it in the system already. First official oil change at 18,755 miles. I took ownership at 17500 miles and car was purchased at a Bmw dealer. Services completed -oil change -found oil to be leaking, so removed intake manifold and replaced leaking gasket. Bleed coolant and topped. - tail light fault replaced bulb -new wipers, fluid filled -replaced trunk release button -replaced peeling starter ring Total time 2 hours 20 mins., facility was nice(Bmw of fairfax)
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