Break in oil

[badbeef]

I'm looking at a 2011 M3 with 14k miles on it. The first service the car had was at 9k miles, when they changed the oil. I know there is break in oil, which should be flushed at 1200 miles. Is this something to be concerned about?

Realizing this may be an indication of overall maintenance, I know it cant be good. But it wasn't tracked (or so I'm told), and the car does have low miles.

[llis]

What about the diff? Is it 6MT? With free BMW service, it seems like negligent care.

[bimmerfrk]

Not ideal but I doubt it will kill it. May be of concern if you try to get warranty work done. They may say car was not maintained in reference to proper maintenance intervals.

I say just get the car. Its low miles and there are fewer and fewer low mile cars around for sale.

[badbeef]

Originally Posted by llis

What about the diff? Is it 6MT? With free BMW service, it seems like negligent care.

It is a DCT. The guy who owns it claims he drives it like a granny. I've heard that before.

[roastbeef]

Verbally ask him if he followed break in procedure.

[mermar]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Verbally ask him if he followed break in procedure.

Agreed - if you are looking at CarFax - that is likely wrong. Also - the servicing dealer might share the facts with you if you have the VIN. (mine did when i bought my 2011 e90 m3).

[badbeef]

Originally Posted by mermar

Agreed - if you are looking at CarFax - that is likely wrong. Also - the servicing dealer might share the facts with you if you have the VIN. (mine did when i bought my 2011 e90 m3).

I pulled this info from a mechanic who works for BMW -- who looked it up via the vin.

[IND-Distribution]

Given that the M3 is a costly purchase, I personally would not get a car that did not have an oil change after engine break in. Many particles are deposited in the engine oil during initial wear-in, and while failing to change the engine oil after break in may not immediately cause a failure, I would look at other cars that followed break in procedure, over that car in particular.

[kscarrol]

OP, ask your BMW friend... Didn't we see someone have warranty work denied to failing to perform required break-in service? I swear I recall this but perhaps my memory is failing in my old age...

[coloradoe92m3]

Pass. Lighter break in oil and possibly non synthetic may have been in car. Its still up for debate but on chance you had 10w30 dino oil for 9k Id run

[mermar]

Given there is a large decal on the windshield in front of the driver (mine is still there - prior owner did not remove it!) explaining the break in procedure in several languages - I think it says something about the habits of the prior owner. I also think BMw feels it improtant enough maintenance item to put the information front and center on the windshield.

[Beemdog]

Why would someone buy a new M3 and wait that long for an oil change? In this case, sounds like two years or so? Does the seller have any invoice from a independent oil change center (that wouldn't show up on CarFax or BMW records)? Urk. Good way to knock value off a low mileage car.

[Leonardo629]

If you are worrying about the general health (or lack of) of the motor because some dino juice that was left in the car for 9k, walk away from the car.

[Petros]

would the owner consent to giving you an oil sample to mail to blackstone for analysis? their reports are awesome and will tell you quite a lot about the engine

[roastbeef]

Op, love your screen name. From one beefer to another.

[Sapper_M3]

Originally Posted by badbeef

I'm looking at a 2011 M3 with 14k miles on it. The first service the car had was at 9k miles, when they changed the oil. I know there is break in oil, which should be flushed at 1200 miles. Is this something to be concerned about?

Realizing this may be an indication of overall maintenance, I know it cant be good. But it wasn't tracked (or so I'm told), and the car does have low miles.

Private seller or at a dealership? Either way I'd try to find out 1) the situation that led to the oil not being changed until 9,000 miles and 2) whether or not this will cause you warranty issues down the line (even getting a verbal "OK" from your local dealership won't necessary protect you from them claiming negligent owner maintenance in the event of a catastrophic failure down the line.....however them straight up telling you they don't want to perform free warranty work is a good indication that this car might be more hassle than it's worth).

[badbeef]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Op, love your screen name. From one beefer to another.

Might make more sense to any tech guys on the forum. Hexidecimal!

[tlp]

Originally Posted by badbeef

It is a DCT. The guy who owns it claims he drives it like a granny. I've heard that before.

Drove it like a Granny with Alzheimer's. There is no excuse for that. I would pass.

[coloradoe92m3]

Id be more hesitant to buy one driven like a granny, especially over last 3 Yeats with not good maintenance. Prob a ton of deposits from under driving it actually

[i001947]

Sounds like you got a little case of OCD. Most M3 owners have it also. It's telling you, this M3 may not be the one. It would be wise to listen to the "Force".