Page 1 of 2

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 10:52 am
by RedUn
So without starting a whole argument on servicing...

Between the actual dealer services governed by the cars brain I tend to do my own interim services.

My question is, as I'm doing low mileage and have been for a few years I'm actually not sure what to do with recording it?

I normally keep all receipts etc but leave the service book blank just for dealer stamps, it just looks a "bit empty"?

So what does everyone else do? Fill the book in anyway to remove what looks like gaps? Or just keep the paperwork and write the date and mileage on?

I know some take to dealers for interims but I'd rather keep that seperate to this discussion...

Thanks all!

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 12:51 pm
by adam1985
I just keep the receipts for all the service items and keep a spreadsheet of whats been done.

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:01 pm
by brillomaster
its your service book, personally I'd use it to record ALL the servicing the car has. that way its all in one place should someone ever want to have a quick glance through it, and obviously you have the receipts to back up if more detail is required.

in the unlikely event you fill up one book, just get another and carry on. BMW provide you with a method of recording services, might as well use it!

And also, I've never heard of anyone complaining a car has too much service history!

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:22 pm
by Silverzedtom
I write “oil and oil filter changed by owner - see receipts” then mileage, date and oil type. I’m sure some of the mechanics that see it scoff but it’s not going to hinder a sale in any way, might as well have it all in one place :thumbsup:

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 2:26 pm
by R60BBA
Are you asking whether you should stamp your service book when you self service?

If so how would you do this?

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:45 pm
by Muckinonthesofa
I got mine stamped and asked the garage to note it was an interim service.

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:58 pm
by R60BBA
Muckinonthesofa wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:45 pm I got mine stamped and asked the garage to note it was an interim service.
How can a garage verify that you self serviced though?

(I’m not disputing that you did, but just pointing out that there’s a lack of transparency with that process).

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 4:40 pm
by Muckinonthesofa
R60BBA wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:58 pm
Muckinonthesofa wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 3:45 pm I got mine stamped and asked the garage to note it was an interim service.
How can a garage verify that you self serviced though?

(I’m not disputing that you did, but just pointing out that there’s a lack of transparency with that process).
Oh sorry, crossed wires. The garage did the service, I don't self service it. :thumbsup:

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 7:52 pm
by RedUn
R60BBA wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 2:26 pm Are you asking whether you should stamp your service book when you self service?

If so how would you do this?
Sorry I mean, complete the book, sign it or whatever, if I had my own bmw stamp it wouldn't be a problem :evil:

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:01 pm
by RedUn
Silverzedtom wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:22 pm I write “oil and oil filter changed by owner - see receipts” then mileage, date and oil type. I’m sure some of the mechanics that see it scoff but it’s not going to hinder a sale in any way, might as well have it all in one place :thumbsup:
I think that's a good shout! :thumbsup:

Always been wary of writing in the book but I doubt I'll sell it for 10+ years anyway so I don't know why I'm that fussed :?

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:12 pm
by srhutch
I’d leave he book alone just have the official services in there.

Keeping all the receipts and log of work done elsewhere can then be shown when selling.

JMO though.

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:26 pm
by mr wilks
I always have interims documented/stamped in book but then i don't self service :? i see no wrong in simply sticking a "post it" note with date + oil spec if you diy , after all its better than the car going 2 years / 15k on same oil :cry:

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:29 pm
by srhutch
mr wilks wrote: Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:26 pm I always have interims documented/stamped in book but then i don't self service :? i see no wrong in simply sticking a "post it" note with date + oil spec if you diy , after all its better than the car going 2 years / 15k on same oil :cry:
Agree, interim services done by a garage should be stamped. Self service will make the book untidy and could prompt more questions later if the supporting documentation was lost.

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:07 pm
by R60BBA
If the service is self service, take photos of the work, keep invoices of the oils etc and file them in a folder. Don’t stamp or sign off a self service in the book.

If it’s an interim service done by a garage then yes get it stamped (the more the better) :thumbsup:

Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:29 pm
by Bing
I just keep the receipt for the oil & filter and write the date and mileage on it when I change them. Should be good enough, certainly better than just saying you’ve done it. And in any case, I guess most buyers will be primarily concerned with the ‘official’ stamps in the book.