Service intervals - So annoying

[Nictrix]

Its funny how the manufacturers change their minds over what needs done at what time or mileage.
Our old 23i at around 4 years old and 25k went in for a service. I asked for the plugs to be changed too and was told they didn't need to be changed. I think they said change at 60k but don't remember. I had to argue that I wanted them changed as a paying customer before they finally agreed. Brake fluid is the same, did it not change from 3 years to 2 years?

[Pondrew]

Its funny how the manufacturers change their minds over what needs done at what time or mileage.
Our old 23i at around 4 years old and 25k went in for a service. I asked for the plugs to be changed too and was told they didn't need to be changed. I think they said change at 60k but don't remember. I had to argue that I wanted them changed as a paying customer before they finally agreed. Brake fluid is the same, did it not change from 3 years to 2 years?

I was told plugs every 2 years regardless of mileage (B58) and brake fluid every 2 years aswell, because it soaks up water like a sponge you know!

I was also told I needed a new fuel filter on my last major service to 'put the lights out'. They didn't do that, though (probably couldn't be arsed as it is slightly more difficult and had made their money), yet still put the lights out. They make it up as they go along, depending how gullible you look IMHO.

There is also the issue with 'the environment' in all this......how much perfectly good engine oil is being junked and how many spark plugs are being buried just so garages can make a fortune?

We are being forced into EVs to serve the Gov's purposes, yet it's absolutely fine to throw away thousands of gallons of virtually unused engine oil, millions of spark plugs, gallons of brake fluid and millions of air filters for the millions of ICE cars on the road!

[Johnbmwz4]

One of my friends works in the oil industry and we had a similar conversation about cars (specifically mine) getting oil changes far too early due to time elements and not usage elements and he told me it’s all just a rip off by the motor industry and he agrees a total waste of good oil (and other parts) . He specifically works on ships and he said when their engines get serviced (if that’s what it’s called with ships and the like) they actually filter the original oil and re use it. The motor industry is on a win win situation. Maybe all the used oil collected from garages gets filtered then re packaged again? Now there’s a thought……..

[Rockhopper]

Used car engine oil does indeed get recycled.

How Is Used Oil Recycled?
Used engine oil can, in fact, be cleaned and reused. The old oil is refined into new oil, lubricants, fuel oils and used for raw materials. The old oil also comprises of metals which can be recycled. The refining process is:

• Extracting water from the oil by putting it in large settling tanks, which allows separation of the oil from water.
• The oil is filtered and demineralised to remove any inorganic material, solids and certain additives existing in the oil, giving a cleaner burner fuel for further refining
• The following stage is propane de-asphalting to extract the heavier bituminous fractions, bringing forth re-refined base oil
• Finally, the oil is distilled to produce re-refined oil suitable for usage as a lubricant, hydraulic or transformer oil.

[Ole gits rule]

I had a quote from Sytner for a full service and brake fluid change as one gout of sync due to Covid nd they wanted £1050, one local indie was £120 more so sent a few mails and got a quote from Autoworks in Swindon for £725 all in including diff oil, so its off in there at the end of march.

Being an 'M' you get those 'special' 'M' rates, ie double everything!
I may be wrong but I don't think the oil is enriched with gold flakes, or the brake fluid made from Dodo blood. Or the air filter elements made from 1000 year old parchment.
Maybe the plugs are honed from a solid piece of 'unobtainium'?

Hence using an Indie rather than BME 30% cheaper and as Nanu I will be asking for the plugs as well - I bet there's nothing wrong with them at all.

[Nanu]

Hence using an Indie rather than BME 30% cheaper and as Nanu I will be asking for the plugs as well - I bet there's nothing wrong with them at all.
[/quote]Wonder what perfectly good second hand plugs with 18K usage are worth?

[Pondrew]

Wonder what perfectly good second hand plugs with 18K usage are worth?

Absolutely nothing IMO.

[Nanu]

Wonder what perfectly good second hand plugs with 18K usage are worth?

Absolutely nothing IMO.

They may be if you have the need to replace a damaged plug

[Pondrew]

They may be if you have the need to replace a damaged plug

Plugs are around £8-12 each new. Why would anyone 'risk' putting a used one in with no idea what life it's had?

[Nanu]

Quoted £25 each and if you want or need 4 with guaranteed 18K use and willing to pay the postage, they will be free. So worth something to somebody.

[Hut man]

Just read this post, glad I got the 5 year service package, my 430d xdrive never incurred anything like these costs,obviously no spark plugs, but full dealer servicing over 91/2 years and most I ever paid was £450 ish if I remember correctly.