Interim Oil Changes - to stamp or not to stamp?

RedUn

RedUn

Senior member
 Cotswolds
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!
 
I just keep the receipts for all the service items and keep a spreadsheet of whats been done.
 
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!
 
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:
 
Are you asking whether you should stamp your service book when you self service?

If so how would you do this?
 
Muckinonthesofa said:
I got mine stamped and asked the garage to note it was an interim service.
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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).
 
R60BBA said:
Muckinonthesofa said:
I got mine stamped and asked the garage to note it was an interim service.
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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).
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Oh sorry, crossed wires. The garage did the service, I don't self service it. :thumbsup:
 
R60BBA said:
Are you asking whether you should stamp your service book when you self service?

If so how would you do this?
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Sorry I mean, complete the book, sign it or whatever, if I had my own bmw stamp it wouldn't be a problem :evil:
 
Silverzedtom said:
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:
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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 :?
 
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.
 
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:
 
mr wilks said:
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:
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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.
 
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:
 
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.
 
srhutch said:
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.
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I agree with this approach. Although the since mine is 100% self serviced I still log the "official" services in there and just sign it without a stamp.
 
I wouldn't clutter up the Service Book to record my own. Receipts and some record of what and when done, at what mileage, seems the best to me. After all, what you may write in the book is meaningless without some other evidence.
 
I’m a bit cautious about self service oil changes.

I know there are many competent people here, using the right tools, knowing the sump screw must be torqued correctly with a new washer & that it is easily over tightened or cross threaded.

I’ve also seen a few friends cars where interim work was done by the DIY enthusiast, who’ve subsequently had to have helicoiling for spark plugs, sump washers etc..., hidden snapped water pump bolts, mullered bolts, broken brake line /ABS sensor clips etc...

I’m therefore a little cautious when I become aware of DIYers on what is becoming a sought after classic, so I would suggest simply do the oil change for yourself, disclose at the time of sale if u think helps, though propose to keep it out of the service book.
 
Jembo said:
I’m a bit cautious about self service oil changes.

I know there are many competent people here, using the right tools, knowing the sump screw must be torqued correctly with a new washer & that it is easily over tightened or cross threaded.

I’ve also seen a few friends cars where interim work was done by the DIY enthusiast, who’ve subsequently had to have helicoiling for spark plugs, sump washers etc..., hidden snapped water pump bolts, mullered bolts, broken brake line /ABS sensor clips etc...

I’m therefore a little cautious when I become aware of DIYers on what is becoming a sought after classic, so I would suggest simply do the oil change for yourself, disclose at the time of sale if u think helps, though propose to keep it out of the service book.
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Very valid point!

I've done my usual and written all over the paperwork and left it out the book, think that's a fair compromise for now.

I'm contemplating asking for a second service book from bmw for my own service record and then depending on when/who comes to buy it there's always the option of letting them have it if you think it's worthwhile?
 
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