Servicing, non main dealer

sp3ctre

Administrator
Staff member
I have just reset the service computer (see how-to instructions). My Z4 is in need of a servicing, Inspection 2 I think (done just under 30k miles).

I do not want to go to the stealership and the BMW specialist is a long way off... if I take it to a small trusted garage what exactly do I need to make sure they do? I'm thinking oil + filter and air filter... what fluid levels need checking, and do some of them need replacing? I'm not bothered about brake checks, as I will be getting my Axxis deluxe pads put on at the same time.
 
I remember from z4um loads of people used a different air filter? If I need to change it as part of the service, would it be worth my while considering buying a different one, and in which case, which one and are they easy to fit?
 
Here is some info for you, Jim.

[edit] Note: This is for my 2.5i from the BMW Owner's Circle website.

BMW Inspection I

Undercarriage

Change oil and oil filter while engine is at operating temperature.
We recommend BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic oil, p/n 07 51 0 017 866
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.
Check condition, positioning, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. Record results. If replacement is necessary*:
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads. Record results.
Check brake and clutch system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare - except M3, M5, Z8 and Alpina). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).

Engine Compartment

Read out diagnostic system.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner operation.
Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.
Reset Service Indicator.

Body/Electrical Equipment

Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*
Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license-plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wipers and washer system(s);wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Recharge or replace batteries for remote controls in all vehicle master keys.
Check central locking/double lock.
Check operation of all latches.
Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors.
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Final Inspection

Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission (except M3, M5, and Z8).
 
Here is what I think you need:

[edit] Note: This is for my 2.5i from the BMW Owner's Circle website

BMW Inspection II

Undercarriage

Change oil and oil filter while engine is at operating temperature.
We recommend BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic oil, p/n 07 51 0 017 866
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.
Check condition, positioning, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. Record results. If replacement is necessary*:
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads. Record results.
Check brake and clutch system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare - except M3, M5, Z8 and Alpina). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).

Engine Compartment

Read out diagnostic system.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner operation.
Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.
Reset Service Indicator.
Replace intake air cleaner element.
Note: Reduce replace interval in dusty operating conditions.

Body/Electrical Equipment

Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*
Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license-plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wipers and washer system(s);wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Recharge or replace batteries for remote controls in all vehicle master keys.
Check central locking/double lock.
Check operation of all latches.
Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors.
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Final Inspection

Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission (except M3, M5, and Z8).
 
sp3ctre

If you have a 03-05 Z I would highly recommend the HP air filter. I have had mine for almost 2 years and I really love it. I have steptronic and the filter has really made a huge difference. I average 4 to 6 more miles per gallon than with the stock filter. The other difference is when down shifting with the stock filter in the curves, I could not always get second when I wanted it ( needed it ) to get me through the curves. The extra air flow has made such a difference in my car ( wifes car, before someone corrects me ) when shifting. Here is a link if you would like to give it a try.

http://www.heleneperformance.com/home.htm

Blaine is a real stand up kind of guy.

The best mode for the price ever. I am not a very tech kind of a guy, but this really works. You will most likely see him on the board as " BATTLEWAGON"

Bob
 
Cheers guys... I'm going to sit down for a couple of hours and read throuh flyboy's posts there ;)

That's the filter I was talking about, I have just PM'd bettlewagon.

Cheers :D

I remember there was a how-to/review about the filter... would be good to get one back on here... perhaps I should go for it ;)
 
My car is a 2004 with 16,000 miles and does not require a service (Inspection I) for another 11,000 miles! That said, I intend to get it done next January.

It's out of warranty: should I go to a local private garage or continue to get it serviced at the main dealership? Is it worth the expense getting it done with BMW? Any thoughts would be much appreciated...
 
Tim said:
My car is a 2004 with 16,000 miles and does not require a service (Inspection I) for another 11,000 miles! That said, I intend to get it done next January.

It's out of warranty: should I go to a local private garage or continue to get it serviced at the main dealership? Is it worth the expense getting it done with BMW? Any thoughts would be much appreciated...

To be honest it depends on your local dealer... if you like them then take it there... in your situation if you think of it on a "cost per year" basis then the difference won't be a lot. Personally, I HATE my main dealter (BMW Harrogate!) and so wouldn't take my zed there if they paid me!
 
Thanks for that. Bavarian run the "Four Plus" service which really means 10% off. That said, would I be correct in thinking that some dealers are flexible when it comes to pricing (we could probably do it for...)?
For an Inspection they quoted me two hundred and something (sorry I'm a bit vague but I'll concentrate more closer to the time :-)
 
with a new er car the blue propellers help with resale , with older ones it matters less though as long as the correct serivce proceedure is carried out with BMW parts the warranty is still intact.
Have a look here for indie garage http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/
I got mine through this and it is much beloved of the BMWCC in Scotland and there is even a club discount.
 
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