Servicing

[PointedMarlin]

I’ve never owned a car with an OBC before. My last car I drove for 11 years & it was fine with an annual service & MOT done by the same garage at the same time. So fine in-fact that I seriously considered not selling it. A 77k Audi A3 ‘57 plate

As a result I’ve done a little googling on what BMW typically recommend a Z4 service pattern looks like

Engine oil Every 10,000 miles or 12 months
Engine air filter Every 60,000 miles
Oil filter Every 10,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin air filters Every 60,000 miles
Coolant Inspect every 10,000 miles and replace as necessary
Spark plugs Every 60,000 miles

So I brought the car in May & it had been serviced by BMW & has a FSH. I’m not too concerned until my next MOT in August 2022 that I’ll need any serious service work done (unless I get unlucky) but my question is

Should I let the OBC tell me when things need addressing or should I be looking to service some of the 60,000 mile things more regularly - I’m a low mileage driver, 6-8k a year & the car has only done 34k in total. It’s an ‘11 plate

Or will the garage, think I’ve found a pretty decent BMW specialist indie, know when the time is right?

Suggestions welcome

 

[Chippie]

Chances are it’s not had the air and pollen filters changed so I’d probably have them done now and have to plugs done while you’re at it, you also need to check when the oil was last changed and if more then 12 months you should get that changed and have the anti freeze checked, then just have the oil and filter changed when you have the next MOT done and every year after.

 

[flybobbie]

Keep in mind service schedule is based on BMW wanting to do as little as possible on any servicing as an offer.
My schedule;
Change oil and filter every 5k or annually.................................£60
Air Filter 10k. Pollen 20k..................................£30
Brake fluid 2 years...............................£10
Coolant 5 years, modern stuff is good and not lots of rust like old engines....................£20
Plugs are good for 40k from experience...........................£50
I changed all coils at 80k, just for peace of mind............................£150
Batteries seem ok to about 7 years.....................................£160
And of course the old salmon relay, seems we all agree about 5 years....................£32

If a diy-er you could do all above for say circa £500

 

[birdy_z4]

What’s the thoughts on belts and when if they need changing ie 3.0 sline?

 

[Zed Baron]

My BMW dealer is less than 2 miles away, I get them to do the oil and brake fluid change (£129+£72) and they also do a scope (£20) of the car all for the sum of £220 (always ask if they have any deals on). If they find something wrong on the car, cause they are always on the look for extra business (only happened twice, rear brake shoes and a broken spring) I then get my mechanic to fix them at a more economic cost. Air filter and pollen filter I change myself (only takes about 15 minutes per item). I get BMW to stamp the book and for the time and mileage I've done in the car it suits me. Yes you can get an oil service cheaper but this saves a lot of hassle for me. Heres the link and you can work out the service costs for your car and mileage: https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/owners/service-workshop/servicing/service-online-booking.html

 

[flybobbie]

What’s the thoughts on belts and when if they need changing ie 3.0 sline?

I changed cars alternator belt at 50k miles, easiest belt change ever done, took about 30 seconds.
I keep the old one in the boot next to battery, just in case.
Also spare old coils, plugs.

 

[birdy_z4]

Thanks flybobbie

What about timing belt on the n52 or is it a chain?

 

[PointedMarlin]

[ref]birdy_z4[/ref], notice your not too far from me

Do you know a good indie?

I’m using Tamworth Sytner for MOT on Monday. Was hoping to use Marc’s BMW in Walsall but he couldn’t fit me in

 

[birdy_z4]

Only had the z4 for a few months so not been in the garage yet (fingers crossed)

Hoping my local indie will be ok as used them for a while

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks flybobbie

What about timing belt on the n52 or is it a chain?

Timing chain on all z4 engines.
Rob

 

[birdy_z4]

Thanks flybobbie

What about timing belt on the n52 or is it a chain?

Thanks Rob

Timing chain on all z4 engines.
Rob