Z4M Servicing Costs
- Thread starter speedy239
- Start date
hold on, I'm confused are we now only doing valve check on inspection 2.??
ill probably keep just doing them on every service tbh.... on a car i intend to keep for a good few years i don't mind the small additional cost, these engines aren't getting any younger and need meticulous maintenance.
ill probably keep just doing them on every service tbh.... on a car i intend to keep for a good few years i don't mind the small additional cost, these engines aren't getting any younger and need meticulous maintenance.
Beedub - I can't find the thread now, but I'm sure someone said that BMW themselves do not do valve clearance checks on Insp. 1 anymore. I could be wrong, but someone will come along and correct me if I am. Irrespective, I'd be the same as you - and as I am going to be using an indie for my servicing I'll insist it's done on Insp 1 and just swallow the cost. My next service is an Insp 2 in 13k anyway 
Your I1 price shows how odd that I2 price is.dan_88 said:
If you were to add the £120 quid for the spark plugs, diff & gearbox oil from the detailed invoice below, then you can see that £380 all in just sound too much of a bargain.
Still don't see any plug gaskets, valve shims or cam chest gasket on there though - which could easily add another £100.
I can't believe its BMW policy to neglect valve clearances for possibly 60,000 miles. Maybe they don't care about unwarranted engines going pop?
Mine has needed at least 3 shims each time it's been done (4 times so far, and due again in 2000 miles). Wouldn't touch a car without a history of this being done - preferably with the measurement sheets with the invoice :thumbsdown:
Valve clearances can be done relatively cheaply..
The cam cover and plug seals are £62 from the dealers and shims are around £2 each..
On all the one I have done I have fitted 6 maximum and usually just a couple are needed sometimes non.
So say 2.5 hours labour, parts and vat may come in at under £200 ?
The cam cover and plug seals are £62 from the dealers and shims are around £2 each..
On all the one I have done I have fitted 6 maximum and usually just a couple are needed sometimes non.
So say 2.5 hours labour, parts and vat may come in at under £200 ?
from experience - get the valve clearances written in a report, with what shims they needed (unless it's never gone anywhere, i cant see it not needing at least SOME shim changes), ideally so you know which fingers might be bad too. Also request they specifically check the cam followers for wear, they look like this, and the rounded top face on the left should be .. round :
Worth asking, as the bill you get when it's not done properly doesn't come with a smiley face, i have a bag full of the above if anyone wants a very expensive S54 keyring.
Checking the clearances isn't a big job, its just largely trivial and so many seem to skip it (even if they say they've done it.. including BMW dealers).
Worth asking, as the bill you get when it's not done properly doesn't come with a smiley face, i have a bag full of the above if anyone wants a very expensive S54 keyring.
Checking the clearances isn't a big job, its just largely trivial and so many seem to skip it (even if they say they've done it.. including BMW dealers).
A
Anonymous
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Oh come on. They recognise an idiot when they see one. Pay up
Then post and complain
I hate pre-complaining
Then post and complain
I hate pre-complaining
jimmybell said:from experience - get the valve clearances written in a report, with what shims they needed (unless it's never gone anywhere, i cant see it not needing at least SOME shim changes), ideally so you know which fingers might be bad too. Also request they specifically check the cam followers for wear, they look like this, and the rounded top face on the left should be .. round :
Worth asking, as the bill you get when it's not done properly doesn't come with a smiley face, i have a bag full of the above if anyone wants a very expensive S54 keyring.
Checking the clearances isn't a big job, its just largely trivial and so many seem to skip it (even if they say they've done it.. including BMW dealers).
Problem is they can give a written report, but it might not be for your car. Unless you watch them or get video/photo evidence you have to take them at their word.
To be honest, if you're that concerned, all you do is pop the cover and measure a few of the shims to see if they have done it, i think you can get the tools on ebay.
To avoid all heartache and stress, don't skimp on garages when servicing M cars. Take it to a local, well reviewed and trusted Indy. My car either goes to CPC PE, or Park Lane BMW. I'm then using either a garage that gets it's business entirely based on it's reputation and word of mouth, or dealing with BMW UK (it's their only garage in the UK), who hate an angry customer (and i've found their service to be surprisingly good).
To avoid all heartache and stress, don't skimp on garages when servicing M cars. Take it to a local, well reviewed and trusted Indy. My car either goes to CPC PE, or Park Lane BMW. I'm then using either a garage that gets it's business entirely based on it's reputation and word of mouth, or dealing with BMW UK (it's their only garage in the UK), who hate an angry customer (and i've found their service to be surprisingly good).
