How Often Should I Service My BMW?
Vehicles vary in terms of their service requirements. Some cars need little service, while other automobiles demand pampering to run efficiently. BMWs fall into the second category, and owners must recognize this. How often does a BMW need service? According to experts, owners must schedule a BMW service a minimum of once a year. What should the owner know about maintaining their car and what to request at a service visit?
Condition Based Service
Newer BMWs come with a Condition Based Service (CBS) dashboard InfoDisplay. This feature provides information about when the vehicle needs servicing and what tasks should be carried out. The information comes from sensors placed throughout the car. Older models may come equipped with a Service Interval Indicator, which works in much the same way.
Oil Changes
The model of BMW and driver behavior determines how often the oil needs changing. BMW typically recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months. However, if the BMW remains garaged most of the year, it may not need an oil change this often. Newer models require full synthetic oil, so always use the owner’s manual lists. Owners can complete the oil change if they have the skills to do so or take the vehicle to BMW Raleigh for help with this task.
Oil Filter
The CBS module alerts drivers when their oil filter needs to be changed. Furthermore, examine the filter at each oil change.
Coolant Flush
Owners should track vehicle work and maintain records. This ensures nothing is overlooked even with computers monitoring the vehicle condition. Most vehicles rarely require a coolant flush and refill except at 30,000-mile intervals. As the coolant remains in a closed system, it shouldn’t become contaminated. If the coolant needs to be filled between flushes, it suggests there is a leak and the vehicle needs to go in for service.
Brakes
BMW recommends having brake maintenance carried out when the vehicle goes in for a regular checkup or maintenance with relation to spark plug replacement, engine intake air filter replacement, or oil filter changes. If these tasks aren’t carried out for any reason over three years, have the brakes checked by a BMW technician. Otherwise, have them inspected every 30,000 miles or during a BMW alignment visit. The same holds for brake pad replacements. They need to be checked every three years or 30,000 miles. However, many owners find the brake pads don’t need replacement until they have 80,000 miles on them.
Filter Changes
Vehicles come with filtration systems to protect both the car and its occupants. Improper filtration can harm the driver and passengers. Ventilation microfilters need to be replaced every two years or 20,000 miles. Engine and oil filters require replacement after three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the engine intake filter should be changed at this time. The ventilation microfilter sits in front of the interior fan, while the engine intake filter can be found inside the air box located at the front of the engine.
Never put off vehicle maintenance. Monitor the service display information and act promptly when it alerts you to needed work. The technician can run diagnostics to determine what work needs to be completed. Furthermore, follow the recommendations found in the owner’s manual. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of the vehicle and protects its value. For this reason, crucial tasks must be carried out promptly.
About Bimmer Performance Center
We take pride in serving as the Triangle area’s alternative to the local BMW dealer. Our facility differs from other local independent shops in that we focus solely on BMWs and provide service and repair from a Certified BMW Master Technician. Our years of dealership experience benefit our customers, and the goal is always complete customer satisfaction.