[jdsboston]

Originally Posted by Krockit

After a bunch of research, your input, and a great response from Mike Miller of BMWCCA, I have decided to trash the idea of buying extended warranty and service agreements. The total cost would have been $4168 including tax for 2 yrs and another 50,000 mi. Mike said it best; that much dough buys a lot more maintenance. His recommendations are to pay careful attention to regular fluid changes and to toss out the window the factory's recommended intervals. You know, the ones that suddenly got just ridiculously longer or became "lifetime" after BMW announced they would pay all your maintenance for the first 4 yrs or 50k miles! Yep the following list reflects alot of how it USED to be from BMW. You know, back when they charged you for oil changes, coolant flushes and changes, fuel filters, etc, etc.

Top 10 things I will be doing on my long term 3.

1. Oil and Filter- every 7,500 miles. (Red Line)
2 Air filter- every 30,000.
3. Interior air filter- every 30,000.
4. Manual trans and diff. fluid- every 30,000.
5. Fuel Filter- every 60,000.
6. Brake fluid- once per year- BMW OEM.
7. Coolant- BMW OEM only- every 2 yrs. 50-50 mix.
8. Spark plugs- per BMW recommendation- @100k.
9. Hoses- 150,000.
10. Brake Pads- per OBD indication.


Mike also said the predominant probs with long term BMWs involve electronics, and auto transmissions. So I am 50% cleared of the biggest problem points. I know the electronic shit can be nightmarish. We shall see- I have talked with more people who have had nearly flawless performance than those who have had lemons and boatloads of issues. This car has been so good so far, I am betting it is a keeper.

Thanks again for weighing in.

Thanks for posting your final final plans. I am going to sock this away as I am quickly approaching the end of my maintenance plan too and I made the same decision that you did. I have been working on my VW for the last 10 years with independent mechanics and have a really strong bias against dealers and manufacturer recommended intervals (when they are paying) so as I am just getting started with my 330XI at 30Kmiles I am starting over from scratch. This was very helpful.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS AND A COMMENT:

Q: Did your tech make a recommendation on staying with OEM (Castrol I think) or moving to Mobil1? I am curious what manufacturer and weight were they using befor the days of free maintenance?

COMMENT

Originally Posted by Krockit

1. Oil and Filter- every 7,500 miles. (Red Line)
2 Air filter- every 30,000.
3. Interior air filter- every 30,000.
4. Manual trans and diff. fluid- every 30,000.

I think you meant to put Redline next to the Manual trans and diff fluid line?

[mase]

Does putting in non-OEM or redline transmission fluid and diff fluid void the warranty? I've heard something like that, no clue if there's any truth to it.

[IBoosted IBimmer]

I bought my 335i with 60k miles and purchased a 3rd party warranty that reimburses me for any service done to the car. Imo it is better than a cpo.

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by mase

Does putting in non-OEM or redline transmission fluid and diff fluid void the warranty? I've heard something like that, no clue if there's any truth to it.

Yes. There are a zillion threads on this. Using non-approved fluids puts your warranty at risk and any lubrication related failures may be on your dime.

Why would anyone want to use a non-proven lubricant anyway? BMW tests a whole host of fluids with their cars - why should some little oil company mix up a better product? Oh yeah - I forgot - the internet says its better so it must be. What the hell do those foolish German engineers know anyway?

[UncleWede]

I got the extended MAINT on my 06 325 (~80,000) before I knew there was also extened WARRANTY for an additional amount. I thought I was paying for both. I'm taking mine in Wed for the second extended oil change, and I taught my wife to nod her head when I say the wipers streak.
Hey, I'm going to try to get as much of my $1500 back as I can. I had to replace the battery on my own, neither would have covered that. And I'm going to start talking to the Indy at the end of the street, just so I can get to know him. From all the reports I've heard over the years, he is the one to go to.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by mase

Does putting in non-OEM or redline transmission fluid and diff fluid void the warranty? I've heard something like that, no clue if there's any truth to it.

I think my dealer would have mentioned that when they installed the Redline MTL in my E46. The transmission was still shifting like butter when I traded the car at 97,000 miles.

Tom

[BMW-MASTER-TECH-NY]

With good care your car will take you far i have had my 328xi from 0 to 76000 mils no problem just regular oil changes filters and fluids i live in Ny and i was going to collage in Ohio so every brake i had i would drive home i did this for 3 years highway to highway traffic to traffic no problem just remember to do all your service after 50k and you should be good however if you do hit a problem thats where the money you saved comes in handy.
Enjoy your BMW have fun if you have always babied your car you should have no worries

[wilbur_the_goose]

IMHO, find a very good non-dealer mechanic. You get the same service with less money out of pockety and without that BMW-dealer snooty attitude.

[sfef84]

Man... you guys baby your cars too much!! Your worried about 50K miles? I just passed the 127,000 mark on my 06 and heres a list of what I have had to do since out of 50K warranty:
50K-100K... NOTHING (except changing oil, fuel and air filter)
110,000 miles: Replace HIDs (old ones were dullllll) $130 for both. Installed in 20 minutes (didn't have to pull apart wheel well)
120,000 miles:
Shocks/struts: did the koni/eibach. (out of necessity, my shocks/struts were toast) ($1,800 parts, install, alignment)
127,000: (yesterday) 6 spark plugs and one microfilter. Out the door from BMW $195. Install took 45 min

These things are meant to drive... Period.
Just change the essentials and you will be fine.

[Bcube]

Originally Posted by sfef84

Man... you guys baby your cars too much!! Your worried about 50K miles? I just passed the 127,000 mark on my 06 and heres a list of what I have had to do since out of 50K warranty:
50K-100K... NOTHING (except changing oil, fuel and air filter)
110,000 miles: Replace HIDs (old ones were dullllll) $130 for both. Installed in 20 minutes (didn't have to pull apart wheel well)
120,000 miles:
Shocks/struts: did the koni/eibach. (out of necessity, my shocks/struts were toast) ($1,800 parts, install, alignment)
127,000: (yesterday) 6 spark plugs and one microfilter. Out the door from BMW $195. Install took 45 min

These things are meant to drive... Period.
Just change the essentials and you will be fine.

Lightweight!

I recently passed 127K myself on my April 2007 335i.
Oil changes and the other usual suspects from 50K to 100K
Brake fluid flush and brake pads at 60K
Radiator, Power steering, differential fluids at 102K miles
Brake Pads and Rotors at 120K miles.

[devilzrule]

hey guys..im at 49,300 miles...anything i can maybe squeeze in before 50k or should look at to see if dealer can replace or fix. i had the mirrors, and trim fixed at 48k. what does CPO cover??

[UncleWede]

At ~80000 I just had brake fluid flush and wiper blades replaced, plus a standard scope, as part of my extended maint. Let's see, another $1000 in maintenance and I'll have made an even break.

[sfef84]

Originally Posted by Bcube

Lightweight!

I recently passed 127K myself on my April 2007 335i.
Oil changes and the other usual suspects from 50K to 100K
Brake fluid flush and brake pads at 60K
Radiator, Power steering, differential fluids at 102K miles
Brake Pads and Rotors at 120K miles.

HAHAHA... lightweight...

I think we should start a sticky for HIGH MILEAGE E90 CLUB!!

No admittance w/o odometer picture with 110K+... Can't be <100K because the extended warranty is valid.

It would be interesting to see how many e90'rs uphold their part of the Car/Driver relationship. By that I mean... DRIVE.

Plus, I think it may put the kabash to people with worries that their car is going to blow up at 50,001 mi or at 100,001 mi

[sfef84]

Originally Posted by devilzrule

hey guys..im at 49,300 miles...anything i can maybe squeeze in before 50k or should look at to see if dealer can replace or fix. i had the mirrors, and trim fixed at 48k. what does CPO cover??

Engine/ drive-train warranty basically... Does not cover maintenance. If you CPO your car will have to meet the dealer standards.. The process is basically the same as what they would do if you sold them your car and had to get it prepared to put on the used lot. This includes being REQUIRED to buy BRAND NEW factory spec runflats ($1600+/-) PLUS $2,600 for CPO... PLUS trim/fluids blah blah blah... tires and cpo alone will burn $3,200 OUCH!

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by sfef84

HAHAHA... lightweight...

I think we should start a sticky for HIGH MILEAGE E90 CLUB!!

No admittance w/o odometer picture with 110K+... Can't be <100K because the extended warranty is valid.

It would be interesting to see how many e90'rs uphold their part of the Car/Driver relationship. By that I mean... DRIVE.

Plus, I think it may put the kabash to people with worries that their car is going to blow up at 50,001 mi or at 100,001 mi

I'm in.

[devilzrule]

Originally Posted by sfef84

Engine/ drive-train warranty basically... Does not cover maintenance. If you CPO your car will have to meet the dealer standards.. The process is basically the same as what they would do if you sold them your car and had to get it prepared to put on the used lot. This includes being REQUIRED to buy BRAND NEW factory spec runflats ($1600+/-) PLUS $2,600 for CPO... PLUS trim/fluids blah blah blah... tires and cpo alone will burn $3,200 OUCH!

My car is already CPO..just wondering what costs I'm gonna encounter if I have troubles with my car. I see that I now how to pay for maitinence..

[lopealle]

i thought i posted on this thread but i guess not...anyways i use mine as a dd (well my wife does) i feel like 45k is way to much to spend on a car and just let it sit around.

[Ascension]

My cabin filter indicator illuminated on the dashboard. Cost to replace it, $50. I'll pass on buying the 2yr/50k warranty.

[x5m power]

I get rid of my bimmers every 2 years no worries here

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

Of course he feeds his family by doing oil changes. It's his business after all!

Sorry I should be more specific...he suggested doing oil changes more frequently than what BMW recommends. I guess if you are being really specific, instead of what BMW Canada recommends at 25,000km...he is suggesting you do one at 12,500km (approx 7500 miles) and one at 25,000km, etc. Sorry I used 10,000 as a round about number in my above comment.

There has been lots of discussion here about whether you should just change oil at the BMW recommended intervals or more frequently. Some feel that BMW know best and therefore one should just change at the recommended intervals.

Other people here who have sent in their oil for lab analysis at the BMW recommended intervals. Apparently some of the results have shown that the used oil contained a lot of foreign metal deposits which could be damaging for the engine.

Other people have also suggested that one of the major reasons for all manufacturers recently recommending extended mileage before oil changes is to make their numbers with the EPA look nice. That might not be the only reason of course...customer convience has some role, as does improved qualities of synthetic oils do genuinely allow for extended mileage before a change is necessary.

Shrug.

I personally plan on changing my oil more frequently than recommended.

While under warranty will they change your oil every 7,500 miles instead of when the computer tells them its time?

[Bimmer Al]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

At 50,001 I was driving down the highway and the engine locked up, transmission started squealing, diff blew up and all four wheels fell off when the wheel bearings separated.

I guess I should have bought the extended warranty (to get another two oil changes, brake flush, and wiper blades) and my car would have magically stayed together.

Those damned BMW engineers and their built in obsolescence!

Me too! lol