[AWBimmer]

OBC says I need:

1. Oil Change
2. Microfilter and;
3. Brake Fluid!

My brake pads and discs were done independently (with the calipers and hubs painted ) however, as I plan on supplying them oil myself, can you guys advise as to how much (ltrs) engine oil is required for the oil change and whether I can provide my own microfilter or will this not make much a difference?

Also if u guys do advise providing your own microfilter, where is best to buy from?

0w30 fully synthetic LL04 is what I've been instructed by the BMW rep to bring if I do provide my own oil.. funny that as he himself suggested I bring it!

Lastly, as I've not got any warranty left on it, will I be better off going to a reputed Indy than to give the main stealers my custom?

Sam

[mistryn]

Is that by BMW main dealer Sam?

If I was in your position I would use local independant

Your car takes 7.5 litres of oil as long as it is LL04 spec then should be fine, I have heard some dealers say 0w30 and some say 5w30 fully synthetic.

I personally use castrol Edge 5w30 and got 2x 4 litres from ECP at £26 each - use midmonth30 discount code gets you off 30%
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/ca...1021&0&cc5_247

Oil filter is best getting from BMW iirc £9 or £12 as they will supply new O rings and sump plug gasket

Microfilter - again you can get from BMW or ECP, if you do get non BMW make sure it is carbon element slightly expensive but better at filtering -I was once quited 0.5 hours labour by BMW to change the microfilter whereas it takes me less than 2 mins - 6 screws pull off change filter and screw back down

Brake fluid - again probaly cost £10 at the most for few litres just the labour - I got my brake fluid done at sytner for £52 through main dealer discount

In all I would go ECP for the oil/BMW for the filters/brake fluid local indi should have plenty

[MEGA]

Why would you do anything other than give Jason a call?

[Stevese90]

I would take it to a reputable Indy as it is out of warranty but would definitely use genuine BMW parts as of oil I no someone who also uses 5w40 ll04 Castrol edge without any problems as this would also do the trick.

[AWBimmer]

Originally Posted by mistryn

Is that by BMW main dealer Sam?

If I was in your position I would use local independant

Your car takes 7.5 litres of oil as long as it is LL04 spec then should be fine, I have heard some dealers say 0w30 and some say 5w30 fully synthetic.

I personally use castrol Edge 5w30 and got 2x 4 litres from ECP at £26 each - use midmonth30 discount code gets you off 30%
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/ca...1021&0&cc5_247

Oil filter is best getting from BMW iirc £9 or £12 as they will supply new O rings and sump plug gasket

Microfilter - again you can get from BMW or ECP, if you do get non BMW make sure it is carbon element slightly expensive but better at filtering -I was once quited 0.5 hours labour by BMW to change the microfilter whereas it takes me less than 2 mins - 6 screws pull off change filter and screw back down

Brake fluid - again probaly cost £10 at the most for few litres just the labour - I got my brake fluid done at sytner for £52 through main dealer discount

In all I would go ECP for the oil/BMW for the filters/brake fluid local indi should have plenty

Thanks for that dude very helpful! Yes I've booked in with Main BMW Dealer as I've always done however, as I've no warranty, I thought is it worth me paying extra just to go Dealers... Will going to a specialist / reputed Indy lose my FSH?

I'll get ordering the oil now infact and if it's better to book with an Indy, I'll just cancel my dealer appointment tmrw.

Originally Posted by MEGA

Why would you do anything other than give Jason a call?

Well, that's because he's 30 miles out and it makes little sense to travel that far IMO. Although I'll be paying him a visit next month for something else related to increased BHP..

[MEGA]

Your choice. He'd charge half as much for a much better job. But I know you don't like driving down my way!!!

ps. Starting my install this weekend ..

[AWBimmer]

NO, I don't mind driving THIS side of heathrow lol... the other side is a nightmare from my work and about 30+miles from there too.

Oh niiiice, saw ur thread update. Is ur installer ready with the tools!?

[MEGA]

Yep all sorted we going for it this weekend

First weekend get speakers in only, second weekend will run the amps and bit one up - third weekend add the W7 / box etc... and tuning.

The final boot install will follow after that.

But at each stage I'll have sound so won't be so painful. ..

Slow progress but I've got no holidays left this year so can only do Sat/sundays ..

[AWBimmer]

Oh wowww that's awesome!

[The_Bear_Yid]

I'm pretty sure http://www.opieoils.co.uk/ do (or at least did) oil and filter kits. Their prices weren't too bad either. My dealer wouldn't let me supply my own oil which is why I didn't use them.

[AWBimmer]

I've skipped my main dealer and gone with a reputable Indy very close to home

I need 0w30 or 5w30 LL04 (which of the two is best?)..

Been quoted with the Indy as follows:

£45+ VAT for brake fluid change (They will supply their own brake fluid)
£35 + VAT for Oil Change (supplying own oil, which works out just less than £100)

Forgot to ask about MF lol..

[The_Bear_Yid]

Yeah that's not a bad price tbh. 5w30 sounds right.

[AWBimmer]

[Rudz]

mate not an expert at this, but lower the “W” number the better the oils cold start performance. For the winter 0W30 might be better ?

[AWBimmer]

For peace of mind, I've decided to stick with BMW service parts.. my fear of over oiling K&N filters + unnoticeable gains (as read elsewhere) just doesn't offset the fact that they're for lifetime. If I got one and over oiled and messed up the MAF (for the sake of saving few pennies and probably getting a placebo MPG/better noise effect) I'd not be very happy! LOL

[AWBimmer]

Oh WOW!

BMW Just called me to quote the following…

£490.27 for Oil Change and Brake Fluid Change (they provide Oil)
£333.67 for Oil Change and Brake Fluid Change (I supply Oil)

The price above exclude Any filters as this is the 3rd Service.

I actually laughed out loud and said no thanks! My indy (Chris Plummer) quoted me £80+VAT (supplying my own oil) for oil change and brake fluid change.

Now you tell me where I should go lol.

I was REALLY deliberating on whether to go via BMW but on a 6/7 yr old car, it makes no sense! I’ll used all genuine BMW parts but have it done independently! Daylight robbery these Stealers!

[Kerr]

The prices you have been quoted are a rip off from the dealer.

I've also seen guys getting brake fluid changes at a main dealer for less than your Indy.

You need to do some bargaining with them.

I had my third oil service, which is the biggest service, with plugs and filters and is was £430 at a BMW dealer.

Some people on here have paid less.

[skelts]

Bmw just take the biscuit with their service prices to the general public

Ive got mine booked in at the end of the month for an oil service with the dealer providing oil etc £136. Got an X5 going in aswel oil service and brake fluid £200.

Considering its a main dealer i see them prices as acceptable but i got this price through a bmw forum who happens to be one of my local dealers.

[AWBimmer]

Kerr / Skelts, I'm actually so cheesed off that I don't even want to give them my custom, end of! I’m not going to even BOTHER haggling with such idiots who think they can pluck random numbers out of the air and think I’ll drop my pants. I’m going to be MUCH more satisfied with an specialist Indy who has been in the trade for 25+ years and is a one man band so to speak so that’s his bread and butter. He was also so bery helpful on the phone and explained the steps, cost breakdown and advised me to bring my own oil too.

Can I ask you guys a couple of Q’s please?

1. Should I also provide my own brake fluid too? I’ve heard about this ‘DOT 4’ Castrol.. are they supposedly better (otherwise what will be used traditionally)?

2. Air Filter.. can I just replace and fit myself to further keep costs down? It’s a piss on 335D’s…

Ta,
Sam

[skelts]

By providing your own products at least you get to choose what parts you have on your car or what fluid etc plus you will get the parts you supply at a better rate than a garage would charge you I'd think.

The only reason I'm using a main dealer is to keep my car on full BMW history and so they can't moan about anything if I claim on warranty. If I didn't have warranty I'd prob go with an Indy because 9 times out of 10 they take more care as like you say it's their business and they are probably an enthusiast too.

[AWBimmer]

I've phoned around given their franchises these BMW dealers and have been given better prices but still around £400.

I do really want to keep FBMWSH so will have to make a few more calls tomorrow and get the best price.

How do these guys work, just tell them this is the quote I've got with x and let them price match or better yet beat the price?

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by AWBimmer

I've phoned around given their franchises these BMW dealers and have been given better prices but still around £400.

I do really want to keep FBMWSH so will have to make a few more calls tomorrow and get the best price.

How do these guys work, just tell them this is the quote I've got with x and let them price match or better yet beat the price?

Have a look on here. http://www.maindealerdiscount.com/

There isn't many dealers doing it so unlikely one close to you.

Get a quote and see just how low they can go and ask you dealer what they can do.