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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

5349 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 479 of 536

#4772 of 5349 Re: 328i Fuel System Clean [saf2010] by roadburner

Aug 18, 2010 (4:49 pm)

Replying to: saf2010 (Aug 18, 2010 1:57 pm)
99.99% of the time a "professional" fuel system cleaning does nothing more than increase the profit margin of the dealership. BMW does not recommend any sort of cleaning unless there is an actual problem with the system. Ask your service writer how he knows that your fuel system needs cleaning- then ask him how he verifies that the system was cleaned after the service is performed. Pour a bottle of Techron in your tank every 5000-10,000 miles if it makes you feel better.
I have a 1995 3 Series with 121,000 miles and a 2004 X3 with 99,000 miles- both are running fine and neither car has ever had a "professional" fuel system cleaning.

#4773 of 5349 Re: 328i Fuel System Clean [saf2010] by kyfdx HOST

Aug 18, 2010 (5:21 pm)

Replying to: saf2010 (Aug 18, 2010 1:57 pm)
Yeah... .if you want to drop an extra $160 on your car, do a mid-term oil change...
 
Otherwise, just say no to their extras.....

#4774 of 5349 Re: 328i Fuel System Clean [kyfdx] by roadburner

Aug 28, 2010 (8:25 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Aug 18, 2010 5:21 pm)
I did a bit more digging and discovered that there is a BMW approved fuel system service. Note that BMW does not recommend the service unless the car is exhibiting the listed symptoms. BMW also states that using a Top Tier fuel or using their BMW labeled Techron every 3,000 miles should prevent any problems. This information is also contained in a flyer BMW has begun distributing to dealers.
So...
I would amend my prior advice by stating that BMW proprietary fuel system cleaning procedure wouldn't hurt anything- but it is still totally unnecessary unless the car is exhibiting the symptoms listed in the flyer.

#4775 of 5349 Re: 328i Fuel System Clean [roadburner] by saf2010

Aug 28, 2010 (5:39 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Aug 28, 2010 8:25 am)
Thanks for your help! I was back the other day and passed on the cleaning!

#4776 of 5349 Re: 328i Fuel System Clean [saf2010] by roadburner

Aug 28, 2010 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: saf2010 (Aug 28, 2010 5:39 pm)
You are most welcome; I'm always happy to help a fellow BMW owner!!!

#4777 of 5349 Questions on service/maintenance and warranty. by bmw_gss

Aug 29, 2010 (6:15 pm)

I just bought my 2010 328 Xi and damm excited abt it. I need some pointers to make sure I maintain it well. My qns are basic and could be silly so pls bear with me folks!
 
1. The dealer said I should be fine using mid grade gas instead of premium. I found my previous car (Passat) gave me better mileage when I used BP as compared to Shell or Chevron. Thoughts?
2. How often will I go to the dealer for service as part of the free 4 yr/50000 maintenance and warranty program?
3. What does a typical service/maintenance trip to the dealer involve - meaning what things are inspected and changed?
4. The warranty covers the vehicle - any specific part or parts that will require replacement and inspection before the 4 yr/50k is up? If yes, how would I know?
5. Lastly, I plan to keep the car for a long time - so idea is to buy extended warranty when my 4 yrs are up. Which one should I absolutely get - the service/maintenance plan or the warranty the gold/platinum packages? I think the first one covers the oil changes while the later covers vehicle parts...
 
Thanks for your time!

#4778 of 5349 Re: Questions on service/maintenance and warranty. [bmw_gss] by nyccarguy

Aug 29, 2010 (7:14 pm)

Replying to: bmw_gss (Aug 29, 2010 6:15 pm)
You just got a great deal on your BMW. Use some of the money you saved to pump Super as is recommended by BMW (91 or higher).
 
BMW covers scheduled maintenance for the 4years or 50,000 miles. Within the warranty period, your car will go in the shop during the approximate service intervals:
 
15,000 miles - Oil Change
 
30,000 miles - Inspection I service including oil change and a very thorough going over of the car
 
45,000 miles - oil change
 
Depending on how you drive, you'll also get a set of brake pads & rotors (definitely fronts, maybe rears) and a brake fluid flush.
 
Now you say you want to keep the car for a long time. How long is long? 150K, 200K? There are many who believe (and these people know a lot) that BMWs recomended service intervals got a lot longer since they started paying for maintenance. They advise an oil change every 7500 miles, brake fluid every 2 years, and transmission fluid every 3 years in addition to what BMW says.

#4779 of 5349 Re: Questions on service/maintenance and warranty. [bmw_gss] by upstatedoc

Aug 30, 2010 (10:08 am)

Replying to: bmw_gss (Aug 29, 2010 6:15 pm)
You're in the big leagues now, don't cheap out on the gas! I run 93 oct and squeeze out an extra 20 horsepower!

#4780 of 5349 Don't get cheap. by rfl

Aug 30, 2010 (12:06 pm)

Your BMW will run on Panther Urine...but not up to performance design. Run it on the best swill you can buy...93 octane(or more if you can find it). A 328 is a 335 on High octane fuel... similarly, a 335 is a 328 on the cheap stuff.

#4781 of 5349 Re: Questions on service/maintenance and warranty. [upstatedoc] by bmw_gss

Aug 30, 2010 (2:26 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Aug 30, 2010 10:08 am)
oh ya...I was intending to do premium only, but my my dealer who sold me the car suggested mid grade wud do fine as she uses the same on her 328 too. So thought I wud check what folks here felt - so premium it is then. Any suggestions on BP or Shell?

Messages Page 479 of 536

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