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BMW 3-Series Service

38 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 38 As a new 2003 BMW owner, what are the required service intervals? by 03newbie

Nov 24, 2006 (8:58 am)

I recently purchased a 2003 325i BMW. I have a -1250 Inspection light being displayed and a service engine soon light displayed. The car has 28000 miles on it. Do I take it to a local shop or to the dealership this first service time?

#2 of 38 Re: As a new 2003 BMW owner, what are the required service intervals? [03newbie] by div2

Nov 24, 2006 (10:20 pm)

Replying to: 03newbie (Nov 24, 2006 8:58 am)
I have a -1250 Inspection light being displayed and a service engine soon light displayed. The car has 28000 miles on it.
 
The two messages are not related; the Service Engine Soon light indicates that your car's on-board diagnostics have detected a fault in the emission control system. Any Autozone can read out the fault code for free. The Inspection countdown is for what BMW calls an "Inspection 1", which is nothing more than an oil/filter change combined with a thorough examination of the car. A good independent BMW shop can service your car or you can use the dealer.

#3 of 38 Re: As a new 2003 BMW owner, what are the required service intervals? [div2] by 03newbie

Nov 25, 2006 (3:17 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Nov 24, 2006 10:20 pm)
Thanks for your reply. What will the dealer do if I take it in now for its 30,000 service? Also can the dealer print out all of the services done on the car anywhere in the country/

#4 of 38 Re: As a new 2003 BMW owner, what are the required service intervals? [03newbie] by etomori

Dec 10, 2006 (12:25 am)

Replying to: 03newbie (Nov 25, 2006 3:17 pm)
You should be under warranty and w/in the 4 year/50,000 mile maintenance plan that came with the car. I just bought a 03 330i w/ 34,000 miles and got a check engine light. It went in for warranty repairs free of charge at the BMW dealer. I do not know why div2 suggested an independent garage when you have a BMW factory maintenance program and warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles. You should go to the dealer for the repairs which should be free under warranty and any maintenance needs should also be taken care of free. You do not have to be the original owner for such coverage.

#5 of 38 Re: As a new 2003 BMW owner, what are the required service intervals? [etomori] by div2

Dec 10, 2006 (7:56 am)

Replying to: etomori (Dec 10, 2006 12:25 am)
I do not know why div2 suggested an independent garage when you have a BMW factory maintenance program and warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
 
03newbie asked if he had to go to the dealer and I explained that it wasn't required. In some cases the nearest dealer may be so far away or so incompetent that the indie shop may be a better choice. If the dealer is located within a reasonable driving and provides quality work then by all means use the dealer, especially if BMWis paying for it. That said,I'd still bring my own Mobil 1 0W-40 and change it every 7500 miles.

#6 of 38 check with a dealer first... by rlatham

Aug 15, 2007 (2:27 pm)

Call the dealer. Depending on the in service date of your 2003 car it could still be covered under factory covered maintenence. All 2003's had that.

#7 of 38 BMW MECHANIC Recommendation NEEDED between Calabasas & Camarillo California by shopokane

Sep 28, 2007 (1:54 pm)

Hello all,
son just purchased 1996 bmw 328i this past week from a private party. Car was really cared for, looks great, clean, etc...so we did not choose to get a mechanic to look at it in advance. Now, a week later, the check engine light went on today. I know that when a gas cap is not on tight, that can cause a loss in the vaccuum and result in the light coming on , but I checked the gas cap, and it is on snugly, so does not look like that is the source of the light going on.
 
I have not had a chance to do much in tracking down a recommended bmw mechanic in my area (thousand oaks) does anyone here have any that they highly recommend, between calabasas and camarillo?

#8 of 38 Re: BMW MECHANIC NEEDED between CALABASAS & Camarillo [shopokane] by shipo

Sep 28, 2007 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: shopokane (Sep 28, 2007 1:54 pm)
Fast answer: http://www.bmwcca.com/
 
Their web site has resources that will allow you to find a mechanic local to wherever you happen to be.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#9 of 38 Re: BMW MECHANIC NEEDED between CALABASAS & Camarillo [shipo] by shopokane

Sep 28, 2007 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Sep 28, 2007 1:58 pm)
Shipo, Thank you for the quick reply. When I go to bmwcaa.com I am not sure what sub category I should click on to pull up mechanic info. do you know what I click on from their home page?
thanks

#10 of 38 Re: BMW MECHANIC NEEDED between CALABASAS & Camarillo [shopokane] by shipo

Sep 28, 2007 (2:19 pm)

Replying to: shopokane (Sep 28, 2007 2:06 pm)
Unfortunately I don't remember off-hand and doubly unfortunately, their site isn't coming up for me right now.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

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