[keca10]

What is the normal maintenance schedule and what is done on inspection 1 and 2 for e9X?

Do you have to do the similar valve adjustments as the E46 or did it actually get easier to DIY?

I am assuming the newer the car, the harder it will be to do anything at home but just wondering....


Thanks!

[m3madmaxm3]

Originally Posted by keca10

What is the normal maintenance schedule and what is done on inspection 1 and 2 for e9X?

Do you have to do the similar valve adjustments as the E46 or did it actually get easier to DIY?

I am assuming the newer the car, the harder it will be to do anything at home but just wondering....


Thanks!

There is no inspection 1 and 2, the car tells you when and what it needs! Condition based servicing they call it!

[keca10]

could it all be done easily at home? Like oil changes or are there crazy things it might need like valve checks and replacements?

[dcstep]

You've got a US flag in your signature, so why don't you just avail yourself of the free service that BMW USA provides?

Dave

[Jesal@IND]

There are no valve checks like the E46 M3 had.

[ff1600]

From page 6 of the Warranty and Service Book (available at BMWUSA.com)

Quote:
 Oil Service: Engine oil should be changed
with the engine at operating temperature.
Note: Change oil at least once a year.
All 2008 model year M3 vehicles are factoryfilled
with Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60
Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW part number
07 51 0 009 420). This is the only approved
engine oil at the time of printing of this book.
BMW recommends that you check your engine
oil level whenever you add fuel to your vehicle. If
you need to add oil between oil changes and
are unable to obtain Castrol TWS Motorsport
10W-60 Synthetic, BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil or Mobil 1, use a synthetic oil with
an API rating of SH or higher.
The following maintenance elements must be
performed at the mileage/time stated (time
intervals begin from the vehicles production
date):
 Brake Fluid Service: Change brake fluid every
two years, or when specified by CBS.
 Oxygen Sensor Service: The oxygen sensor
deteriorates strictly on a mileage basis and
must therefore be replaced every
120,000 miles to maximize vehicle fuel economy
and minimize exhaust pollution.
 Spark Plug Service (not shown in CBS):
Replace at 37,000 miles.
 The engine coolant has a lifetime rating and
does not need to be changed except for system
repairs.
For your convenience, you may also wish to
have your BMW center perform any necessary
operations to fulfill any state inspection requirements
in your area concurrent with the maintenance
elements specified above during other
repairs. Should you request more frequent
maintenance service, the cost of these services
will not be covered by the Maintenance
Program.
Unquote

Free maintenance is BMW-speak for no maintenenace.

[keca10]

Thanks, I was hoping that the E9x doesn't have weird maintenance requirements like the valve adjustment for E46. If I was gonna buy one, I would like to be able to keep it longer than 4 years without the maintenance costing a fortune.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by keca10

Thanks, I was hoping that the E9x doesn't have weird maintenance requirements like the valve adjustment for E46. If I was gonna buy one, I would like to be able to keep it longer than 4 years without the maintenance costing a fortune.

Well, it IS a BMW, something's going to go wrong and it'll be expensive. Of course, the first four years are free, but I think that you need to plan on some expensive maintenance thereafter. Look at the maintenance threads for the other M3. They all have some sort of issue.

I used to drive and autocross 5.0 Mustangs. They'll need some maintenancem, BUT it's very inexpensive compared anything on the BMW. An alternator will cost 250-bucks. I wouldn't be surprised if it's not $1500 for the M3. Many of the parts on the M3 are low volume and special purpose, where almost everything on the Mustangs is generic. So, I think the second 4-years will be relatively expensive.

BTW, I plan to keep mine 10 or more years.

Dave

[DRUGCONSULT]

Originally Posted by dcstep

Well, it IS a BMW, something's going to go wrong and it'll be expensive. Of course, the first four years are free, but I think that you need to plan on some expensive maintenance thereafter. Look at the maintenance threads for the other M3. They all have some sort of issue.

I used to drive and autocross 5.0 Mustangs. They'll need some maintenancem, BUT it's very inexpensive compared anything on the BMW. An alternator will cost 250-bucks. I wouldn't be surprised if it's not $1500 for the M3. Many of the parts on the M3 are low volume and special purpose, where almost everything on the Mustangs is generic. So, I think the second 4-years will be relatively expensive.

BTW, I plan to keep mine 10 or more years.

Dave

me too...i've always bought cars and drive them to the ground before buying something else..since this is my first bmw, i wonder if this plan is realistic without spending tons in the 2nd four years. i've always owned japanese b/c of my careful nature. i couldn't resist owning an M3 so i took a leap of faith. i hope with careful driving and occasional thrashing, i can enjoy this baby for at least 8 yrs.

[ff1600]

Well, fwiw I plan on keeping my E90 for well past the 4 year mark. Sold the 2001 M Coupe at four years and the 2006 M3 at three, but I am tired of the depreciation hit.