23,000 Mile Service...is this normal?

[flint]

I took my car in for a routine oil change as indicated by the CBS. When they plugged in my key, they told me I also needed the rear differential service, MT drain and fill (even though these were done at 1200 miles) and the spark plugs changed. The guy commented on the spark plugs saying it seemed early and he was going to run it by BMW for approval before doing it. BMW approved it and the plugs were changed. I thought this all seemed unusual for just reaching 23,000 miles. Anyone else have a similar experience? I am not complaining because it was all covered under the free maintenance.

[tjsabec]

I just had all those done at 28,000 miles. I was happy because it was my last free service. The 2008 service manual says 37,000 miles for the spark plugs. I'm not sure if they have reduced the interval since then or what.

[mdosu]

Lucky, I wish my dealer is allowing this for me. Plugs are to be changed at 37k as stated by manual. I was also told by my SA that my diff fluid needed to be changed at 23k as well. He told me this after plugging my key into his system. Given that you have an 08 and that your free maintenance expires sometime this year, just take it with a smile.

Wish me luck, I'm going to ask for a free diff fluid change, spark plug change, brake fluid flush, and MT fluid change tomorrow, I'm thinking only the diff fluid will get covered. My maintenace plan ends May 28

[cjrivera]

Originally Posted by mdosu

Lucky, I wish my dealer is allowing this for me. Plugs are to be changed at 37k as stated by manual. I was also told by my SA that my diff fluid needed to be changed at 23k as well. He told me this after plugging my key into his system. Given that you have an 08 and that your free maintenance expires sometime this year, just take it with a smile.

Would these be covered if the car is CPO'd?
If not, how much would this cost out of warranty at the dealer?

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by cjrivera

Would these be covered if the car is CPO'd?
If not, how much would this cost out of warranty at the dealer?

CPO is only warranty. What we're talking about is maintenance plans. You buy maintenance plans and warranty plans seperately. When you buy a CPO car, the dealer will also let you know whether there's an extended maintenance plan on the car as well.

How much would this cost? I don't know, dealer rates vary, give them a call.

[jphughan]

I think that's a tad early given that BMW's manual says diff oil is supposed to be changed with every 3rd oil change. Assuming it was done with the 1200-mile service, your next one shouldn't have been until 45K -- but yeah it's free, and it can't hurt as long as it was done right, so don't sweat it. Mike Miller recommends changing it every 30K anyway.

[flint]

I do count myself lucky. My original warranty doesn't end until July 2013 because even though it is an 08, the purchase date was July 09. I will run out of time long before I hit the mileage limit though. I guess the down side is the spark plugs will need changed sooner after the warranty period. If I keep the car, I hear this is an expensive service.

[sensi09]

I had all those done at 32K. Is this your 2nd oil change?

The spark plugs are listed as a 2.5hr job. Not sure if this is actual time or time billed, but it takes awhile.

[buckeyesi]

Yeah, my car needed all that a little before 30k. It also depends on driving conditions. I wouldn't worry about it.

[flint]

Originally Posted by sensi09

I had all those done at 32K. Is this your 2nd oil change?

The spark plugs are listed as a 2.5hr job. Not sure if this is actual time or time billed, but it takes awhile.

3rd change by BMW.

[Mike van D]

Conditional based service requirements...if you drive agressive most the time, things will come due for service quicker than someone who drives very tame all the time.