First service question

[popngear]

So I'm looking at buying a used M3 and all the service history looks right except the 1200 mile service didn't show up in the system. The seller says he went in and the dealership just did a visual check and nothing was done to the car itself. Is this all the first service is? Otherwise, the car looks clean and I'm about to have an inspection performed on it before flying out to look in person.

Thanks!

[popngear]

Ok it looks like the engine oil, mtf, and diff fluid are all changed. Is there serious consequence to this not being done? I am kind of hesistant to persue anymore because I am very picky with cars (especially one being this expensive). I could just change those fluids right away but it's at about 28k.

[elm3]

I really don't think is too much of a problem. I'm surprised that the dealer did not do the 1200ml. service????? One of the reason is to drained all of the oil that might have some metal shavings from the engine breaking in. When did they change the oil then? To me all of the dealers should know that all Ms have their 1200ml. service. Depending on how many miles the car has, the oil should have been changed at around 15000. I personally do an in between oil change, so I got my 1200 service, then I changed the oil at 7500 and then again at 15000. I now have a little over 20000, I'll be doing an oil change at around 22500. I would be concerned more that the tranny and rear end was never changed. Maybe some other people can chime in??

[ss134]

The 1200 mile service is a must for this car - even if there is no problems resulting from the service not being done you will struggle to sell it on in the future without a full service history. The cars warranty is also void without the service! - if they cannot provide invoices for the 1200 mile service then i would walk away and look elsewhere.

[popngear]

As it was explained to me, the seller went to the dealer at ~1200m, and the dealer did a test drive, and topped up the oil. Why this doesn't show up in the system is beyond me, but the seller has been quite forthcoming with the rest of the history (which is clean pretty much asides from some very minor issues). From what I can tell, the dealership has no problem with the warranty and it is valid AFAIK.

[JCtx]

With so many M3s for sale, look for another one man. And with less mileage. That's unless you're looking for a bargain, then you have to compromise . I also wouldn't want 15K-mile oil change intervals, but that's just me. Good luck.

[Singletrack]

I would pass personally. You can search to see everything that is done, but the important ones off the top of my head are the engine oil, tranny oil (6 speed only; not DCT), and the rear differential. What services actually have been done? They might have missed additional items as well in subsequent visits.

[popngear]

Oh every other service has been done and is on record.

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by popngear

Oh every other service has been done and is on record.

I would double check that they actually did what was called for on the other services. For instance, I had to argue with my dealer because they didn't want to change my air filter one time. Another time they told me that the tranny fluid and diff didn't need to be changed per the computer. However, the service manual clearly indicates this should be done every other service.

On the 1200mi service, I just don't know man. Like I said, I would personally walk away because there is a reason you want to get that oil out of the car at that time. It may not make a difference, but why take a chance if there are other cars on the market?