1200 miles service done at 3,464 Miles. Anything to worry about?

[dsm918]

I am currently talking with a seller for a 2009 M3 and per the BMW service records the 1200 miles service was performed at 3,464 miles. The current mileage on the car is in the high 30's and the car doesn't seem to have any issues at all. Very clean car. The rest of the service records are in order with complete history of everything. The seller is the 2nd owner and doesn't know why the 1200 mile service was delayed.

Anything to be worried about?

Thanks.

[jphughan]

I'd try to confirm that by getting someone at a dealership to pull the service records on that car (all you need is the VIN), but if that turns out to be true I'm not sure what to say. I'd personally be wary, but I can't back that up with actual facts beyond BMW saying it should be done at 1200 miles. Maybe if it was babied that whole time it'd be ok, but there's no way to know that.

[THE TECH]

My dealer told me that they could void the warranty if the 1200 service wasn't done withing a thousand or so miles of hitting 1200.

[Ricfutures]

Originally Posted by jphughan

Maybe if it was babied that whole time it'd be ok, but there's no way to know that.

People have a hard enough time keeping the car under 5k rpm for 1200 miles... imagine trying to keep it tame for 3400 miles?

[dsm918]

Originally Posted by jphughan

I'd try to confirm that by getting someone at a dealership to pull the service records on that car (all you need is the VIN), but if that turns out to be true I'm not sure what to say. I'd personally be wary, but I can't back that up with actual facts beyond BMW saying it should be done at 1200 miles. Maybe if it was babied that whole time it'd be ok, but there's no way to know that.

My bad, it is actually stated on the service records. Corrected it in my OP.

[dsm918]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

My dealer told me that they could void the warranty if the 1200 service wasn't done withing a thousand or so miles of hitting 1200.

The service records indicate that it has had warranty work done so not worried about that. Besides it has only a month of warranty left.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by dsm918

The service records indicate that it has had warranty work done so not worried about that. Besides it has only a month of warranty left.

With 30k miles, unsure why this question would even come up.

[dsm918]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

With 30k miles, unsure why this question would even come up.

Based off that why do folks even look for service history? A car could have 50k miles with just 3 oil changes. Doesn't mean it is mechanically perfect.

My question was directed more towards how important it is to do this service in a timely manner? Is it a big deal to delay it?

More importantly would this be a deal breaker?

Thanks.

[THE TECH]

More than likely a later service wouldn't affect anything negatively. If everything else checks out then go for it.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

The additional 2,200 + miles over the 1,200 seams a bit high to me this and the fact that you will be the third owner I say find another car.

Then on the other hand if e dealer assures you all is fine then only you can decide. I would not take this car one way or the other, since selling a car with 3 owners down the road and this issue might cost you.

[Tora]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

My dealer told me that they could void the warranty if the 1200 service wasn't done withing a thousand or so miles of hitting 1200.

^ - I was told the warranty was voided and that one had the 1200 service done at 2300 miles. Just a head's up to the op..

[MStar]

Stay away..high tolerance engine and differential requires the service to be done on time.

[FormulaMMM]

I purchased mine with ~14,000 miles. Looking back on the service records all was in order, but I saw that the 1200 mile service was performed at about 2100 miles.

So I called the out of state dealer where the car was originally serviced. The SA there said the 1200 mile service delay was absolutely nothing to be concerned about. I then talked to two more SA's I know here in state, and one Master Tech.. All of which said the exact same. There was never any mention of warranty implications with the late service.

That said, 3400 miles is quite a delay. I'd suggest you consult with dealer personnel that have no interest in selling the car if you know any. Call the dealer where the car had the 1200 mile service, provide the VIN and ask their opinion.

[WWM3]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

I purchased mine with ~14,000 miles. Looking back on the service records all was in order, but I saw that the 1200 mile service was performed at about 2100 miles.

So I called the out of state dealer where the car was originally serviced. The SA there said the 1200 mile service delay was absolutely nothing to be concerned about. I then talked to two more SA's I know here in state, and one Master Tech.. All of which said the exact same. There was never any mention of warranty implications with the late service.

That said, 3400 miles is quite a delay. I'd suggest you consult with dealer personnel that have no interest in selling the car if you know any. Call the dealer where the car had the 1200 mile service, provide the VIN and ask their opinion.

I'm looking at an 08 e90 that had the 1,200 mile service done at 2500 miles. And I'm asking myself these same questions. Damn.

[WWM3]

Originally Posted by WW335

I'm looking at an 08 e90 that had the 1,200 mile service done at 2500 miles. And I'm asking myself these same questions. Damn.

And the dealer also coded in the 1,200 mile service as a s54 e46 m3. Fantastic.

[FormulaMMM]

^^^
Hate it when dealers are lax with their invoicing and service records. Did you call them, or is it being sold by the same dealer?

[Mike Benvo]

A friend of a friend had his first service done at 12,000 miles... Talk about neglect!

Mine had the 1200 mile service at 1000 miles I think. It was calling for it as of 700 ish.

[surlynkid]

if the original owner did not exceed 5500 rpm or 105 mph until the service was done, it is probably fine. you'll never know that now though.

[WWM3]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

^^^
Hate it when dealers are lax with their invoicing and service records. Did you call them, or is it being sold by the same dealer?

I am in PA, but this service was done by a dealer in FL. Vista BMW. They said that they purge all of their service records after two years, so unfortunately I have no way of knowing if they proper service was done. I am thinking about buying the car and then buying a warranty. Although I am worried that my objectivity is being sacrificed for the love of this particular car.

[FLOSS M]

the service light came on at 542 miles - so much for 1200 mile break in!

[6spdg37s]

I am getting my 1200 mile service tommorrow at 1,120 miles it says 80 to service... are they going to give me a hard time? I go back to work the day after and drive like 600 miles a week and cant go after that...

[Rudeman]

I for one don't think it's that important. Let's think about it. The only reason for such a quick change would be to catch some serious mechanical issues before they destroy an engine. For example, they pull the filter at 1200, and find an unusual amount of metal filings. BMW can now pull the motor apart, determine the source and correct it. Motor saved, and you're none the wiser. We know the oil is still good.

Having said that, I checked it before I bought my car (it was used too) and chose not to buy one because it had been done way too late. This points to a careless, non-passionate car owner. IE - not someone like you and I. Not really what I was after, but I still don't think it would have any significant long term effect. YMMV.