[USA-RET]

So perhaps I am in unique situation. I have a 2017 M240i that I took delivery on in December 2016. I have been keeping current with the required oil changes for the first 3 years and on my 4th year I was told they needed a whole series of services. My car is garage kept (Florida - so no huge swings between hot and cold). I keep it on a tender if it is going to sit for over a month. The car had 7600 miles on it when I had the 4th service done.

I live in a residential area so no dusty conditions. Since I had low mileage I was able to avoid that cost, but my next visit the Svc Mgr said they will do a brake flush, differential, tranny flush, etc. I now have 8000 miles on the car. I do understand the need to replace fluids, but I also know that there is an assumed amount of use, wear and degradation associated with the service schedule. That being said, if you had a oil change and filter replaced and didn't drive the car for a year, @ at the 1 year mark, maintenance schedule would dictate the fresh oil and filter in the car would be drained and replaced.

I do drive the car, but not every day and when I do I ensure I put more than 2-3 miles on it at a time. I have a Dinan intake and the filter is pristine, but based on the "time", I will likely have to get a new filter. Cabin filter is the same way.

I am thinking of only having the oil and filter changed and the normal inspection that is done with that service. I really don't want wrench twisters getting into my car unless it is absolutely necessary.

Thoughts?

[Ajowhan]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

So perhaps I am in unique situation. I have a 2017 M240i that I took delivery on in December 2016. I have been keeping current with the required oil changes for the first 3 years and on my 4th year I was told they needed a whole series of services. My car is garage kept (Florida - so no huge swings between hot and cold). I keep it on a tender if it is going to sit for over a month. The car had 7600 miles on it when I had the 4th service done.

I live in a residential area so no dusty conditions. Since I had low mileage I was able to avoid that cost, but my next visit the Svc Mgr said they will do a brake flush, differential, tranny flush, etc. I now have 8000 miles on the car. I do understand the need to replace fluids, but I also know that there is an assumed amount of use, wear and degradation associated with the service schedule. That being said, if you had a oil change and filter replaced and didn't drive the car for a year, @ at the 1 year mark, maintenance schedule would dictate the fresh oil and filter in the car would be drained and replaced.

I do drive the car, but not every day and when I do I ensure I put more than 2-3 miles on it at a time. I have a Dinan intake and the filter is pristine, but based on the "time", I will likely have to get a new filter. Cabin filter is the same way.

I am thinking of only having the oil and filter changed and the normal inspection that is done with that service. I really don't want wrench twisters getting into my car unless it is absolutely necessary.

Thoughts?

Just like engine oil that have to be replaced without use at the 1 year mark. Other oils have their own expiry time. For example, brake fluid absorb water moisture over time, thus degrading its ability to perform. Water in the line can also corrode some inner metal parts. The general accepted rules I believe is 3 years from factory and once every 2 years at the least.

From Dec 2016. Your car is definitely due for brake fluid flush. IMO, Even with the low mileage, given the year of vehicle, you should definitely do all the fluids.

[dradernh]

Don't the diffs and transmissions have "lifetime" fluid fills in them?

[MarcoZandrini]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Don't the diffs and transmissions have "lifetime" fluid fills in them?

"Lifetime fluids" is a marketing ploy, not a maintenance philosophy.

[grocerylist]

I definitely wouldn't bother with diff or transmission fluid with only 7600 miles. Those typically don't need to be done until 50k miles. If your Dinan air filter is clean, it's not necessary to get a new one just because of time but you might do the cabin air filter since it's cheap.

I would do oil and brake fluid and maybe the coolant too.

[MassNerd]

Originally Posted by grocerylist

I definitely wouldn't bother with diff or transmission fluid with only 7600 miles. Those typically don't need to be done until 50k miles. If your Dinan air filter is clean, it's not necessary to get a new one just because of time but you might do the cabin air filter since it's cheap.

I would do oil and brake fluid and maybe the coolant too.

I agree.

[makrop]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Don't the diffs and transmissions have "lifetime" fluid fills in them?

"Lifetime of what?" is the question I always ask... lifetime of the transmission or lifetime of the car? Potentially different answers that are likely affected by how often you change the fluid in question. Just something to think about.

[TAZ007]

Brake and Coolant, besides the oil change, is what I would recommend as well. Because you live in a humid environment, moisture is bound to get in the hydraulic and oil lines. The coolant every 2 years prevents rust in the system.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini

"Lifetime fluids" is a marketing ploy, not a maintenance philosophy.

Indeed!

Originally Posted by makrop

"Lifetime of what?" is the question I always ask... lifetime of the transmission or lifetime of the car? Potentially different answers that are likely affected by how often you change the fluid in question. Just something to think about.

"Lifetime" = 100K has been the generally accepted definition of the term.

I'm unable to say how much cynicism over BMW's ever-increasing methods for reducing their cost of production and making initial ownership appear inexpensive went into creating that definition.

[Sportstick]

Another vote for brake and coolant, and if keeping the car, continue to do brake fluid every two years, especially in your humid climate. Not sure if you have AT or MT, but if MT, make sure they drain the clutch line and refill fresh.

[BEM-S4]

FYI there's a new program where you get 3-4 oil changes done for $199 if you buy a particular package, definitely ask your dealer about it. It's not tied to mileage so if, like me, you barely drive your cars you can do annually even if the mileage doesn't require a change sooner.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

FYI there's a new program where you get 3-4 oil changes done for $199 if you buy a particular package, definitely ask your dealer about it. It's not tied to mileage so if, like me, you barely drive your cars you can do annually even if the mileage doesn't require a change sooner.

Is it a different program than this one: https://bmwusaservice.com/ultimatecare?

[USA-RET]

Mine has been on an annual service since birth. Obviously with only turning 8K miles after over 4 years of ownership, I haven't broken the first year mileage barrier service call.

Brake and radiator fluid replacement sounds like a good option, Automatic tranny. and diff........I'll wait.

Pads and rotors are like new. I'm one that tries to judge stop lights and tend to coast and gently apply brakes. Nary a panic stop in this car's history.

Thanks for the advice guys. Forum has some great members.........

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Is it a different program than this one: https://bmwusaservice.com/ultimatecare?

That is a good deal if you have a 2015 or older assuming it has less than 60k miles.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Is it a different program than this one: https://bmwusaservice.com/ultimatecare?

That's the one. I just got it for the E46. My dealer told me would be ok for the 2016 wagon and convertible next time they come in too.

I was also told that they can do your final one a month early so if you get your first oil change when you sign up, you can get three more as long as the last one is done a month early (eg before your program expires).

[cooolone2]

Is well documented the paradigm change by car manufacturer's once they adopted the free maintenance programs and the amazing appearance of extended maintenance intervals and so called lifetime fluids...

It is a mistake to believe any of that... And only those who do not plan to keep their new cars follow such junk, hocus pocus BS!

The old maintenance schedules really haven't changed and shouldn't be ignored. Oil and fluids degrade, even with low use. Oxidation and as noted moisture infiltration, etc, will contribute to its degradation. Just because eyou don't drive it doesn't mean it doesn't need new fluids, rubber, filters, etc. As a matter of fact, an undriven vehicle can be problematic if not maintained.

Look up:
Alternative Maintenance Schedule by Mike Miller of Bimmer and Roundel magazine!

Good Luck!

[aerobod]

In Europe where there are no free maintenance programs on BMWs, the oil change intervals are generally longer than on North American cars that do have free maintenance built into the price of the vehicle.

[p912guy]

Dropped my M235i off for routine service last night (after hours drop) and received a call this morning from Service Advisor recommending oil and filter change, cabin air filter and plugs based on the info on the key fob. I have approximately 58K miles - also a December 2016 delivery. I haven't heard of anything else it needs. I expect a call tomorrow telling me it's ready to go. I drive about 11K miles a year and do an oil and filter change on my own at 5-6K miles between the BMW service.

[harma24]

I firmly believe that the transmission fluid will last the lifetime of the transmission. Or at least the transmission will last the lifetime of the transmission fluid...

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by harma24

I firmly believe that the transmission fluid will last the lifetime of the transmission. Or at least the transmission will last the lifetime of the transmission fluid...

I have no beliefs in the matter and continue to be inclined to change mine at the much earlier intervals that BMW formerly suggested. If I was serious about examining real-world results, I would use Blackstone Laboratories to help me understand whether or not my choices were productive. In this matter, however, I am not serious.

Based upon what I've gathered most recently on BMW forums, I'm inclined to go with Red Line DCT at the same time I have my Rogue Engineering SSK installed. My thinking on this subject is more shifting-feel oriented than it is transmission oil lifetime oriented.

At the rate I drive (11K after 35 months), this is all academic, so take it for what you will.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Based upon what I've gathered most recently on BMW forums, I'm inclined to go with Red Line DCT at the same time I have my Rogue Engineering SSK installed. My thinking on this subject is more shifting-feel oriented than it is transmission oil lifetime oriented.

I did exactly this after my Rogue SSK had been installed for a while, and the improvement yet again was notable. After reading about different RedLine trans fluid types on their site, I called them to confirm DCTF. At first, they suggested a different one of their fluids to exactly meet BMW specs, but based on forum member experience, I ordered 2 quarts (SKU: 31004) of DCTF directly from RedLine. My dealer was happy to install for me. The added degree of gearshift smoothness was unexpected.

[WolfGTI]

I concur - I have the Motul DCTF fluid in my transmission after installing the Rogue SSK - it's as perfect as this car will get for shift feel short of changing all the cable bushings to solid ends.

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I did exactly this after my Rogue SSK had been installed for a while, and the improvement yet again was notable. After reading about different RedLine trans fluid types on their site, I called them to confirm DCTF. At first, they suggested a different one of their fluids to exactly meet BMW specs, but based on forum member experience, I ordered 2 quarts (SKU: 31004) of DCTF directly from RedLine. My dealer was happy to install for me. The added degree of gearshift smoothness was unexpected.