[BMW Fanboy]

Other than replying to a recent thread this is my first post. Purchased a 430i M Sport from my local BMW dealer in 2/20. It was a pre registered car (31/10/19) with only 19 miles on the odometer but being retired & with the lockdown restricting doing my hobby & traveling to visit relatives in Suffolk & London I have only covered 1485 miles to date!!
I have booked it into the BMW dealer for its first service in May in accordance with the service readout which will be an oil & filter change. While the mileage is ridiculously low I want to ensure its serviced in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines while under warranty plus the fact the engine is "new". I would have had an oil change done sooner if I had been doing my usual annual mileage as I don't like the idea of 24 month oil changes especially with a "new" engine.
My annual mileage over recent years is around 5k. On the basis the next time the car is due a service will be at 4 years old (plugs, cabin & air filters, oil & filter) in 2 years time I would be considering intermediate oil & filter changes. As an alternative to main dealer prices can anyone recommend an independent specialist in the Merseyside area? A firm "Tech 10 Automotive" come up on a Google search. Has anyone on her had dealings with them, heard good or bad reviews or able to recommend someone else?

[335dMSport+]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for contributing

[BMW Fanboy]

Thank you 335dMSport+

[Armaan]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome. To be frankly honest your car will be 3 years old when the interim oil and filter will be needed and will therefore qualify for fixed price service at £129 for that.

I think it goes to £99 in some places around Black Friday in November but that might be a bit soon.

Independent I doubt will be cheaper than that.

Armaan

[ian332isport]

I do less miles than you each year. I get the oil changed annually on mine. It gets the official BMW visit at two years and an intermediate oil change at my local trusted garage every other year.

It's probably more important to have shorter oil change intervals on a car that does low miles. You risk getting fuel dilution in the oil if you only do short journeys where the engine never really warms up.

My car was new in September 2018 and has just shy of 10K miles on it. It's already had two oil changes, and will get its next one in August/September time.

I also get my old oil analysed to see what's going on. Short journeys don't appear to be causing any damage so far. The report shows a little bit of fuel dilution, but the oil is still well within grade, so nothing to worry about. All wear metals are normal.

I appreciate this seems a little OTT, but I'm planning to keep the car for many years, so happy to give it the best chance of a long and healthy life.

[sensible]

Originally Posted by ian332isport

I do less miles than you each year. I get the oil changed annually on mine. It gets the official BMW visit at two years and an intermediate oil change at my local trusted garage every other year.

It's probably more important to have shorter oil change intervals on a car that does low miles. You risk getting fuel dilution in the oil if you only do short journeys where the engine never really warms up.

My car was new in September 2018 and has just shy of 10K miles on it. It's already had two oil changes, and will get its next one in August/September time.

I also get my old oil analysed to see what's going on. Short journeys don't appear to be causing any damage so far. The report shows a little bit of fuel dilution, but the oil is still well within grade, so nothing to worry about. All wear metals are normal.

I appreciate this seems a little OTT, but I'm planning to keep the car for many years, so happy to give it the best chance of a long and healthy life.

With condition based servicing on these cars, wouldn't the sensors detect if the oil was in poor condition and prompt you to change the oil sooner than scheduled if needed?

[Techno 9000]

Maybe, but I'm another owner that is looking to the long term and getting interim oil & filter changes annually. I buy my oil in bulk when on offer and the total to change at my independent isn't much more than a tank of fuel.

[ian332isport]

Originally Posted by sensible

With condition based servicing on these cars, wouldn't the sensors detect if the oil was in poor condition and prompt you to change the oil sooner than scheduled if needed?

Maybe. Who knows exactly what the sensor detects, or how accurate it is. I’m happy to change the oil annually. It’s certainly not doing any harm.

[cramsnik]

Originally Posted by ian332isport

Maybe. Who knows exactly what the sensor detects, or how accurate it is. I’m happy to change the oil annually. It’s certainly not doing any harm.

Where do you get your oil tested?

[ian332isport]

Originally Posted by cramsnik

Where do you get your oil tested?

I use Millers Oils test kits.

https://www.millersoils.co.uk/oil-analysis/

[sensible]

Originally Posted by ian332isport

Maybe. Who knows exactly what the sensor detects, or how accurate it is. I’m happy to change the oil annually. It’s certainly not doing any harm.

I don't criticise those that want to do this at all, but do wonder if it is any benefit.
I think this stems from good practise from years ago when oils were not as good. Modern oils are now very good and have properties that will last much longer. Coupled with condition based servicing, I am personally happy to change at the two year mark. Just had my first service at two years and 12,000 miles. My idrive had extended my change mileage from 18,000 to 20,000 miles, so the CBS must have detected good oil condition. Obviously, if you buy cheap oil, it will need changing sooner.

[Rbrown]

Welcome. Lots of great advice on here! 👍

[Quantox]

Welcome, loads of help and info here. Enjoy the car.

Cheers

Q