Need Your BMW Serviced? Foreign Affairs Motorwerks Is Here To Help!
We like to think of BMWs as similar to Henry Wadsworth’s poem, “Girl With The Curl.” Like the poem, when the girl was good, she was excellent. BMWs are like that too. They are luxurious, wonderful to drive, and surprisingly practical. Treat them right, and you’ve got an excellent machine. Treat them wrong, and you’ve got to walk to work. We’re trying to say that this all boils down to how you handle BMW servicing.
Before we explore some interesting quirks and features of BMW servicing, we want you to know that we are fully authorized to manage your BMW extended warranties and service plans. Let’s look at 3 important areas of BMW servicing.
1. Oil Changes
If you forget everything else in this article, remember this one thing. Change the oil on time, every time. The best way to look after your vehicle is to change the oil. The effects are widespread. Not only does the engine live longer, but you’ll get better gas mileage as a bonus.
When should I change the oil? Here’s an old trick of ours. Look up the interval your BMW service book recommends. Usually, this is about every 10,000 miles. Then ask yourself, do you love your auto? If yes, take that interval and halve it. That is when you should be changing your oil. Don’t drive that kind of mileage in a year? No problem, just get it changed every year.
We know that you may have heard that new synthetic oils are the miracle cure for service intervals, and yes, they are much better than the gloop your grandpa was using in the truck. However, airborne pollutants, and heck, even good old oxygen, degrade oil from the moment you crack the can.
2. BMW Service Inspection I
If you’ve just bought a BMW, you might wonder what this inspection jargon is. It is basically a clever plan of BMW’s to spread out your service costs by having certain items checked/replaced at different times.
They usually alternate every 60,000 miles. Other manufacturers call these minor or major services and do away with the oil-changing bit. Basically, an inspection is a usual oil change service plus some detailed engine computer, brake system, and climate system checks. During this inspection, brake pads, light bulbs, engine coolant, and several other areas of the vehicle will be assessed.
3. BMW Service Inspection II
Includes inspection I and will also change spark plugs (if appropriate), air filters, and check the body for corrosion. Parking brakes will also be assessed during an inspection II.
Understandably the costs of the service increase with the inspection number, so unless you have a service plan, we suggest you budget for them in advance.
Confused? Give us a call at 954-746-0488, request an appointment, or pop into our Pompano Beach auto repair shop where our ASE team will be able to answer all your BMW-related questions.
If you’re between services and feel like doing something car related, why not check out our ultimate detailing guide?