[chatoyer]

Bought an 2011 E90 328xi a little over a month ago. Oil and brake fluid was changed at 14,000 miles, which was a year ago. That's been the only service it has, and right now the odometer at 20,000 miles. Computer not calling for oil for another 9000 miles or so.

Just read through Mike Miller's excellent old school maintenance document. As a result, I'm having the oil changed by the dealer this week at my expense (but asking them not to reset the computer) because it's been a year.

Because I'm very much old school, I'm also thinking of having them do the following:

- replace coolant
- do the interior and engine air filter
- change the power steering fluid
- asking them about changing the AWD transfer case oil

Anything else folks think I should get them to do?

- chatoyer

[BKV122]

Wouldn't hurt to get what you mentioned done too. But be prepared to pay for that, as bmw will not do other maintenance unless the cars computer calls for it under their maint warranty plan.

[Squark]

My dealer replaced my oil under the maintenance plan each year even if the computer didn't call for it. That was the extended maintenance plan that went to 100k, so it might be different than the new car plan (not sure), but it's worth an ask.

I personally think that doing everything you listed at 20k is overkill and would be pricey. Of course over-doing maintenance is much better than under-doing it. The coolant is "lifetime". I plan on changing mine at some point too, but 20k is very low mileage for a flush. I think the engine air filter is every 45k, and your computer will tell you when the cabin air filter is due. If you do the cabin air filter I highly recommend changing it yourself (just got mine from Amazon for $23). It takes less than 10 minutes and will save a lot of money.

[chatoyer]

Thanks for the replies.

At first I was quite keen on DIT stuff for E90s. I'm not handy, but saw how easy it was online and figured I would take the leap. Then I accidentally poured oil into the gas tank of my snowblower (was doing an oil change after a long winter) and that pretty much decided for me that I should DEFINITELY stay away from this kind of thing.

Squark, you raise a good point re: bring overkill. This isn't my first BMW (E36 318i), but I'd like to keep it at least until they correct the things they've got wrong with the F30 (*bam*).

What I might do is let them do the oil (and I'll ask about what you mentioned) but have a good chat with them about the other stuff. Maybe even get some quotes first before signing.

[PA66400]

Not to be cynical, but I will. Don't worry about your coolant change. it will come automatically when your electric waterpump fails between 100,000 and 120,000 kms. They all do, and you get a coolant exchange as part of the $1000 repair.

[chatoyer]

Not a bad idea. Reading a bit on how it might be better to proactively do the water pump closer to 100kms and, as you say, get the coolant.

Amazing how, even at 20,000 miles, we make plans for work to be done in three or four years time.

[chatoyer]

Just back from dealer. Asked about doing the fluids I mentioned above. SA said he would like to make money, but that he would be stealing from me because the car does not need it. He said maybe in a few years. I appreciated the honesty, and he respected that I was doing the oil even though the car was not calling for it (apparently non unusual - many customers do off-cycle oil changes, he said).

I was done in an hour. Very impressed, so feel comfortable in trusting these guys.