BMW Servicing and Maintenance
BMWs are carefully engineered and therefore need to be maintained properly. It’s important that you keep on top of BMW services, otherwise it could lead to expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
But how do you know when your BMW needs servicing? Is it possible to identify maintenance issues between services to avoid unwanted repair bills?
BMW suggests that you regularly inspect and service your car to ensure it works healthy and lasts for years to come, whilst holding resale value. Potential buyers will see the maintenance history and be more confident about the vehicle lasting longer when the owner has taken proper care.
At SB Autocare, we have created this guide to inform BMW owners about the best way to maintain and service their vehicles.
Let’s get started!
Service Intervals Recommended by BMW
BMWs work on a condition-based service model. This is unlike other vehicles as instead of a time interval between services, it works out the condition of components and fluids and adjusts depending on your driving style. Sensors closely monitor the condition of the engine oil, brake pads, brake fluid, filters, spark plugs and overall engine health to determine when it’s best to next take your BMW in for a service.
The iDrive system in your BMW is the best way to work out when your vehicle is next due for a service. In the menus and vehicle settings, you can see the service due date or distance until your next service is due. You could also drive normally and wait until a ‘service’ light appears on your dashboard. This usually appears around 4 weeks in advance to give owners enough time to book.
BMW advise that the longest time between services should not exceed two years. BMW has a central database where it stores all vehicle service records. If you need to find out more about your service schedule, consult your service or vehicle handbook for tailored advice on your specific vehicle.
Will my Driving Style or External Factors Affect My Service Schedule?
The way you drive, and the climate conditions affect how often your BMW needs a service. For the condition-based system, the more extreme climates, and harsh conditions you may need more frequent services. The same is said for driving in slow-moving traffic.
Lots of aggressive driving also impacts service schedules as components wear out quickly. If you drive carefully with no harsh acceleration and braking, then components last longer and may need to be serviced less often.
BMW’s condition-based service model closely monitors the condition of your components and driving habits. To ensure your BMW is healthy, service it at the suggested time based on this model.
Signs that your BMW Needs Maintenance Before Your Next Service
The Engine Control Unit (ECU) helps work out when there are issues with your engine, electrical system, drivetrain and more. A warning light may display on your dashboard to alert you about a fault in one of these systems.
Also when a service is due, you may see a ‘service’ light on your dashboard. Also, there may be a symbol of a car on a ramp with a ‘SERVICE’ message.
Your BMW might not detect other issues with your vehicle and won’t display a warning light. In these instances you might have suspension issues, noticing sounds of knocking when driving around corners or over bumps is a tell-tale sign that something is up. As the suspension system is a mechanical component, there is no connection to the ECU to warn you about faults.
It’s also important to notice any unusual sounds coming from your engine bay. If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when the BMW engine is running, it could mean that a belt is worn and needs replacement. The auxiliary belt operates the water pump, alternator and air conditioning systems and needs replacing every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on the model.
Other issues that may arise include a generic ‘check engine light’ which means that something is faulty in a system that does not have a dedicated warning light.
With any of these issues that could appear on your BMW, you must take it to professionals for inspection and repair. Our team at SB Autocare are BMW experts and know all about the different issues that BMWs have. We fix and maintain our customer’s cars to high standards set by BMW themselves. We also only use genuine or recommended high-quality parts during our service and repairs and take extra care when handling customer vehicles.
Maintain Your BMW Properly
Your BMW is the ‘ultimate driving machine’ and needs to be maintained properly. In this guide, we uncover the condition-based service schedule and how to detect when your BMW needs attention.
At SB Autocare, we know how important it is that your BMW is kept in good condition. With our team of experts on hand to assist, we help maintain your BMW properly and adhere to manufacturer guidelines.
Sometimes your BMW may be telling you that it needs attention, even before its next service. You mustn’t ignore these signs. If you hear a strange noise, feel odd vibrations, or notice a dashboard warning light, reach out to SB Autocare. We are your local BMW specialists, here to get your car back on the road working as it should.
