BMW is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world. Known for luxury, performance, and innovation, owning a BMW is a proud moment for any car lover. However, like any car, a BMW needs regular service to keep it running smoothly and safely. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about BMW service in simple language. We’ll cover why service is important, what happens during service, how often you should service your BMW, and much more. This guide will help you understand how to care for your car so it stays in top shape for years to come.
Why is BMW Service Important?
If you own a BMW, you must be often concerned about its optimal performance. In this regard, regular maintenance is very important. If we compare, just as we need food, water and even exercise to stay fit, a car also needs periodic checks and maintenance. This is where BMW’s service comes into play. It helps maintain the good condition of the car, assures safety while driving and avoids the possibility of major problems from occurring.
Why You Should Consider BMW Service
- Regular service helps ensure that your car checks are safe for you and your family.
- Regular servicing prevents the engine and other components from working under more stress or breaking down.
- If minor problems are not addressed and fixed in time, they can become serious issues.
- An old BMW that has been properly serviced saves more value than those that have been less serviced.
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What Happens During BMW Service?
When you take your prized BMW for service, well-trained technicians will perform a variety of checks and activities to ensure the good performance of your car. They also have direct service calls from BMW experts, which means all work is done on time. So let’s take a look at the features of servicing:
- Oil Change – To prevent the engine parts from breaking down, the engine oil will be renewed. Engine oil contains a lot of impurities, especially after prolonged use and it can become viscous and choke the engine.
- Oil Filter Change – It is very important to change the oil filter, else there is a risk of dirty oil with contaminants going into the engine and this can endanger the engine.
- Air Filter Check – This service is also provided and the air filter is renewed when needed. This filter enables the engine to breathe in the right amount of air without dust or dirt which can hamper its efficiency.
- Brake Inspection – The condition of the brake pads and brake fluid is observed to ensure that they are serviceable. Safety depends a lot on the brakes.
- Tire Rotation and Alignment – Proper tire rotation is done to avoid uneven wear and tear on the tires. Alignment is done to check if the car has any tendency to move off-centre.
- Battery Check – The battery of the car is checked to determine if it is capable of starting the car and supporting its electrical system.
- Fluids Check – Several fluids like coolant and washer fluid are topped up by technicians after checking them.
- Software Update – As the car is computer-based, sometimes it is necessary to update the computer. They will ensure proper software upgrades for your car’s system.
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How Often Should You Service Your BMW?
The company advises that servicing may be required depending on your model and mileage. Most cars will be serviced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year, but more frequent servicing may be required if you drive your vehicle in extremely hot or snowy weather, heavy traffic, etc.
Types of BMW Service
- Routine Maintenance – This includes oil changes, tyre rotations and brake checks. Performed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
- Major Service – Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, Major Service will involve a more in-depth check than Regular Service, including changing spark plugs and transmission fluid, for example.
Common BMW Service Tasks Explained
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common service tasks and why they’re important.
Oil Change
The engine is the heart of your car, and oil is like the blood that keeps it running smoothly. Over time, oil gets dirty and loses its ability to protect the engine. Regular oil changes ensure that the engine runs smoothly and avoids damage.
Brake Service
This is one of the most important safety features in your car. Technicians check the brake pads, rotors, and fluid as part of the brake service. Worn brake pads need to be replaced. Brakes must work properly so you can stop on time and safely.
Tire Rotation and Alignment
Tires wear out over time, but they don’t wear out evenly all the time. Rotating them will make them wear out more evenly, and therefore, last longer. Proper alignment ensures that your car drives straight and prevents tyres from wearing out unevenly.
Battery Check
It starts your car and runs all the electronics like lights and radio. The power intensity it provides can decrease over time, and it drains faster if you frequently drive short distances. Checking the battery ensures that it has enough power to keep your car running.
Air Filter Replacement
The car engine needs clean air to burn fuel efficiently. It prevents dirt and dust from entering the engine. Thus the performance of the car and its fuel efficiency can be improved through replacing the dirty air filter.
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BMW Service Indicator: What Do the Lights Mean?
BMW cars are manufactured with a servicing indicator system. So, whenever your car is due for servicing, the indicator will appear on the dashboard and different lights will flash. Some of those lights and their meanings are as follows:
- Oil Service Light – This light comes on to inform you that you need to change the oil in your car.
- Brake Service Light – This light indicates when the brakes need to be checked or replaced.
- Tire Pressure Warning Light – If this light comes on, one or more of your tyres is probably low on air.
- Check Engine Light – This warning light may indicate a problem in the engine or a vital system. Identify it early.
DIY Maintenance: What Can You Do at Home?
While it’s best to have a professional BMW technician take care of your car, there are some simple things you can do at home to keep your car running smoothly.
- Check Tire Pressure – Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all your tires every month. Properly inflated tyres will improve fuel economy and mileage before you need to replace them.
- Top-Off Fluids – It’s easy to keep fluids like windshield washer fluid, coolant and brake fluid topped off at the second service. Remember, use the recommended fluid for your vehicle.
- Wash and Wax – Generally, every BMW owner keeps their car clean and protected by washing and waxing it regularly. This keeps the paint and the car looking new for years.
How to Find a Reliable BMW Service Center
No matter how much you try to take care of your BMW, there comes a time when it needs to be serviced. Finding such a person becomes very difficult and frustrating. Below is how to do it:
- Look For Certified Technicians – BMW only uses certified mechanics and this means that they are specially trained for servicing BMW vehicles.
- Check Reviews – Search review sites or talk to previous customers at the centre to find out what kind of customer service they offer.
- Compare Prices – Get pricing from different service providers and evaluate the prices charged by different companies for the same service. Enjoy the service but make sure you are not being overcharged.
- Seek Recommendations – For example, ask some close friends or relatives who own a BMW where, unlike others, they manage to take their car for servicing.
BMW Service Plans: Are They Worth It?
BMW offers service plans that cover the cost of regular maintenance for a set number of years or miles. These plans can be a great option if you want to avoid surprise expenses. Here are some of the benefits:
- Cost Savings – By paying for a service plan upfront, you may save money on future services.
- Convenience – With a service plan, you won’t have to worry about budgeting for service each year.
- Peace of Mind – A service plan ensures that your car will always receive the care it needs to stay in top shape.
Conclusion
Having your BMW serviced periodically is one of the most effective ways to ensure its performance, safety and efficiency. The good news is that there is a way to keep your BMW in good condition for many years to come. That is by servicing your BMW and knowing what to do after a service appointment and how to take care of your car before the next appointment. Even if you do some maintenance at home or visit a certified BMW service centre, you will still need to take care of your vehicle on an ongoing basis for a better driving experience.