Question about service...Every how many miles?

[IS300E30]

My mom just purchased a 2008 BMW 335i convertible. Quick newbie question. How often does BMW recommend to bring in the car for service?

My family is mostly a Lexus family which Lexus recommends every 5,000 miles. What is it with BMW?

[annguyen85]

it depends on the computer, for oil changes, I do every 7,500 miles. For other services, take it in when the computer tells u to

[IS300E30]

Really? There is no set miles or certain amount of months whatever comes first sort of deal? Just wait until the computer tells me? Like I said Lexus I am used to the whole every 5,000 mile check up.

[mryakan]

Read our FAQ sticky. It is all CBS based, and as said above the computer lets you know when anything is due. Only exception is you get the free oil change at the 1 year interval if the car didn't call for it already. Congrats on joining the BMW family.

[pappy1911]

When I picked up my 2008 328i coupe a few weeks ago, the Service Manager said to bring it back in a year.
And that's what I plan to do unless the computer says different.....

[brokenbimmer]

My first regular maintenance (oil filter, ECM update, and brake fluid) was at 17,500 miles. Your mileage may vary.

[Frank ZZR]

My car is just over one year old with 15,000kms. I called my dealer last week and they refused to do the free oil change stating that they will not until the computer says so. My computer is telling me I have to go another 19,000kms or April 2009. That will be 34,000kms before the first change!! They offered to give me free oil if I bought the filter and did it myself. I refused, the car is leased and unfortunately it will become someone else's problem. So much for free service, I will see one oil change in the 3 years that I own the car.

[Jhunter]

My car is just over one year old with 15,000kms. I called my dealer last week and they refused to do the free oil change stating that they will not until the computer says so. My computer is telling me I have to go another 19,000kms or April 2009. That will be 34,000kms before the first change!! They offered to give me free oil if I bought the filter and did it myself. I refused, the car is leased and unfortunately it will become someone else's problem. So much for free service, I will see one oil change in the 3 years that I own the car.

That's over 21,000 miles which does not sound right.

To answer the OP's question the basic interval is 15,000 but this is adjusted based on conditions. With three different 3 series, mine have always indicated service somewhere over 14,000 miles but short of 15,000. This is with a mix of city and highway driving.

[Rooks]

I just read the FAQ and really don't like what I saw.. They include Oil changes, but only when the computer tells you it's time to change? So you can techincally go 15,000miles without changing the oil? Isn't it recommended to change every 3-5k miles? Seems excessive and .. 'unhealthy' for my engine. Even with synthetic, it shouldn't be more than 7500mi normally, right?

I fear for my car :P Im buying, not leasing, so I want to take extra good care of my baby :)

[Frank ZZR]

Just called dealer this morning. Spoke to another person who stated that free oil changes are either 1 year or 25,000kms. Soonest I could get in was June 30. Gotta love BMW service.:rolleyes

[mryakan]

Do not turn this into an oil change interval debate as it will be towed like other threads/posts before it.

[vitacura]

If you are buying the car, learn how to change the fluids/filters yourself! You will save alot of money after the free service is up, and you will be able to do it when you want to and not have to wait for 1 year or until the car tells you it's time.