What maintenance do I need to do

[AbeFroman]

My aunt gave me her 2003 Z4 2.5i (auto).

It has 29,500 miles and the Inspection indicator flashes and it says "-600". I'm not sure if she had the Inspection done.

She had the oil changed at 15k by the BMW dealesrship.

What recommended maintenance should I do? For the most part, I think I can do them myself.

[Hawkeye]

The Inspection I does not need to be done yet. I would suggest getting it in for am oil change as they usually reset that when doing the 15,000 mile oil change. If you do your own oil changes in between that then they usually won't reset it though.

The first inspection is technically at 50,000 miles I believe (or a little more than that for non-M's). I don't know when Inspection II is.

Definitely get in for an oil change asap though. It is going to be about $80-$100 most likely just FYI

p.s. Welcome to the post.

[AbeFroman]

I got this from the z4-forum:

Yep, it is important to check, verify and adjust things, but equally important to change your operating fluids if you want your cars systems and components to last.

My basic maintenance schedule for the Zed is:

Engine Oil/filter: 7000 to 7500 miles or once a year. High revving engines need better oil protection.
Automatic Transmission fluid/filter: 30,000 miles or every four years. Especially the Automatic Transmission.......
Manual Transmission: Best case 30,000, worst case 50,000 miles
Differential fluid: Best case 30,000, worst case 50,000 miles

Drain and flush the coolant every two years. Coolant does not wear out, but the corrosion resistant properties fade.
Flush the break fluid every two years. Its hydroscopic - absorbs water. Reduces temperature that fluid will boil.
Change Spark Plugs every 50,000 miles. Very cheap insurance.
Replace upstream (front) O2 sensors every 65,000 miles. The design life of most O2 sensors is 60,000 miles.
Clean my Air Filter every three to six months..

What do you think?

[AbeFroman]

I called an independent shop and for oil/change and inspection 1 they're charging $275. The guy aslo mentioned he can update the computer for $125? He said they'll check if I need any fluids flushed and drained.

[jmillet]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

My aunt gave me her 2003 Z4 2.5i (auto).
It has 29,500 miles and the Inspection indicator flashes and it says "-600". I'm not sure if she had the Inspection done.
She had the oil changed at 15k by the BMW dealesrship.
What recommended maintenance should I do? For the most part, I think I can do them myself.

You'll find the Service Maintenance Checklist for your 2003 Bimmer here: http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/bmw/service
Unless someone has reset your Service Interval Indicator prematurely it's telling you the car is 600 miles past due for Inspection I
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...6&postcount=18

[CalRick]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

The Inspection I does not need to be done yet. I would suggest getting it in for am oil change as they usually reset that when doing the 15,000 mile oil change. If you do your own oil changes in between that then they usually won't reset it though.

The first inspection is technically at 50,000 miles I believe (or a little more than that for non-M's). I don't know when Inspection II is.

Definitely get in for an oil change asap though. It is going to be about $80-$100 most likely just FYI

p.s. Welcome to the post.

Actually, I think that Inspection 1 is at nominally 30k - my si has "inspection" indicated as the next service after the initial nominal 15k oil service. In any case, check the owners manual for the proper service instructions - they should also be available on the BMWNA website if it's not in the car or on your aunt's bookshelf.

If she had the service/inspection done by a dealer or competent independent BMW shop, the service indicator should have been changed to reflect the next required service, so I would say to go ahead and have the inspection 1 service done.

BTW, the primary difference between a BMW "oil service" that's done nominally every 15k miles and a standard oil change that most of us have done in between (or BMW will do annually as part of the standard service plan that has probably already expired on your car,) is that the "service" changes the cabin air filter along with the oil and filter.

[Hawkeye]

I thought that was one of the things an M got the we wouldn't, was the Inspection 1 (over $1K) under factory warranty while the Si and i's usually never get to it cause of the computer.

What am I thinking about then?

[CalRick]

Inspection 2 is the biggie (tho the M's need a valve adjustment on both, IIRC) which an aggressivly driven M can reach within the 50k with a bit of effort, but is a pretty far reach for a non-M.

[AbeFroman]

Yep, it is important to check, verify and adjust things, but equally important to change your operating fluids if you want your cars systems and components to last.

My basic maintenance schedule for the Zed is:

Engine Oil/filter: 7000 to 7500 miles or once a year. High revving engines need better oil protection.
Automatic Transmission fluid/filter: 30,000 miles or every four years. Especially the Automatic Transmission.......
Manual Transmission: Best case 30,000, worst case 50,000 miles
Differential fluid: Best case 30,000, worst case 50,000 miles

Drain and flush the coolant every two years. Coolant does not wear out, but the corrosion resistant properties fade.
Flush the break fluid every two years. Its hydroscopic - absorbs water. Reduces temperature that fluid will boil.
Change Spark Plugs every 50,000 miles. Very cheap insurance.
Replace upstream (front) O2 sensors every 65,000 miles. The design life of most O2 sensors is 60,000 miles.
Clean my Air Filter every three to six months..

Is this a good guide or a little overkill?

[jmillet]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

Is this a good guide or a little overkill?

How long do you plan on keeping the car? Unless your Z4 is subjected to unusually severe operating conditions why not follow the BMW recommended service intervals and perform those items called out by the BMW Service Maintenance Checklest for your year and model Z4?

[AbeFroman]

Originally Posted by jmillet

How long do you plan on keeping the car? Unless your Z4 is subjected to unusually severe operating conditions why not follow the BMW recommended service intervals and perform those items called out by the BMW Service Maintenance Checklest for your year and model Z4?

As long as I can I suppose.

[Matty C]

Originally Posted by AbeFroman

I called an independent shop and for oil/change and inspection 1 they're charging $275. The guy aslo mentioned he can update the computer for $125? He said they'll check if I need any fluids flushed and drained.

Buy your own oil, It will help keep the cost down. In Germany the oil at BMW is about 25 Euro ($35) per litter. Same 10w60 at a car service center is only 16 Euro ($24) per liter. At least you can bring the cost down some.


I don't think the costs should figure in. You are getting a good deal on the car.