Here at BM Tech, we believe the services are becoming too infrequent. The new 3 series (E46) and 5 series (E39) are being serviced every 20,000 to 25,000 kms. The advances in lubrication and metal technology have improved remarkably in the last 10 years and extending the services intervals does make sense, but doubling the intervals, in our opinion, is just too much. Marketing departments are also under pressure to sell more cars and are using the “minimum service required” selling point to obtain that extra competitive edge.

The results are being noticed already with cars being towed in for problems which are normally picked up during regular services, such as, Water pump failures and sludge build up in the lubrication system has resulted in many engines becoming seized due to the blockage of oil galleries. Even tyres are wearing out pre-maturely because uneven wear was not picked up earlier, which could have been rectified by a simple wheel alignment.

Generally speaking, it will be the second, third and fourth owners etc. who will be bearing the brunt of the ultra extended service intervals. Not only costing the owners more expense but giving the BMW product an unfavourable name.

To try and combat the ultra service intervals for the new 3, 5, 7, M and Z series, all our clients have the option of personalising their service schedule to include: