100K Servicing FAQ for your BMW 3 Series [E90/E92/E93]

ryan

ryan

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Staff member
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Hi all,

As many of you guys approach the 100k Mileage point, first of all - congrats on reaching your milestone.

Prior to heading down to a workshop, here are a general list of things that are important for you to take note:

(Information compiled from a general list of owners experience) and listed from BMW's Inspection 1 and 2 guidelines.


The BMW Inspection 1 Service Generally done every 30,000 - 35,000 KM.

This is the less involved service for your BMW designed to assure the safety and functionality of your vehicle.

Undercar
  • Change engine oil and Oil Filter, check engine at is at normal operation temperature.
  • Check for transmission leaks.
  • Check for rear axle leaks.
  • Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
  • Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Check for leaks.
  • Check power steering system for leaks.
  • Check thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
  • Check brake disc surfaces.
  • Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
  • Grease wheel center hubs.
  • Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
  • Check front control arm bushing for wear.
  • Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
  • Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
  • Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
  • Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.

Engine Compartment
  • Scan diagnostic system with BMW scan tool.
  • Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
  • Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
  • Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
  • Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
  • Check air conditioner for operation.
  • Reset Service Indicator.

Body/Electrical

  • Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
  • Perform battery load test.
  • Check lighting system, i.e. Headlights, fog-lights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
  • Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
  • Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
  • Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
  • Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
  • Check condition and function of safety belts.
  • Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
  • Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
  • Check central locking/double lock.
  • Replace Cabin Filter if applicable.
  • Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
  • Check rear view mirrors
  • Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Road Test

Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission.

======================================================================
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BMW Inspection II Generally done every 65,000 KM

Includes all of the items performed on the Inspection I Service along with some extras such as differential oil change; fuel filter and air filter replacements; Replacement of spark plugs.

Under Car

  • Change engine oil and Oil Filter, check engine at is at normal operation temperature.
  • Check for transmission leaks.
  • Check for rear axle leaks.
  • Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
  • Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
  • Check power steering system for leaks.
  • Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
  • Check brake disc surfaces.
  • Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
  • Grease wheel center hubs.
  • Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
  • Check front control arm bushing for wear.
  • Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
  • Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
  • Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
  • Check condition of tires, tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
  • Check thickness of parking brake linings.
  • Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
  • Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment

  • Scan diagnostic system with BMW scan tool.
  • Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
  • Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
  • Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
  • Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
  • Check air conditioner for operation.
  • Reset Service Indicator.
  • Replace spark plugs.
  • Replace intake air cleaner element (Air Filter).

Body/Electrical

  • Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
  • Perform battery load test.
  • Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, fog-lights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
  • Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
  • Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
  • Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
  • Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
  • Check condition and function of safety belts.
  • Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
  • Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
  • Check central locking/double lock.
  • Replace Cabin Filter if applicable.
  • Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
  • Check rear view mirrors
  • Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


For 1999 and later models, the recommended service/inspection intervals are as follows:

Please note that the KM conversions are slightly rounded up/down - and is used as a general guideline.

Legend:
Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
Inspection I Service (I/1)
Inspection II Service (I/2)
Intermediate oil service (O/F)

5,000 miles / 8,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
10,000 miles / 16,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
15,000 miles / 24,000km – Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
20,000 miles / 32,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
25,000 miles / 40,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
30,000 miles / 48,000km– BMW Inspection I (I/1)
35,000 miles / 56,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
40,000 miles / 64,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
45,000 miles / 72,000km – Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
50,000 miles / 80,000km– intermediate oil service (O/F)
55,000 miles / 88,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
60,000 miles / 96,000km – BMW Inspection II (I/2)
65,000 miles / 105,000km– intermediate oil service (O/F)
70,000 miles / 112,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
75,000 miles / 120,000km – Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
80,000 miles / 128,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
85,000 miles / 136,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
90,000 miles / 144,000km – BMW Inspection I (I/1)
95,000 miles / 152,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)
100,000 miles / 160,000km – intermediate oil service (O/F)

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Next steps for your 100,000KM servicing.

OPTION 1 - Choose to go to an authorized BMW Dealership to get them to do a complete check and always ask them to check back with you prior to making any part changes. Demand for a list of things they have opted to change prior to going ahead. Be clear with your instructions to avoid any unwanted surprises (and un-neccessary cost) For example, if you're already changed your brake fluids recently, your official dealership may change the brake fluid again since it's part of Inspection I / II. Be wary that your official dealership may have issues with aftermarket parts and may not proceed with the inspection changes.

OPTION 2 - Choose to go to a non-authorized BMW workshop to get an opinion on what to change(or not). If you're looking to pay less and to, always choose to have a 2nd or 3rd opinion from another workshop(s) if possible. It may take a bit more time and hassle, but this potentially may save you a few hundred, if not thousands from un-necessary changes.

Your car at 100,000KM has a wide range of variables of wear and tear that come from your personal driving style. So treat this as a general guide, and use your discretion and common sense. Good luck!

For a list of our recommended dealerships and workshops, check out our directories here.

http://www.bmw-sg.com/directories

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Items which are generally replaced at the 100k mark are:

Expansion tank
Radiator
Top Hose
Thermostat
Water pump

Fuelling System
charcoal filter
fuel filter
fuel pump

Price vary from Dealership to Workshops - if anyone has information on the rough prices, it'd be appreciated. Piggyboy's older thread from 2006 may provide additional insight (http://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/bmw-3-series-classics-e30-e36-e46/10297-living-beyond-100-a.html) to general problems when you hit the magic number.

If you have any suggestions on improving this FAQ, please list them below so we can compile a better serving, informative thread.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Re: 100K Servicing FAQ for your BMW 3 Series [E90/E92/E93]

very good writeup, hitting the 100K milestone is truly a feat and will require the correct maintenance
 
Hi folks, does anyone have a service schedule from PML?

I have 2010 E93 and am wondering what the detailed service needs are.

Have recently changed my engine gasket and engine oil gasket too as it was leaking. Somehow that also led to my brakes feeling kind of weak.

Thanks in advance all!

Zach
 
Hi, my car has hit 100k mileage and after going through all the list of stuff that need to be covered for 100k check, done , changed and serviced. Unfortunately after a week, ABS lights are indicating that is not functioning. Any place other than performance motors to check this? Can others run diagnostics just like performance motors ? Any advice would be highly appreciated. I am still driving the car at a moderate speed and with extra car.
 
Harish Methil said:
Hi, my car has hit 100k mileage and after going through all the list of stuff that need to be covered for 100k check, done , changed and serviced. Unfortunately after a week, ABS lights are indicating that is not functioning. Any place other than performance motors to check this? Can others run diagnostics just like performance motors ? Any advice would be highly appreciated. I am still driving the car at a moderate speed and with extra car.
Click to expand...
Site sponsors are a good start
http://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/categories/bmw-specialist-workshops-and-servicing.165/

I personally only tried 2 of them (due to proximity of location) and find both good
 
This is fantastic! do you also have something like this for the 520i F10 2011? i tried to find it at the 5 series forum, i couldn't find as neat and well mentioned for every detail as this. i've already reached its 100k KM mileage... well i've recently bought it off when it was 90k KM. the car's age is nearly 7 years now. i would like to know what sort of maintenance and checking i should be looking into at this mileage now.

let me know please. thanks!
 
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