Servicing for 523

[nctan]

Hi,
Just ordered a 523. As this is the first time I own a BMW or in fact a continental car, I need some advise on the servicing.
From this forum some say 523 need to be serviced after 20k+km some 12k+km and some advise to change the engine oil after the first 2500km etc.

Following are my questions.
1. What are the best practice for servicing?
2. Roughly how much does PML charge for servicing? Can we bring our own engine oil?
3. Any recommended work shop if I decide to do it outside? Is it advisable?
4.Heard that BMW engine no need to be run-in, is it true? When can I really drive it "Hard" all the way to the red line.

Appreicate your input.
Thanks

 

[clemgoh]

Re: Servicing for 523

New standard seems to be 12,000km mark is the service interval when it used to be 25,000km. Perhaps 25,000km is abit too long and I agree that perhaps our climate and driving conditions here could require a more frequent oil change.

1) I think it is good to make an oil change at the half way mark - say 5,000km at BM Workshop at Bukit Merah or J4C at Sin Ming - do not reset meter.
2) You can then go back to PML at 12,000km mark for the 1st official oil change
3) PML servicing I find reasonable - less than S$200 should do if I recall
4) I think the engine precision and tolerance level is high - pushing it is fine occasionally - but drive normally and not all the time till after 3,000km
If you over rev, the system will not allow you to do so and change the gear up for you anyway to prevent engine damage.

Fear not and drive it to enjoy. The car is more hardy than that and will not break.

 

[nctan]

Re: Servicing for 523

Thanks for the prompt reply.
What is the recomended engine oil for 523?
Do you bring your own Engine oil to PML or the workshop?

I am asking this as my friend is dealing with engine oil, so I might be able to get some good discount.

Thanks

 

[clemgoh]

Re: Servicing for 523

Understand it is still Ow-40 but this is a thin oil and can mean oil consumption can be higher.
You can do both bring your own Engine oil to PML or the workshop - either way - got to pay for labour
Manual says drive below 2000rpm and do not step hard for the auto to change down for the first 3000km (forgot what it was)

 

[remus7777]

Re: Servicing for 523

I am driving a few month old 520 but I doubt there should be any difference with a 523. I am wondering at what mileage should I go for the 1st oil change or so called 1st servicing. I heard we are supposed to go at 5km? Now I am reading this thread is it 12 km instead of past 25km as well.. Could the rest advice what is the supposed best practice or advice? Many Thanks

 

[clemgoh]

Re: Servicing for 523

It was 25,000km before about 2 years ago for cars sold then until BMW changed this to 12,000km as per on-board meter for the cars now.
U can either follow their recommendations or change at your own free will.
If u think it deserves more care...then change at 4,000km outside at BM Workshop in Bukit Merah, less than the half mark of 12,000 km as this is a new engine. Then next 8,000km, when it reaches 12,000km, then go to PML and reset your countdown meter for oil change

 

[remus7777]

Re: Servicing for 523

Hi Clemgoh,

Many thanks for the kind reply and advice.

Cheers.