Car service?

[Kayless]

My Car is due a service but I would like to know what a service acually consists of. Unfortunately neither the service book or the handbook has the details, neither can I find on the web, it seems to have become a closely guarded secret! Anyone any idea where I can find his info out. (BMW 7 Series) BMW are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Thanks

[whatmeworry]

All cars/maufactures will vary, but there is a list of things that are pretty standard

http://www.goodgarage...service-checklist.pdf

[Kayless]

Thanks, that's useful.

[whatmeworry]

Also If you type "BMW 7 forum" or "BMW 7 user groups" into google or whatever you use, sign up to a couple and ask there you may get more specific info

[whatmeworry]

Getting closer, this is for the E32

http://www.bmw7resour...n%20II%20Schedule.pdf

[TWR]

If you take it to the dealers Kay, be prepaired to pay £70+p/hour, if you want the car serviced to the BM Spec, ask your local family run garage to use genuine BM parts, Eg/ filters etc, if you type in TIS in Google this site consits of BMW Info.

[TWR]

BMW TIS Online Repair Manuals, All you need is here.

[Kayless]

thanks TWR that's a useful site

[VHG]

Note that there are minor services and major services. Minor services may be at say 10,000 miles, major servcies might be at 20,000 miles (cars do vary)

A minor service might be oil, oil filter, air filter and other "small" items so should not be too expensive.

A major service will be more complex (like a timing belt change) and could cost a lot more.

[Kayless]

OK TWR, on that site I find my car and model then there is a list of subjects with "maintenance and general data" at the top then that goes on to a "general" list if things. Is that list the service shedule? What I'm looking for is basically a list of what to do that you'd follow if you were going to service it yourself (i'm not don't worry!) Also as VHG says there is usually a Service A/B etc, I can see nothing about that. Sorry if i'm being thick here!

[TWR]

I never thought that for one min Kay, if the service light has come up on the dash you will need a reset tool to knock this off when the service is completed, eBay £1500 the are simple to use, regards the service get all your service bits first, Oil, I use Duck hams 5W/40 Fully Syn5 litre + NGKs Spark Plugs, BKR6EK, Oil Filter, Air Filter, + Fuel filter, if it has Air Con you will be wise to replace the filter also, brakes all around need to be fully checked by removing the road wheels ( Don't mix these up as the have a directional travel on some) in other words do not put the off/s/front to the N/S/front, check the tyres (5) the pressure front +rear are different, I keep my spare at 30lb, when doing the service do a visual check on the Rubber brake pipes + metal all around s these are a MOT Failure, check the underside if you have some car ramps but safety "IS A MUST" the hand brake is self adjusting, check ALL lights, the brake light can be done by placing a piece of wood against the seat & on to the brake pedal. wiper blades, check for cracks on the blade ( MOT Failure) washers, if the jets are blocked use a pin to clear. Seat belts/ Front Rear again if not fastening MOT Failure, Gear Box or Auto these need to be checked & also the rear Axle, this is a Torx tool as is the Gear box + Sump plug, when I do a service I drop the oil fill up with cleaning oil run the engine for about 20 mins drop then refill with Duck hams, if you are not well up Kay do not do it, a decent local family run garage will do the job for you at a 1/4 of the cost as the dealers as long as the book is stamped & going off the age of the car I would not worry, I have been fortunate with mine as I have all the details from the car being bought from new, good luck If I can help, ask. OH, get yourself a Haynes Manual around £18.00 auto car spares shop or look on Ebay.

[martinjr]

Go to Youtube and look for 'reset service light for ....make/model of your car'. Mine is a BMW316i and I found the procedure there - costs nothing!!!

[TWR]

You need the tool to knock the dash warning light off Martin.

[Kayless]

thank you TWR, martin I'm not trying to cut corners just trying to understand the process.

[martinjr]

TWR, I'm a little rusty on this but, on recollection, I recall using a procedure on the odometer and ignition switch to reset engine warning and yes, a special little plug-in tool for the oil reset....and Kayless, we are all trying to help!!

[TWR]

No probs Martin, I purchased the tool myself, as it happened there was one left by the previous owner in the boot. it a 2 min job. & if your looking Kay, a lot of people can not get the just of these Service books & the way some have been endorsed, do not keep knocking yourself as you do, there are a lots of people on here that think they are bloody Einstein?? If we where we would not be asking for solutions to problems would we. It usually takes one mechanic to service a car by the way & should be one to sign the service book.