[shk21]

hey all, a newbie here..

Just got a 06 320i M sports with 50,000km on it. Last service was done 38,000km so requires another one soon. (2,000km to go according to computer)

A couple questions..

1. Is there a good, reliable, affordable BMW service shop in Sydney? (that can also reset service light on dash)
2. How much can I expect for an oil change service?
3. Is there anything else I should change for 50k service?

thanks.

[cruvon]

Talk to Steve, is a BMW mechanic and would highly recommend him, contact him on bmw.minitech@live.com or can PM you his number

[Cadillac]

After having all the services on my 335 coupe done at Trivett for last 4 years (66,000KMS) and having something every time forgotten or not fixed I went to Peter Maybey in Crows Nest
Dealt directly with the owner Greg\g who has a genuine interest in the car
http://www.petermabeybmw.com.au/

No cheaper than Trivett but the service was better

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Oil change at my dealer was low to mid 300s.

Not much else to change at 50,000kms, car computer will tell you. Maybe brake pads will be due for a change if it's had a stop-start life.

[shk21]

thanks for the replies. I will try the places mentioned.

BTW, is it normal for steering to be heavy? coming from a Lexus, the steering, especially at low speed, seems very heavy... was trying to check power steering fluid under the bonnet but could not find it. Any ideas? Also, is it worthwhile changing the transmission fluid as it's been 5 years since new?

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by shk21

thanks for the replies. I will try the places mentioned.

BTW, is it normal for steering to be heavy? coming from a Lexus, the steering, especially at low speed, seems very heavy... was trying to check power steering fluid under the bonnet but could not find it. Any ideas? Also, is it worthwhile changing the transmission fluid as it's been 5 years since new?

steering will definitely be heavier than a lexus. however it shouldn't be HEAVY but that's subjective I guess.
Perhaps check tyre pressures all around specifically the front ones.

BMW claim the tranny is 'sealed for life' - many people believe in leaving it like that as the fluid has 'bonded' to the transmission environment and just as many people believe that it’s a good idea to change it to keep it fresh.
For peace of mind, change it, especially if you’re going to keep the car a long time, but it’s extra $ you may not need to be spending.

[kunz]

Wow Stu, you paid $300 for an oil change?!

How hard is it to do one yourself? Used to take me 10-15 minutes top in my RX8. I might as well do one on mine. Love having new oil =]

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Yep 300 is the going rate at a dealer. What's also important is that little stamp in your logbook that improves your resale. That's what you're paying for as well I guess.
DIY oil changes aren't hard.

The Mazda would've been easy as well, but also the Mazda probably holds less oil, the Beemer will hold nearly 10Litres of oil as well so that's where part of the cost comes from too.

[kunz]

I'd only be doing an oil change myself in-between major services. Even with the RX8, I had to pay a premium to Mazda for that little stamp since I bought it brand new. 7litres of rotary oil isn't cheap either!

[MO3]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

Yep 300 is the going rate at a dealer. What's also important is that little stamp in your logbook that improves your resale. That's what you're paying for as well I guess.
DIY oil changes aren't hard.

The Mazda would've been easy as well, but also the Mazda probably holds less oil, the Beemer will hold nearly 10Litres of oil as well so that's where part of the cost comes from too.

Are you sure your car holds 10 litres of oil??

My car takes 4.25 litres.

[sbce90]

Steering does feel heavy and stiff at low speed unless you have active steering I think.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

maybe more like 6-7?... def more than 4 if doing a full oil change.

[MrBBQwer]

Steve is the best. I love his services.

Stu recommend Steve to me. Thanks Stu

[sbce90]

lol cruvon recommended steve to me

[Ninjaoz]

so this steve guy, does he have a shop? can someone please PM me his details?
thanks

[nosmash]

Originally Posted by shk21

thanks for the replies. I will try the places mentioned.

BTW, is it normal for steering to be heavy? coming from a Lexus, the steering, especially at low speed, seems very heavy... was trying to check power steering fluid under the bonnet but could not find it. Any ideas? Also, is it worthwhile changing the transmission fluid as it's been 5 years since new?

steering is definitely heavy compared to a lexus. this is based on experience and having driven both a lexus and 3 series brand new. my wife complains about her arms aching after driving the 120.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by nosmash

steering is definitely heavy compared to a lexus. this is based on experience and having driven both a lexus and 3 series brand new. my wife complains about her arms aching after driving the 120.

damn if she finds the steering heavy how does she cope with the cooking, cleaning and ironing :P

... and more info on Steve. What's the go with him lol.

[nosmash]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

damn if she finds the steering heavy how does she cope with the cooking, cleaning and ironing :P



... and more info on Steve. What's the go with him lol.

she's not complaining as long as she's got dough for shopping :

You can also try BEMW at Castle Hill. I forgot the number but should be in the yellow pages. I went to them to have the front and rear brakes changed (whole set) last year for the 1er for $700 all up.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Ninja333

so this steve guy, does he have a shop? can someone please PM me his details?
thanks

no shop but he contracts at BMW dealerships and knows our cars. Will PM you his number.