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Enhanced Maintenance Schedule

Factory Scheduled Maintenance vs Condition Based Service

Every BMW has a specific recommended maintenance schedule that should be performed when your BMW hits a certain mileage or time interval. This is called Factory Scheduled Maintenance (FSM). Not all BMWs require the same schedule, so it’s important to know your exact model.

In newer BMW automobiles, a Condition Based Service (CBS) system is used. This system creates individualized service requirements based on data collected from the vehicle using sensors, driving conditions and time intervals. It details what items need to be replaced or serviced. It is both flexible and economical for serviceable items and has the benefit of being tailored to your driving habits.

To complicate things further, some believe that current FSM standards are inadequate for properly maintaining an expensive high-performance touring car. We tend to agree with that philosophy, so the following service schedule has been enhanced to improve performance, reliability and longevity.

Learn more about CBS →

Enhanced Factory Scheduled Maintenance

System
Miles
Years
Notes
Break-in service 1,200
  • For new cars and new/rebuilt driveline components.
Oil and filter 5,000 1
  • Use only Castrol 5W-30 synthetic motor oil or equivalent.
  • Capacity: Approximately seven (7) quarts.
    • 6.8 quarts
    • 6.5 liters
  • Use only BMW filters or MANN, Mahle or Knecht.
  • Filters should always be changed with the oil.
Brake fluid service 1
  • Also change prior to each driving school or track event.
  • BMW recommendation: Replace every 2 years
Engine air filter 15,000 2
  • Use only BMW filters or MANN, Mahle or Knecht.
  • BMW recommendation: Replace after every 3rd engine oil change (CBS).
  • BMW terminology: Intake silencer
Cabin microfilter 15,000 2
  • Some models have two types of interior air filters: Regular and activated carbon.
Engine coolant service 2
  • Drain and replace.
  • Use only factory BMW anti-freeze mixed 50-50 with distilled water.
  • BMW recommendation: Designated as “lifetime fill” (long-term rating).
Spark plugs 30,000
  • Use only BMW spark plugs.
  • BMW recommendation: For 335i, replace every 60,000 miles or at every 4th engine oil service (not shown in CBS).
Power steering fluid 30,000
  • (BMW offers no recommendation)
Differential oil 30,000
  • Use only BMW specified synthetic differential oil.
  • Possible plastic bearing-cage failure.
  • BMW recommendation: Designated as “lifetime fill” (long-term rating).
Battery 5
  • Use of a “battery maintainer” is recommended.
Fuel filter 60,000
  • Use only BMW filters or Knecht, MANN, or Mahle.
  • Replace with new fuel pump.
  • BMW recommendation: Designated as “lifetime fill” (long-term rating).
Engine drive belts 60,000
  • Use only BMW poly-ribbed serpentine belts.
Automatic transmission fluid 60,000
  • Use only genuine BMW ATF fluid and filter pans.
  • BMW recommendation: Designated as “lifetime fill” (long-term rating).
Oxygen sensors 100,000 6
  •  BMW “Service and Warranty Information” manual is vague on this item.
  • Could be determined by CBS.
Coolant and fuel hoses 120,000
  • Use only BMW hoses with the original hose clamps or Wurth/Zebra replacements.

Sources

  • BMW Service and Warranty Information
  • Lifetime Maintenance Schedule by Mike Miller, technical editor of Roundel Magazine
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The author of this website makes no warranties, express or implied, that the data, schedules, products, procedures, and opinions contained herein are accurate or complete. Furthermore, the author disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages that result from any use of the data, schedules, products, procedures or opinions contained herein. The author of this website does not advise or recommend do-it-yourself automotive maintenance or repairs. People who work on cars assume the risk of injury, death, or worse. Readers of this website who engage in do-it-yourself repairs, do so at their own risk, and hereby release and hold harmless the website author from any and all claims whatsoever. BMW has not reviewed, endorsed or approved this website in any way. Nor did we ask them to.
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