[jamesinaz]

My wife has a 2014 X3 28i with 36K miles. So it was whining it wanted maintenance and I took it in for an oil change. Since the dealer wasn't crazy expensive compared to my alternative I took it to the dealer.

OK the oil change and inspection (car wash, tire pressure, etc) was what I was quoted around $170. He then shows me a quote for additional maintenance he says is "usually" performed at various schedules and tells me there is a tiny oil leak near the turbo. That repair and other filter maintenance and carbon cleaning of the engine etc was $1700.

Seriously. $250 for a cabin air filter? Heck, I'll but another car with a 3 year warranty before I drop that kind of dosh on stuff I can't even tell it needs.

[LogicalApex]

$250 for the cabin filter. That's wild. BMW Value Service would have that filter coming in at $54 parts and labor at the dealer...

https://bmwusaservice.com/valueservice

[jamesinaz]

I kinda thought those were Scottsdale prices. Here is the actual breakdown.

Flush Brake System - $271.71
Micro Filter - $284.84
Engine Decarbon Flush ? - $248.35
Fuel Injector Flush - $248.35
Oil leak dripping from exhuast turbo charger - $543.16

Surreal. The car is only worth about $15K at this point. And will probably drive fine for several more years when I'll replace it. Crazy train.

[VChenz]

You don't need the decarb flush (scam...never works) same goes for fuel injector flush. Modern fuel is chock full of detergents. Make sure you drive the snot out of the car regularly to keep the buildup down (it'll burn off)



Brake flush is $150 at any European independent/specialist...buy the air filter on Rock Auto (30-60 bucks) or fcpeuro and have the same independent do that service as well. Or...do it yourself in 15 minutes

That leaves the turbo gasket replacement. Not sure the labour /hours or parts required so I can't comment on the price of that.

[jamesinaz]

Thanks. I was convinced it was mostly fleecing the unwary. The leak is my only real concern. I have a local german car specialist and will take the car there for actual needed work.

[BMWCCA1]

Just make sure you change the oil at least twice as frequently as the factory interval if you want that 4-banger to see 80k.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Just make sure you change the oil at least twice as frequently as the factory interval if you want that 4-banger to see 80k.

I seriously doubt I'll know where this car is at 80K. It took my wife 7 years to drive it 36K and she drives less now than she used to. But good advice and noted.

[Bdavi011]

Maybe the turbo line isn't even leaking and maybe it's the valve cover gasket? I would definitely go to an independent shop that works on BMWs. Everything else quotes, don't even bother. If you change your oil around 7.5k miles, then you won't need an engine flush. Same with the fuel injector flush, just drive it hard every now and then. Microfiber is a 15 minute job with no special tools and the filter itself is around $25 in fcpeuro if I remember correctly.

[andreigbs]

This is one of the main reasons people gripe about maintaining German cars. Being able to do light maintenance yourself is key, especially on cars that are a few years old and outside the "carefree" maintenance plan dealers do.

The only thing I haven't done myself is the brake fluid flush, even though I could have. After doing them on many cars in the past, I just prefer to pay someone instead.

Which, coincidentally, I did yesterday: $128.

In my limited experience with BMWs, they seem very practical and accessible to work on for preventive/scheduled maintenance.

[jamesinaz]

Originally Posted by andreigbs

This is one of the main reasons people gripe about maintaining German cars. Being able to do light maintenance yourself is key, especially on cars that are a few years old and outside the "carefree" maintenance plan dealers do.

The only thing I haven't done myself is the brake fluid flush, even though I could have. After doing them on many cars in the past, I just prefer to pay someone instead.

Which, coincidentally, I did yesterday: $128.

In my limited experience with BMWs, they seem very practical and accessible to work on for preventive/scheduled maintenance.

If I were younger I'd probably do all this stuff myself. When I was young I rebuilt a transmission, carburetor and did all my own brake work etc. I confess after multiple surgeries and my body hurts to kneel or get up off the ground and having enough money to pay someone else I am pretty sure I'll never turn a wrench again. But I also don't want to overpay.

BTW I know I'm aging myself having rebuilt a carburetor. On a 64 Comet no less.

[anyland]

Great tips here. Thanks all.

[kevink1]

I replace the cabin air filters (both above glove box and under hood) and the engine air filter myself after getting a high quote. The only tool is a needlenose pliers for the glove box one. And flashlight.

[Whiteman]

My local BMer dealer just sent me a very special offer of only $99 (Australian) to test my X3 battery. Wow! How do they stay in business ��

[shoman24v]

Go to an independent shop and the prices will be less. Or, try to DIY the easy stuff and save hundreds on each service.

[ItsmeX5]

The recommendations here are top notch. I recently bought both cabin filters (along with other maintenance items) and it was very easy to do. My 2012 had cabin filters in the engine bay and also in the passenger glove compartment