BMW Service

[Cybersharque]

My dealer admittedly has had problems with its service department. I have put up with abusive service people to an extent that boggles my own mind, but I guess that's my dumb luck.

I just had my X5 serviced at the dealer's brand new facility and thought the service was much improved. However, there was a glitch. Maybe it's my expectations...

With every car I have ever owned (30 years now), whenever I have had the car serviced for any purpose, the mechanics have always checked the fluids and made sure that the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid was topped off.

Today, I picked up the car from having the brakes and front end serviced (car is in warranty). Got home and the "check engine oil level" warning displayed on the cluster. I checked the oil level and found that it was below the lowest mark.

I called the service department and they acted like I was from Mars. The car was not in for an oil change, so why would they check the oil? It turns out that this is not just a dealership practice: it's true for BMW as a corporation.

Now the real joy: the manual says to add only additive-free synthetic oil to the crankcase. It also says to let the dealer add any oil that might be needed. Nevertheless, the service department says I should do it myself and use Mobil One, even though the Mobil One website says that "Mobil 1 0W-40 is made with a patented proprietary blend of high performance synthetic basestocks fortified with Supersyn Antiwear Technology, our most advanced additive system available today." So, my concern is that if I follow their advice, I might be voiding my warranty. And I don't think for a minute that the dealer or BMW would back up the advice given by the service department.

So the bottom line is that this has been my first and my last BMW motor vehicle. Enough is enough.

 

[epj3]

Just do it and act stupid if they ask if you've ever added oil. Say "no way I never open the hood, thats your job"

 

[Big Daddy]

Mobil 1 is additive free! when is says, "Mobil 1 0W-40 is made with a patented proprietary blend of high performance synthetic basestocks fortified with Supersyn Antiwear Technology, our most advanced additive system available today." they mean that the oil is created from a base stock and by adding to it they create the "most advanced" oil today. If they did not add to the base stock you would not have a real motor oil. By additives BMW means things like Teflon, mechanic in a can, etc. Mobil 1 is a very good oil and will do no harm to your car.

 

[MrElussive]

Cybersharque, I can understand your disappointment regarding the dealership not checking your oil. I think that is a bit weird for them not to check real quick, but at the same time BMW dealership service departments are extremely busy these days and they need to get one car done after the other ASAP. Also, while your manual states to let your dealership add or change your oil, it is also your duty as the primary driver of the vehicle to keep oil, coolant, and other levels in check. The service intervals for BMW vehicles are so far apart that it basically has to be up to the driver to make sure fluids and other things are all at normal levels and operating conditions. Fortunately, the car does let you know when fluids are low.

I suggest you pickup a bottle of the proper Mobil 1 oil for your vehicle and add it in yourself. It won't take much time and it is much easier than going back to the dealership. As for future service visits, perhaps you should request that the dealership check fluid levels.

By the way, welcome to the forum.

 

[Kirby]

If I am not mistaken, Mobil 1 was the factory fill in BMWs until a few years ago. They then hooked up with Castrol. BMW labeled oil is really Castrol Syntec.

Either of them are fine for your bimmer and will not cause any issues. For over 30 years, my pre-BMW experience has been that if I take a car in for brakes or other specific mechanical work, they don't check the oil/fluid levels. The only time they did that is when I have it inspected.

The exception is actually with my BMW dealer. They do everything without me asking. In fact, several times when I had the car in for service they WASHED it by hand just because it got a little dirty at the dealership from tree pollen!

Don't let this really minor issue force you to write BMWs off forever, IMHO that is being a bit extreme.

 

[MyHarley]

I think it has to do with the service writer as well.........mine always puts down, check out the car for her and is marked "hand wash only."

Years ago I used a Firestone facility for warranty rotation and balance (not a BMW)....after about two years the guy said the tires are wore out from non-rotation. I said you all have been doing this every 5000 miles for two years........he states, no we have been balancing for two years you never said rotate and balance......even tho I had the warranty for rotate and balance I forgot what idiots could be lurking in service centers......Discount Tire from that day on....

Its sad when someone leaves the BMW family due to the service center.......the car has enough issues without the service center adding to those issues....

 

[epj3]

That's why it's awesome to be like me, and just not pay someone to touch my car!!

 

[DRWWE]

There is a sign on my 530's engine that says BMW recommends Castrol. My dealership told me that Mobil 1 was also accepatable. I always keep a bottle of oil in my garage just in case. I doubt you will void your warranty for putting oil in your car.

[driving2]

 

[foomonkey525i]

That's why it's awesome to be like me, and just not pay someone to touch my car!!

Right on.