1200 Mile Service

[Automotive Goals]

So i just got my car delivered this week. Just trying to plan ahead. Seems like there are a lot of talks about what is actually changed on the 1200 Mile Service. From what I am reading, the engine and diff oil are definitely going to be changed. I am not sure about the transmission fluid (manual transmission).

Is it possible for me to change all fluids myself? I believe BMW has to unlock the car to its full potential after the break in period, so would they be able to just do that, after I change the fluids. I just want to make sure that everything is changed, that is supposed to be changed, like the plugs, filters and OEM fluids used.

My dad has been a mechanic for over 40 years, and I have heard enough horror stories, to know that some stealerships might not change everything they say they are going to change.

I know it seems stupid to waste extra money for a service that is free, but I would rather spend a few bucks to make sure that everything is done correctly. I just want to make sure that the 1200 mile service is reflected on to my car, and the car is opened to its full potential after the service (not sure if they have to code something).

Am I just being a bit paranoid, and should just take the car in and hope they change everything? Planning to keep the car for many years, so I am trying to avoid gambling with the car, especially when I can change the fluids without having to pay for the labor (just the fluids).

[forza1976]

You paid for the service... Just have them do it.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Ecoce1

So i just got my car delivered this week. Just trying to plan ahead. Seems like there are a lot of talks about what is actually changed on the 1200 Mile Service. From what I am reading, the engine and diff oil are definitely going to be changed. I am not sure about the transmission fluid (manual transmission).

Is it possible for me to change all fluids myself? I believe BMW has to unlock the car to its full potential after the break in period, so would they be able to just do that, after I change the fluids. I just want to make sure that everything is changed, that is supposed to be changed, like the plugs, filters and OEM fluids used.

My dad has been a mechanic for over 40 years, and I have heard enough horror stories, to know that some stealerships might not change everything they say they are going to change.

I know it seems stupid to waste extra money for a service that is free, but I would rather spend a few bucks to make sure that everything is done correctly. I just want to make sure that the 1200 mile service is reflected on to my car, and the car is opened to its full potential after the service (not sure if they have to code something).

Am I just being a bit paranoid, and should just take the car in and hope they change everything? Planning to keep the car for many years, so I am trying to avoid gambling with the car, especially when I can change the fluids without having to pay for the labor (just the fluids).

You'll be fine. Just have the dealership do it. It's included in the price of your car.You can put that money towards the extra oil changes between BMW recommended ones. If you are so paranoid, just mark the engine oil and differential drain bolts with a permanent marker. Just a small mark so you know where to look for it. You'll be able to tell if it was opened or not.

[Automotive Goals]

I appreciate the advise. Makes sense...I just want to make sure that it is done and not just said "its done". Good idea to mark the bolts.

How about the transmission fluid? Should I change that myself, because I know that the dealer does not change it now.

[clutchdj]

definitely not being paranoid. you want the job done right. its performance car that is rewarding when serviced properly. lazy techs do exist, as do diligent ones. like dsm said first, you can always mark the bolts if want to make sure the job gets done correctly. i guess we can't really use an indy mechanic for the first service ::shrug::

[Automotive Goals]

Originally Posted by clutchdj

definitely not being paranoid. you want the job done right. its performance car that is rewarding when serviced properly. lazy techs do exist, as do diligent ones. like dsm said first, you can always mark the bolts if want to make sure the job gets done correctly. i guess we can't really use an indy mechanic for the first service ::shrug::

yeah it sucks....On my previous e46 M3, I used to do all the work on it myself. So I always knew that only OEM oil was used and Filter was changed every time. Unfortunately, a lot of dealers try to save money, by not changing the filters and sometimes even using the same oil for all of their cars, even though each car does require different oil grade.

I bought a 2008 550i from a used car dealer (that only sells bmw's, porsches, audis) a few years ago. When the car was ready for pick up, I came in and it was standing in the parking lot "ready for pick up". The sales guy started the car, everything seemed fine. He went inside to get all the paperwork out, as I stood next to the car. I did my regular walk around, and decided to look under the car. There was a puddle of oil. They put the car on the lift and after taking off the covers, we figured out that the filter was put in on a slant and the rubber O ring was missing.

The dealer tried to do a good thing and change the oil before I picked up a used car, but instead if I would have not noticed it, I would have drove for 40 miles with a nice oil leak. Hopefully I would have made it home.

Sorry for the long story, but this is the reason I am always paranoid giving in my car to someone to work on it. Especially since I have been working on my own cars, since I was 16 years old.

Wish that BMW would just mark it in the system that the service was done, but allowed me to actually do the service.

Hopefully double work will not have to be done.

[clutchdj]

yeah I understand, did most of my own service on all of my past cars for reasons like that. built up a decent assortment of tools over the years too.
tbh, I'm not sure who's great for service in our region.

let me know if you find a good service center. My dealer is out in PA. not entirely sure if I should go all the way back out there just for the 1200mi service, not because of the distance so much; i just don't know any of the techs.

[zillymc]

Originally Posted by Ecoce1

I believe BMW has to unlock the car to its full potential after the break in period, so would they be able to just do that, after I change the fluids.

I heard this as well from a good buddy who's best friend has a BMW dealership - rumormill has it that the boost is increased by 2psi at 1200mile service? I figured this was a bunch of hooey but I wanted to ask the question since I see this reference to it here as well? Do they do anything at 1200mi service to increase the boost/unlock more?

[aclockwrk]

I recommend changing the MTF, I changed mine at 3,000 because dealer did not at the 1,200 service. They stated its not part of the service even though it's clearly stated in the owners manual. Noticed metallic shimmer in oil, so glad i did it. Plan on keeping car for a long while. Pretty straightforward to do once you remove the protective cover. You will need fluid transfer pump.

[Automotive Goals]

Originally Posted by aclockwrk

I recommend changing the MTF, I changed mine at 3,000 because dealer did not at the 1,200 service. They stated its not part of the service even though it's clearly stated in the owners manual. Noticed metallic shimmer in oil, so glad i did it. Plan on keeping car for a long while. Pretty straightforward to do once you remove the protective cover. You will need fluid transfer pump.

Yea, sounds like a good idea. I think I will do that as well. I would rather be safe then sorry. Especially when the manual clearly says to change it.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Ecoce1

Especially when the manual clearly says to change it.

What page in the manual says that? May have missed it.

Thanks.

[Automotive Goals]

Originally Posted by dsm918

What page in the manual says that? May have missed it.

Thanks.

I seen a screen shot posted in another thread. It was in a Service Manual.

I just checked the Service Manual. They updated to say only the M5 and M6 need the transmission oil changed at 1200 mile service.

Either way, seems like might be an unnecessary step, but I think it can only give benefit and not hurt the car by changing the oil.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Ecoce1

I seen a screen shot posted in another thread. It was in a Service Manual.

I just checked the Service Manual. They updated to say only the M5 and M6 need the transmission oil changed at 1200 mile service.

Either way, seems like might be an unnecessary step, but I think it can only give benefit and not hurt the car by changing the oil.

I agree with you on changing the oil. never hurts. However if you are not going to keep the car beyond 50k miles I would't waste my time or money on it.

[Automotive Goals]

Originally Posted by dsm918

I agree with you on changing the oil. never hurts. However if you are not going to keep the car beyond 50k miles I would't waste my time or money on it.

I am almost certain I will keep it past 50k. Does that mean its best to change the oil at 1200 mile service, or wait until 50k and change it than?

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Ecoce1

I am almost certain I will keep it past 50k. Does that mean its best to change the oil at 1200 mile service, or wait until 50k and change it than?

Absolutely change it now along with the 1200 mile service.

[Automotive Goals]

Does anyone know where I can find a DIY for changing the Transmission Fluid. I searched around, but am not able to find much.

The correct oil is LT-5 Manual Transmission Fluid (83 22 9 405 462), Correct?

Would like to see how much Oil the car requires and best way to change it.

Thanks for the help.

[MrSmileyDC]

Originally Posted by Ecoce1

Does anyone know where I can find a DIY for changing the Transmission Fluid. I searched around, but am not able to find much.

The correct oil is LT-5 Manual Transmission Fluid (83 22 9 405 462), Correct?

Would like to see how much Oil the car requires and best way to change it.

Thanks for the help.

I haven't done it yet. But would assume it's basically the same as any other MT fluid change. Make sure to remove the fill plug first to ensure you can refill the transmission fluid. I used something like this to pump in the new fluid. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2QL0DU..._1CQnwb3VQYG8D

When refilling just pump until the fluid starts to run out of the fill plug hole. Just make sure your car is level. On my e92 it took about 2-2.5 liters, but I also pump a little through first before replacing the drain plug to help flush out any debris.

I don't know what fluid the f80 takes, but it will say on the side of the transmission.

[MrSmileyDC]

Here is one diy. Same basic concept.

DIY: Changing The Manual Trans Fluid In The 335 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80198

[Automotive Goals]

Originally Posted by aclockwrk

I recommend changing the MTF, I changed mine at 3,000 because dealer did not at the 1,200 service. They stated its not part of the service even though it's clearly stated in the owners manual. Noticed metallic shimmer in oil, so glad i did it. Plan on keeping car for a long while. Pretty straightforward to do once you remove the protective cover. You will need fluid transfer pump.

Hey,

How much transmission oil was needed for the change? I read a post that said 1.2 liters. I went to get my 1200 mile serviced one and was going to pick up the transmission oil to do the change myself and the dealer said that I need 8 liters.

[aclockwrk]

it took a little less than 2 before it started to drip out of the fill hole

[Ragged Edge]

I have a 2016 f80 Manual transmission and in the warranty booklet in the glovebox, it says for the transmission fluid to be changed on first service (break-in).
My dealer did it, no questions asked. The BMW engineers said to do it, better safe than sorry.

[Ever.]

Originally Posted by Ragged Edge

I have a 2016 f80 Manual transmission and in the warranty booklet in the glovebox, it says for the transmission fluid to be changed on first service (break-in).
My dealer did it, no questions asked. The BMW engineers said to do it, better safe than sorry.

Would love to see your copy of the warranty/service booklet because I'm pretty sure MY 2016 M3/M4 for both manual transmission and DCT oil are considered lifetime fluids and do not need changing. So unless you and I have different booklets, I doubt this is true.

However, I have heard that some dealerships have agreed to do the transmission oil change for many people. I would personally still change it. But not required per BMW.