Running-in Service E46 M3
Discussion
Background: Process of buying 53 Reg E46 M3 SMG II Estoril Blue Cab with TV SAT NAV, 30, 000 miles. Currently carrying out background checks. Service book states no stamp for running-in servicing.
I phoned BMW Cust Services and they were very helpful. The car has had 21 visits in total with minor warranty issues such as video module, high level brake light, soft top sealant, 4 wheel alignment, tyre pressure monitor issues.
The problem is this: the first dealer had nine visits from the car (my local dealer coincidentally) and I thought i'd pop in and speak to them direct (phoned other dealers and gave me releavnt info). The car was in on 1110 miles to have a tyre pressure monitor check and then in at 1501 miles for a four wheel alignment. There is no record of a running-in servicing. On three accounts I find this hard to accept, one the owner has spent over 55k buying the car and presumably the running-in check was included in warranty, secondly BMW would've recognised it needed the running in check when taken in for alignment and thirdly the on-board computer must've been screaming until it had oil service/micro filter at 17, 600.
Im at a bit of a loose end guys, apart from talking to the chap who orginally had the car first (impossible me thinks) I don't know what else to do?? I don't want to jeopardise not buying the car but the running in service is key and as you guys have pointed out it is a must have.
Regards in advance
I phoned BMW Cust Services and they were very helpful. The car has had 21 visits in total with minor warranty issues such as video module, high level brake light, soft top sealant, 4 wheel alignment, tyre pressure monitor issues.
The problem is this: the first dealer had nine visits from the car (my local dealer coincidentally) and I thought i'd pop in and speak to them direct (phoned other dealers and gave me releavnt info). The car was in on 1110 miles to have a tyre pressure monitor check and then in at 1501 miles for a four wheel alignment. There is no record of a running-in servicing. On three accounts I find this hard to accept, one the owner has spent over 55k buying the car and presumably the running-in check was included in warranty, secondly BMW would've recognised it needed the running in check when taken in for alignment and thirdly the on-board computer must've been screaming until it had oil service/micro filter at 17, 600.
Im at a bit of a loose end guys, apart from talking to the chap who orginally had the car first (impossible me thinks) I don't know what else to do?? I don't want to jeopardise not buying the car but the running in service is key and as you guys have pointed out it is a must have.
Regards in advance
BMW customer service would have a record of it beibg done, if it had been. If the dealer can not show it has been done, then assume the person you will want sell it on to when the time comes will also have difficulty proving it had been done.
I too find it hard to believe its not been done, but you need evidence of it for your records.
I too find it hard to believe its not been done, but you need evidence of it for your records.
Well, on the evidence it wasn't done. So price the car accordingly.
Bear in mind though that BMW will NOT warrant any car which misses it.
I know of a guy here who has a 360 Modena which he got new, which he has had serviced once in six years. He just "can't be bothered" and "doesn't see why it needs a service when it only does three thousand miles a year."
Vesuvius 996 said:
I know of a guy here who has a 360 Modena which he got new, which he has had serviced once in six years. He just "can't be bothered" and "doesn't see why it needs a service when it only does three thousand miles a year."
Speaking as an engineer I'm inclined to agree - all servicing should be on condition with calendar backstops for items that deteriorate like brake fluid. Not unlike BMW then! I have the view that the MoT should be 10k mileage and 12mths Calendar whichever comes first! And from new too.Anyway as for the Beemer - don't touch it! I think the factory oil fill is a thinner, less lubricating, running in oil that should be changed at 1200 miles. If it hasn't BMW cancel the (engine) warranty and excess wear is likely. I'd walk away S54 engines are eye wateringly expensive and there's plent of others about.
It was the first thing I checked when I bought my BMW AUC Z4M. The book, the salesman and at a separate main dealer.
It's a myth that the running-in oil is any different from the regular oil. And the OBC doesn't display a countdown for the running-in service on an E46, but that may have changed on new M3s & 5s.
From a pure mechanical / engineering perspective I'd question how much value it has, but it will affect resale values so either use it as a hard bargaining tool, or be prepared to suffer the same way when it's passed on. Although, as these cars age I would be a lot more concerned with how they've been treated in the majority of it's 50-60k life, rather than the first 1,000 miles.
From a pure mechanical / engineering perspective I'd question how much value it has, but it will affect resale values so either use it as a hard bargaining tool, or be prepared to suffer the same way when it's passed on. Although, as these cars age I would be a lot more concerned with how they've been treated in the majority of it's 50-60k life, rather than the first 1,000 miles.
When I bought my E39 M5, I was told by the salesman that all M cars are filled at the factory with a thinner than standard oil, in the engine, gearbox and differential that must be changed at 1,200 miles, and at the very latest 1,800 miles, for the proper stuff. I'm sure this is also mentioned in one of the booklets that comes with the car.
If this service is not carried out, then the warranty can be affected on these parts. BMW will also not allow an extended warranty to be bought for the car, and will not allow their dealers to retail it as an approved used car.
If this service is not carried out, then the warranty can be affected on these parts. BMW will also not allow an extended warranty to be bought for the car, and will not allow their dealers to retail it as an approved used car.
Rich H said:
It's a myth that the running-in oil is any different from the regular oil.
my BMW dealer said its thinner when I quizzed them - wasn't totally convinced though
Rich H said:
the OBC doesn't display a countdown for the running-in service on an E46, but that may have changed on new M3s & 5s
You're right it doesn't - it just counts down from new on my 07/07 Z4M S54 engine. M5Dave said:
I'm sure this is also mentioned in one of the booklets that comes with the car
I can't find the rationale for the service in my Z4M booklets only several references to it being needed at 1200mls (one reference to 1200km!) and that the engine, gearbox and differential oil is changed.Chessers said:
For what it's worth, if it's not stamped then i would steer well clear. I looked at loads before buying mine and without fail all the M cars I saw had the running-in service stamped in the book.
I wouldn't buy one without the running-in stamp and quite a few others wouldn't either.
Yeah Chessers and all those who helped in this forum i've decided sadly not to go ahead with the decision to buy. The M3 is a specialist piece of machinery and without the prelimanries well there isn't much hope!I wouldn't buy one without the running-in stamp and quite a few others wouldn't either.
M3 BABY!! said:
Chessers said:
For what it's worth, if it's not stamped then i would steer well clear. I looked at loads before buying mine and without fail all the M cars I saw had the running-in service stamped in the book.
I wouldn't buy one without the running-in stamp and quite a few others wouldn't either.
Yeah Chessers and all those who helped in this forum i've decided sadly not to go ahead with the decision to buy. The M3 is a specialist piece of machinery and without the prelimanries well there isn't much hope!I wouldn't buy one without the running-in stamp and quite a few others wouldn't either.
Have you tried looking on the BMW website. Compared to privately advertised and independant dealer's cars, I don't think BMWs prices are too over the top, especially when you consider the AUC package and the peace of mind they offer.
BMW Park Lane have what looks like a very nice '53' plate car in Mystic blue with a good spec, although not SMG, and only 13,000 miles for £23,990.
M5 Dave - Yeah mate had a look but my heart is really set on the Estoril blue. I don't know what it is but it's so trick, Ferrari's are red, Lambo's are yellow, Aston's are grey and well M3's are esto blue!! The colour itself is unique to a very special car. I would only consider another colour at a price to good to be true (which is never so there goes that theory!!).
Cheers tho buddy
Cheers tho buddy
Sorry you didn't land the car but IMHO you did the right thing. If you're spending a lot on a car you have to think about resale value and without the service stamped I think you would struggle.
I don't know where you are based in the UK but have a look at Independent Motor Company as he always has loads of M3's in. I have never purchased a car from them but they advertise in BMW Owners mag and the guy I spoke to when I was interested in one of their cars seemed to be honest enough on the phone.
Like I said, I don't have any first hand experience of actually buying from them but someone else on the board may know.
There is also another guy on here DONUT (I think) that a lot of the guys rate, so maybe PM him and ask him to give you a call if anything to your spec comes in.
Just remember that it make take a while , but in the end you'll get just the car you wanted, mine took 3 months!
Good luck
I don't know where you are based in the UK but have a look at Independent Motor Company as he always has loads of M3's in. I have never purchased a car from them but they advertise in BMW Owners mag and the guy I spoke to when I was interested in one of their cars seemed to be honest enough on the phone.
Like I said, I don't have any first hand experience of actually buying from them but someone else on the board may know.
There is also another guy on here DONUT (I think) that a lot of the guys rate, so maybe PM him and ask him to give you a call if anything to your spec comes in.
Just remember that it make take a while , but in the end you'll get just the car you wanted, mine took 3 months!
Good luck
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