The first step in a car maintenance program is self-preparation. Carefully study the materials of all Sections related to the upcoming procedures, then prepare all the necessary materials, equipment and tools. If you are afraid of encountering problems when performing any specific work, consult a specialist.
Maintenance performed according to the service interval indicator on the dashboard
Scheduled maintenance due indicator
The mileage remaining until the next maintenance is indicated to the driver in the ignition key position 1 by the service interval indicator for a few seconds after starting the engine. Additionally, inscriptions may light up "OIL SERVICE", "INSPEKTION", as well as a clock symbol indicating that the next oil change is not necessary. Minus sign "-" before the message indicates that the service period has exceeded the specified kilometers.
As a factor to be taken into account when calculating service cycles, the microprocessor also takes into account the operating conditions of the vehicle, such as short or long distance driving or the driver's driving style, in addition to the mileage travelled.
At the service station, after an oil change or after a service has been carried out, the service interval indicator is reset. To reset the display, a special electronic device is required, which is sold by BMW dealers and KLANN under the number KL-0585-10. Authorized BMW workshops must, at the request of the owner, reset the interval indicator free of charge, even if the service was carried out by the owner himself.
To ensure optimal engine performance, it is recommended that all checks be carried out by a BMW workshop in order to be able to read the contents of the fault memory of the self-diagnosis system. Refer to Section Troubleshooting. During the operation of the engine management system, malfunctions may occur that are imperceptible to the driver, which are automatically ignored by the emergency operation program. The consequence of this is the operation of the engine in a suboptimal mode, which, for example, leads to increased fuel consumption. Such a fault is recorded in the fault memory.
Schedule of ongoing maintenance
The suggested recommendations assume that the maintenance procedures of the car are carried out by the owner himself, as opposed to the work performed at the service station of the representative office of BMW. The service intervals for your BMW 3 Series depend on the conditions in which it is used. While this schedule is based on manufacturer's recommendations, intervals between most procedures can be shortened at the discretion of the vehicle owner, such as checking and changing lubricants and fluids at intervals that maximize engine or drive life. In addition, if the owner of the car is interested in keeping it in a state of maximum readiness for use in case of a possible resale, many procedures can be performed more frequently. We only welcome such an initiative.
The initial maintenance and inspection of a new car must be carried out at a service station of the representative office of the company, in order to fulfill the conditions of the warranty obligation. In most cases, this verification is free of charge (For further information, please contact the representative office of the company).
Monthly or every 1500 km (what comes first)
- Check engine oil level (Chapter Checking fluid levels).
- Check engine coolant level (Chapter Checking fluid levels).
- Check Brake/Clutch Fluid Level (Chapter Checking fluid levels).
- Check windshield washer fluid level (Chapter Checking fluid levels).
- Check tire condition and pressure (Chapter Check the condition of the tires and the pressure in them. Designation of tires and wheel rims).
Maintenance work "OIL service" (The message on the dashboard lights up after starting the engine "engine OIL service").
Under severe operating conditions, in particular when driving in the city cycle and on short routes, frequent movements in mountainous areas, when transporting a trailer and excessive dust, the service interval should be halved.
Annually or every 15,000 km
All weekly checks, plus:
- Change engine oil and oil filter (Chapter Changing the engine oil and oil filter).
- Check engine air filter element, replace if dirty (Chapter Replacing the air filter element).
- Check the thickness of the front and rear brake pads (Chapter Brake checks).
- Check parking brake lever travel, adjust if necessary (Chapter Brake checks).
- Replace the cabin air filter element (Chapter Replacing the Cabin Air Filter Element).
- Reset the service interval indicator to its original position (refer to the materials above).
Maintenance work "INSPEKTION SERVICE I" (On the dashboard, after starting the engine, a message appears "Inspektion I").
Every 2 years or 20,000 km
All of the above, plus:
Engine and exhaust system
- The first time after 3 years, then every 2 years: Check the exhaust system, check the idle speed, CO concentration, ignition timing, read out the contents of the fault memory (STO, Specifications).
- Check the condition of the V-belt (Chapter Checking the condition of drive ribbed belts).
- Check the level and frost resistance of the coolant in the cooling system. Check for leaks and clean the grille from external contaminants (Chapter Checking the functioning of the cooling system and frost resistance of the coolant).
- Make a visual inspection of the engine and elements of the engine compartment for fluid leaks (Chapter Check of a condition and replacement of hoses of an impellent compartment).
- Visually inspect fuel system hoses and lines for leaks and leaks (Chapter Check of a condition and replacement of hoses of an impellent compartment).
- Check the exhaust system for external damage (Chapter Check of a condition of system of release of the fulfilled gases).
Clutch, manual transmission, AT and final drive
- Check hoses, lines and clutch connections for tightness (Chapter Brake checks).
- Check the gearbox, rear axle final drive, wheel drive shafts, hinge protectors for leaks of lubricants and fluids, and damage (Sections Checking the oil level in the manual gearbox, Checking the Condition of Suspension and Steering Components).
- Check the cuffs of the hinges of the drive shafts (Chapter Check of a condition of protective covers of power shafts).
Front suspension and steering
- Check the tie rod ends for backlash, the reliability of fastening damage to the anthers (Chapter Checking the Condition of Suspension and Steering Components).
- Check the protective covers of the steering rack for damage and leaks (Chapter Checking the Condition of Suspension and Steering Components).
- Check power steering fluid level, top up if necessary (Chapter Checking the fluid level of the power steering system). Check the steering gear, pump, and piping and connections for fluid leaks.
Body, equipment
- Check underbody protection and body paintwork for corrosion and damage (Chapter Body and Section Visual inspection of the body and its bottom).
- Visually check for damage to security systems (belts and pillows) (Chapter Checking the seat belts).
Brakes, tires, wheels
- Remove wheels, clean and lubricate centering belt. Rotate and, if necessary, change the wheels. When installing, tighten the wheel bolts crosswise, with the force specified in the Specifications (Chapter Wheel rotation and replacement).
- Check tread depth, tire pressure, tire wear and damage (including spare wheel) (Chapter Check the condition of the tires and the pressure in them. Designation of tires and wheel rims).
- Check the thickness of the front and rear brake pads, the condition of the surface of the brake discs. When the brake pads of the rear brakes are scheduled to be replaced, the thickness of the parking brake pads should be checked at the same time (Chapter Brake checks).
- Check the travel of the parking brake lever, adjust if necessary (Chapter Brake checks).
- Check lines, hoses, brake cylinders and brake system connections for leaks and damage. Top up brake fluid if necessary. (Sections Brake checks, Checking fluid levels).
Electrical equipment
- Check the function of all electrical consumers, controls and indicators.
- Check and adjust the headlight beam if necessary.
- Check wiper blades for wear. If the brushes move unevenly, check the installation angles (Chapter Checking the condition, replacing the brushes and adjusting the wiper angle).
- Check the operation of glass and headlight washers - the installation of nozzles, the patency of the system tubes.
- Check the battery electrolyte level. Check the reliability of fastening terminals and holders (Chapter Battery check, care and charging).
- Reset the service interval indicator (refer to the materials above).
Every 2 years regardless of distance traveled
The clock symbol on the dashboard lights up.
- Change brake fluid (Chapter Brake Fluid Replacement).
First time after 3 years, then every 2 years: Read the fault memory of electronic systems, check idle speed, ignition timing and CO content.
Maintenance work "INSPEKTION SERVICE II" (On the dashboard, after starting the engine, a message appears "Inspektion II").
Every 4 years or 40,000 km (what comes first)
All of the above, plus:
- Petrol engines: Replace spark plugs (Chapter Checking and replacing spark plugs).
- Replace element and clean air filter housing (Chapter Replacing the air filter element).
- Diesel engines: Replace fuel filter (Chapter Checking the fuel system, replacing the fuel filter. Operation of a diesel model in winter conditions).
- Lubricate door latches and lock cylinders with multipurpose grease (Chapter Lubrication of hinges and door locks).
- If necessary, replace the battery of the single lock remote control (Chapter Replacing the remote control key battery).
Every 4 years, regardless of distance traveled
- Change the cooling system fluid).
Every 150,000 km
- Replace oxygen sensors (lambda probes).