[Beamer noob]

Hey guys,

i've been searching and people are getting maintenance renewals for about $1600. I've checked at South Bay BMW and Santa Monica and they will not budge below $2500. Does anyone know someone or where i could go to get it at the lowest rate? At $2500 i might as well just do all this stuff on my own.

I have about 800 miles left until i hit 50k. i have a 330i 2006 and its crazy how much they are quoting me.

Any help is much appreciated

[FCP Euro]

2500 is way to high. I would everything myself even at 1600 but that is just me. From what I am hearing, it sounds like BMW upped their rates on the maintenance in June so that is why it is so much higher but still. 2500 is crazy.

[Krockit]

This past May, I was right were you are now. After alot of research, and quotes $1850 and up, I decided that kind of money buys alot of maintenance. Mike Miller of BMWCCA has published an "old school maintenance schedule" similar to the one BMW dealers followed prior to the 'all maintenance covered' warrantees offered now. Mostly it's fluid changes that are critical. I believe him, follow it religiously and have saved a chunk of dough. You need a really really good independent mechanic. Here's the highlights-

l. Man trans/diff- 30,000. Redline products. (I didn't keep the auto trans schedule- mine's MT.) ($150)
2. Oil and filter- 7.5 to 10,000. ($110)
3. Plugs- 100k. BMW OEM. ($232)
4. Air Filter - 30,000. ($50)
5. Interior air filter- 30,000.
6. Fuel Filter- 60,000.
7. Engine Drive Belts- sepentine- 60k/ V Belt - 30k
8. Coolant- BMW OEM only- ($98)
9. Hoses- 150k
10. Brake fluid- BMW OEM- once per yr. ($90)


In parentheses is what my mech. charges.

I sleep real well at night. Long term, only thing that'll getcha is an auto trans or the electronic gremlins that come no charge with every BMW!

[FCP Euro]

^^^ Good little write up. This proves my point that it is not worth paying to extend the maintenance plan. If you can do all the maintenance yourself, even better.