Cost of Service post 100k
 

Even though I still have a couple of years to go, I wanted to check and see what kind of service expenses to expect once I cross over the 100,000 mi mark and will be responsible for paying all my service fees myself.

I have a 2005 X5 4.4 w/Sport

How much to expect for things like oil changes, brake pads changes, major services, etc?

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area (Foster City) and wouldn't mind going to a non-BMW facility - which by the way, can someone recommend me a good one?

BR,
Dygital

My experiences with three BMWs (although my X5 < 100k miles) have shown a few key issues to enjoyable ownership that won't bankrupt you.

1) Maintain the vehicle. Do NOT adapt the attitude of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Fluids, filters, belts, hoses, and other components must be changed to keep from costly repairs following inconvenient breakdowns later.

2) Do as much as you can yourself. Changing oil and filter, spark plugs, etc... is much easier on my BMWs than on other cars I've owned. It's somewhat opposite of what you'd expect, but BMWs are typically easier to work on, especially for "regular" maintenance items, than many other cars. Specifically, never even think about paying a dealership, or even an independent, to change your oil and filter. I don't know of an easier auto to do this on than a BMW, and you'll save at least 50%, while using better oil than most shops will, to boot.

The arguments against BMWs for their high repair costs are usually made by people who aren't tech savvy at all, have no desire to become even a little savvy, and take their machines to a dealer for everything.

Just my $.02, but I've seen it happen enough times to convince me.

MG
:thumbup:

MG, thanks for your feedback - I fall into the "people who aren't tech savvy" category, BUT I am willing to learn to do my own oil change on my X5. However, I live in an apartment complex and don't have a garage to work on the car. Is my only option to pay a mechanic?

I agree with Max as to changing your oil on your own, if you cant at least pick up a BMW oil filter or have the dealer change it. I have driven 3 BMW's over the 300K mark and maintenance for all have been minimum. I have learned over the years that it ends up cheaper to take your BMW to the dealer than to the indy. Yes, the individual indy visits are cheaper but I found myself visiting the indy much more often... The dealer has all the proper tools to read all codes and knows what preventive measures to look for... Since I change my own oil and do my own brake maintenace, I normally see the dealer once every year or two.

this has been my key to success with BMW, some can say I have just been lucky, but I have owned 10 or 11 BMWs over the past 20 years, and to not have a lemon in one, some part of my maintenace has been good. I had a few that nickled and dimed me for a period but that is when I started realizing that running back and forth to the indys was costing me so I only deal with the dealer now.

That does add a challenge to the mix. Some things like air filters or cabin filters require basically no tools at all, so that would still be fine in a place without a garage. Oil changes and spark plug changes require relatively few tools and space, so that might work also. But it will be a challenge without a place for tools and supplies. I didn't realize you lived in an apartment.

MG

I'm glad you've had success with the dealers; honestly, you're one of the few happy BMW owners I've heard who said that. It took exactly one trip to the dealer to buy parts and being charged SIX TIMES (yes, I'm serious) the price I could buy the parts for online to make me a stranger at the dealership from then on. But, I'm glad you're experiences have been better.

MG

If you want to learn about maintenance and what it takes to do each job, I would recommend buying a Bentley manual as it explains things pretty well. They are available from many retailers.

www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=bx56

You are correct on the over priced parts, can't argue that... Parts that I can replace myself I will buy online or wherever I can find cheaper... But for servicings I just have to go ahead and pay the price... I love to drive so I want my girls to run right.

I got mine at 88k miles 2 years ago and now at 126k miles. Here's the major work I've had done to give you an idea of what you may be in for:

1) The 100k mile was done at an Indy shop by a family friend (only prob is it's in Gilroy, CA). Cost was $2k for the major service (the bigger out of Service I/II can't remember), new brakes and rotors throughout, and replacing a leaking Power Steering hose.

2) Thermostat replacement and clean O2 sensors for $240. (stealer quoted $1400 and Indy quoted $800.

3) Replace Water Pump that gave out. $800 at Indy shop in San Mateo CA.

As for Indy shops, I highly recommend Holland Car Care in San Mateo. They specialize in BMWs and found the prices to be reasonable and service is 10/10.


This weekend, I've got the following scheduled with a mechanic buddy:
- repair broken drivers door
- replace torn CV boots

Generally, oil changes run about $80-120, Service I/II around $300-400 (not including any extra things they find).

2) Thermostat replacement and clean O2 sensors for $240. (stealer quoted $1400 and Indy quoted $800.


Did you change new o2 sensors or did you cleaned w/ what chemical?
Was it run good after you clean o2?
I need advice