F30 320d - 2 additional pitstops within service window

[GR8-DAD]

I bought a low mileage demo in 2013. All services went smoothly until I hit the 40 000 km mark and had the car serviced beginning Dec 2014 (about 40 800 odo). I asked the service consultant at SMG Century City to ensure that all is perfect as I was driving up to Sun City in 2 weeks time, a 3200 km return journey. When I collected the car I enquired about the brake pads as it has not yet been replaced and they ensured me it is still well within limits until the next service. 2 weeks later on my way to SC, 600km into my journey my warning light came on informing me to cautiously proceed to the nearest BMW dealership for replacing the front disk pads (less than 1000 km since my service!!!). Eventually (due to lack of interest from SMG to assist) BMW on Call collected the vehicle at Sun City and had the front pads replaced at Rustenburg BMW (Odo just over 43000km).

Now on 47 000km and warning light just went on to replace the rear braked pads . - which is going to be done later today.

My question is, is this normal??? Does BMW realize the inconvenience it causes its customers with this ridiculous set-up? I can understand the cost saving issue for BMW - but it is costing me a lot more time and money to take my car in an additional 2 times between service intervals. My next service should be around 55 000 km - but where does this stop?? - what else is going to have to be replaced "inbetween" service intervals???

 

[Derrick125]

I had that problem with my M3, it said a few thousand ks to next service and then a warning light suddenly appeared. I had to take it in.

I think the answer is in your question - on the thousands of cars that they sell a few hundred kilometres makes a difference. They'll do certain repairs only on a needs basis.

 

[sash]

I understand your pain, i service my E60 privately and the problem is the same the services are conditions based.

I just did an oil service and was late with the mandatory inspection, but already have the next item on the list due in around 10000km(cant remember what it is. Had the same issue when i had to do the brake fliud service as well it came about 2000km before oil service, but since i can see it on the i-drive i managed to do them together.

Problem with BMW and MP is that they wont do until it is within a certain range. Technically most cars are the same with condition based servicing being proactive and recommending to replace or inspect based on factors like mileage, driving style and other info whilst other cars we are reactive and will repair or replace when we see/hear/feel something out of the ordinary.

 

[double-n]

The same thing happened to my E90 335i 2 years ago. The car was at BMW Menlyn 5 times that year (2 times for repairs). I only did about 25,000km through the year. They're only allowed to replace stuff if the car tells them to. I think if you drive average kilometers with the average amount of city/highway, the services will "sync up". If not, you end up with a situation like this.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

It is for this very reason that I will NEVER again buy a newish bmw on MP. I only get good service from Club motors Fountains, but what if I am far from them?
Will rather drive out of plan BMW's I can take to independent specialists.

 

[c0mrade]

they not real mechanic's any more they part fitters :crazylaugh: the IT guy's know more about the cars than the mechanics , i've had similar problems :thumbs:

 

[GR8-DAD]

Thanx guys - just got back from the dealership in Claremont. they explained to me that dealerships have the authority to perform routine servicing/replacement of parts that falls within 2000km from the service, but they also have the option to request permission from BMW SA to replace parts/do work if the car is going on a longer trip that is going to cover that mileage.
In my case the SMG dealership didn't bother doing this even after I requested.

Well then, oil service in 7000km and nothing before that raise:

 

[peanut125i]

My F20 has been saying it needs brake pads in 2200km for the last 5000km covered. So no idee what it wants me to do. Guess nothing. I really don't like this conditioned based service crap.

 

[WyKiD]

Unfortunately this issue is not limited to BMW had the same crap with Audi, had to take car back for brake pads 4000km after a service.

When I queried this, standard response that the instruction is from Audi HQ not to change if it exceeds minimum spec. So nevermind the inconvenience to the vehicle owner, manufacturers just looking at their bottom line and customer satisfaction is thrown out the window.

 

[harleyzx1400]

My E92 has been back to Forsdicks in Tygervalley 8 times in less than 6 months for the famous "reduced engine power" warning. First sludge in motor, which was cleaned, then the vanos solenoids for cleaning a couple of times, until finally they replaced ONLY the exhaust vanos solenoid. One guess where the car is today? Yip, you guessed it......at Forsdicks for the same flippin problem. Mechanics? No, guys, I do not think any dealership has any nowadays. They just fit what the computer tells them to do. Very frustrating and a total ball ache taking and collecting the car. Oh, I forgot to mention, they done went and fu@#$d up the rear bumper too. Took them 2 weeks to fix and spray that. Beyond useless.

 

[RR001]

IT guy's know more about the cars than the mechanics

AMEN !!!

:biglol:

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

My F30 320d spent many a day in a BMW workshop.. Always went in constantly for oil or brakes.. I blame traffic.. and fast cornering :coolShake:

The 335 shows many many KMs to go before she needs to see a workshop

 

[Iceman007]

Thanx guys - just got back from the dealership in Claremont. they explained to me that dealerships have the authority to perform routine servicing/replacement of parts that falls within 2000km from the service, but they also have the option to request permission from BMW SA to replace parts/do work if the car is going on a longer trip that is going to cover that mileage.
In my case the SMG dealership didn't bother doing this even after I requested.

Well then, oil service in 7000km and nothing before that raise:

:YesNo:

The guys just don't listen.

Stay away from SMG Cape Town they will just cause you Hassel's. I will not allow them to touch my F30. I learnt my lesson guys. I am forbidden to put any names to my problems that I had on this Forum. To this day still waiting for an apology from the guy that put that hate in me for them. It seems he refuses even after I am right. Yes I know there are guys(even moderator's I think) that are friends with them. Obviously they get looked after. In a few cases they have apraoched SMG about fanatics that had problems and they were sorted out. All I can say why all the Hassel in the first place just stay away they don't want your business. I have been at this for more than 2 years now and I even got a friendly phone call after 2 years to ask me to stop and how can they resolve it. I said very simple. That guilty man has to apologise to me iether in writing or in person. Well I'm still waiting and When I read these things I wonder if they will change?

I will hand to them that they have an excellent Parts department and very helpful and very good discount where they can. Oh and if the sales guy said he will phone you back they usually do and that's very good :clapper: