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Otto's BMW Service - General Questions
Answering some of your more frequently asked questions.
Q: How do I know when my BMW is ready for service?
A: Computers using sophisticated algorithms monitor how you use your car and make service recommendations based on your driving habits and other environmental conditions. This information is communicated to you by three different methods depending on year and model.
iDrive Equipped Vehicles: Maintenance intervals are displayed under the
Service Requirements or Information Sources tab located in the Service Menu.
iDrive Control Display
Service Interval Display: Located on the digital display of your gauge cluster, the remaining driving distance of the next service is displayed immediately (only for a few seconds) after you start the engine or switch on the ignition.
Service due in 600 miles.
Service overdue by 600 miles.
Service Interval Indicator: Located on your gauge cluster, the green indicator lights go out one by one followed by a single yellow light indicating service is due.
Service Interval Display
Are you a low mileage driver?
Your BMW requires an oil service every 12 months (no sooner), even if your Service Interval Display does not prompt you for service. This situation can occur for low mileage drivers. We do not reset your Service Interval Display at this time. Additional service will be required when the Conditioned Based Service parameters are achieved and your Service Interval Display prompts you to service your BMW.
Q: Why do I need to add oil in between Oil Services.
A: It is not unusual for a Low Oil Level Warning Light to pop up from time to time. All engines burn oil, even a BMW’s and adding a few quarts in between oil changes is perfectly normal. As a component of it’s performance engineering, your BMW is designed to hold enough oil to run a quart or so low without adverse affects so don’t panic when you see a warning. Simply check and add the appropriate amount of oil at your earliest opportunity.
Q: Are tire rotations really necessary?
A: While it is beneficial in most cases, tire rotations are not mentioned in any of the BMW recommended services and are not included in the maintenance warranty. We may recommend tire rotations as often as every 7500 miles depending on tire condition and your particular model. If you don't rotate the front or rear tires may wear more quickly, again depending on model. When performing a tire rotation it is also important to check each wheel for proper balance. An out of balance condition can cause vibrations that are uncomfortable and, over the long term, can adversely affect tire wear.
Q: What does the BMW Maintenance Plan cover?
A: The BMW Maintenance Plan covers all Condition Based and Scheduled Maintenance items including Oil Services, Air Conditioning Micro-filters, Engine Air Filters, Brake Fluid Flushes, Coolant Flushes, Vehicle Checks, Transmission Flushes, Spark Plugs, Exhaust Gas or Oxygen Sensors and M Mobility Kit. You’re also covered for many wear items including Brake Pads and Rotors, Wiper Refills, and Belts.
Q: Why do I get a flat tire warning when I don’t have a flat tire.
A: Your BMW is equipped with one of two systems, a Flat Tire Monitor (FTM) or Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM). Both systems are very sensitive to changes in air pressure that sometimes happen under normal conditions. Since the air in your tires expands and contracts with temperature, seasonal weather changes will have an effect. For instance a cold snap in the fall will cause the air in your tires to contract resulting in lower tire pressure and, you guessed it, a flat tire warning. In this case a cold tire pressure check performed before the first drive of the day will reveal a uniformly low tire pressure. The pressure should be set to the specifications noted on the tire placard on the driver’s door jamb. It is now safe to reset the monitor. If one or two tires are more than 3 or 4 psi (pounds per square inch) have those tires checked for leaks.
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