MichaelB

I thought I would share my experience following my 1,200 mile service. These take in several threads already seen.

- Oil – A long ongoing saga. The answer that I have gleaned is that all cars produced up to and including 02/00 should use the Castrol RS 10w/60. After this date, cars may use any longlife oil recognised by BMW following an upgrade to the pistons and rings. This list is very long and comprehensive and includes the popular Mobil 1 and Shell Helix etc. I think these cars can still use the 10w/60, but seeing as none of the other oils have viscosity ratings in that range, I personally didn’t go for it.

- I supplied my own oil – one I didn’t want the garage to use 10w/60 (which I reckon they would have done) and why pay nearly 3 times the price at BMW. I imported my car so the 1st service was not included.

- In the UK an oil change is required at the 1,200 mile service. It states this in the manual as well. Why it isn't in the US - who knows?

- Check your oil level prior to leaving the garage. I did and found that it had been overfilled. An easy mistake for the engineer to make, and easy to rectify if caught early. I have found that the oil drops to half way between the markers when cold, from bang on the top mark when hot.

- I have a phobia as to how the car is driven by the service engineer during the service. All the hard work by me in the running in phase can easily be crucified by someone with a heavy right foot. Ways around are to request they don't test drive - or reset your average speed and fuel consumption indicators and check these when the car is picked up.

- Wheels - paint chips, there is nothing that can be done by BMW. A paint specialist has strongly suggested to me to cover any scratches with lacquer to prevent water getting beneath the paint and lifting it.

Hope these thoughts may help others about to do the 1,200 service.