4.4i servicing

[bigshout]

Could you guys give me some idea of the price for an oil service for my 4.4i 2004?

I also need to get the brake fluid changed as it's due, again how long should this take and approximatly cost?

Lastly what oil does the 4.4i 320bhp engine take?

[Turks]

I'm pretty sure that it is 5W 30.

Are you thinking of a Dealer Service?


Turks.

[AW8]

Prices vary widely not only regionally but also dealer to dealer in same region.

Afaik it's 1 hrs labour I paid £67 at main dealer last year with a discount included then sourced my own oil - stood me at just over £100 all in. Most dealer labour in my region is £120 p/hr before discount.

Specialist BMW indy hourly rates in south & south east typically vary from £40-£70 p/hr threabouts avergaing circa £60. Be aware I have found indies I don't have business relationships with to be reluctant to fully deduct their oil supply aspect of the total cost - some indies use cheaper oils too as they reduce their costs this way.

Quickest & most accurate info a mere call or calls away.

Cheaper if you supply own, (must be sealed), bottles of oil if dealer will oblige & not charge additional decanter fee or over charge old oil disposal cost.

Ask for all inc cost then ask for total cost of oil within the quote - it takes 7.5 lites & most will charge for 8 so budget for 2x4L bottles of your chosen oil to spec. Must be oil labelled to BMW LL04 spec most use Castrol Edge though I currently use Mobil 1 albeit I can supply LL01 spec due to age of car.

If history on car is poor or not important it's an easy diy job & obviously f.o.c. labour wise.

[bigshout]

Thanks for the advice. I asked because I knew my dealer’s workshop was shut Saturday afternoon. Will cost on Monday, I will use Coopers Croydon, any scare stories?

I have FSH but it's mainly indy.

The brake fluid is due for a change and was mainly looking for advice on how much this should cost or take to carry out as I have no idea.

[AW8]

No scare stories though if its mainly indy I dont see the advantage of using dealer over a good indy.............especially with London rates.

Nearest indy I personally know closest to you is near Burgess Hill.

You wont find a better garage guide for BMW servicing than on the following link - all credit to one Mr Burns http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmw.html

Re brake fluid - 1 hr max...........I paid £77 inc vat at main dealer...........again discounted rate.

Basically youre looking at 2 hrs labour for oil inp & brake fluid assuming nothing else found/required/authorised.

Very important to agree a floor limit for work to be done - I ask for a call for me to agree all work to be done outside of sheduled/booked work & sundries.

[bigshout]

I'm booked into a local indy for wednesday. They reckon it shouldn't take more than an hour to carry out the oil service and replace the brake fluid so hopefully I'll be paying just for the labour + parts. Going to use my own oil.

Cooper BMW wanted £286.97 for the oil service and 163.28 for the replacemnt of the brake fluid. I know these prices inlcude parts but these prices inlcude discount.

[AW8]

I dont blame you at those prces - Good Luck

[Pewters]

No wonder we call them the Stealers !!!!

[bigshout]

well I had the service carried out by my local indy, very helpful and honest with the time spent carrying out the work. I was only charged £75 inc vat for the oil change (I provided my own oil), oil filter and replacing of the brake fluid. Provided VAt receipt and stamped the book twice one for the service and the other brake fluid. Top marks from me!

[AW8]

gals all sorted. Please add details of the indy for others & if a BMW specialist please consider posting a review on the site I linked. This way other know who to consider for similar work at least.