How often do I get service/ maintenance for my new, 2011 BMW 328i?

I just bought the car last week and all the sales rep told me was, "the car will let you know."



He didn't really elaborate except to show me on the idrive system where it measures the oil life and other stuff. He said I didn't need to come back for ANYTHING until 15k miles.



No inspections, services or maintenances. Nothing.



Generally, car makers want you to come back after the first 30 days or so to check everything out. Does this sound right to you other new BMW owners?How often do I get service/ maintenance for my new, 2011 BMW 328i?All new BMW vehicles will be fully covered in their maintenance program for 4 years 50,000miles. See link.



There is no need to go back for anything until your first oil change is due. But it is recommended that you take it easy on the car for the first thousand miles or so before you start revving hard on the engine.



If you drive normally, your oil change will only be due at 15,000 miles because they use fully synthetic oil only. However, you might need to verify the oil level when you reach 8000 miles. New BMWs have no dipsticks. So you might need to have a chat with the service guys...How often do I get service/ maintenance for my new, 2011 BMW 328i?Much depends on how long you intend to keep the car. If your plans are to get rid of it after the mfr's warranty expires, fine, follow the mfr's prescribed maintenance program (again, the car will "let you know when service is due".)



However, if you plan to keep the car for a longer period, I would change the motor oil, the differential fluid, and tranny fluid before 15k miles (or whenever the Svc Indicator Light illuminates). In the long run, it's (relatively) cheap insurance and improves your chances of engine and tranny longevity.How often do I get service/ maintenance for my new, 2011 BMW 328i?BMW covers your maintenance as part of buying the car for 3 years or 36,000 miles. The computer in the car will let you know and it also puts the data into the key fob. You can take the fob into a BMW service facility and there is a reader on the desk which tells them when your next service is due based on the information it reads.



BMW offers a free car wash at the dealer once a week and they often update the fob data to the dealer computer at that time.



Since BMW uses synthetic oil they can go the extended change intervals without an issue.How often do I get service/ maintenance for my new, 2011 BMW 328i?
He's right. The car will let you know. There is nothing you have to do until the car tells you to do something.



As odd as it sounds, it's a great thing and a part of what makes a bmw so special. Just drive it hard, and enjoy the ride.

kuryakyn