[TooPoor]

Just wanted to stop in and see if any of you have heard something similar recently from their dealer...

I scheduled an appt to go in and get my 30k service and was told that I don't need to do my spark plugs until 50k now. That sounds completely wrong based on everything I've read up to this point. Even my SA was confused and went to ask the M tech. Additionally, according to the dealer, the 'car' even confirmed that only an oil change was required. Is it possible BMW recently changed the schedule on the plugs?

I've had only one bad experience with these guys and that was because my SA was out and another one pulled a quick one on me and added replacing the cabin air filter for ~$400 and I didn't notice it when signing off on the work to be done (my fault as well - lesson learned).

So even if the schedule for the plugs has changed, should I still be getting them done now? $800-1000 isn't too big of a deal, but if BMW says they aren't needed for another 20k-30k then I wouldn't mind putting it off.

[Eljeffrey13]

They are suppost to change ur spark plugs every 3 oil changes so thats 30k miles, its in the manual, my car has 56k and it has gotten the spark plugs changed twice by bmw

[TooPoor]

See, that's exactly what I thought. My SA even showed me on his computer that spark plugs weren't needed until the next oil change. I'll call some dealers around me to see if they've heard similar, or can at least ask BMW NA.

[pbonsalb]

Condition-based service. Maybe there is some fine print somewhere that says it can replace otherwise scheduled maintenance. These days, BMW is all about how little maintenance it is required to do to maintain your car during the warranty and free service period. If you plan to keep the car, consider paying for interim maintenance like oil and plug changes or DIY.

[AHall]

You may want to make sure they are using the maintenance schedule for the M5 vs regular 5 series. I have a maintenance manual and it shows spark plugs replaced at 30K miles for M cars, but 60K miles for non-M cars.

[carseatsm5]

Went in for my third service yesterday (light has come on once a year). Even with only 10K miles on the car they changed the spark plugs.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by carseatsm5

Went in for my third service yesterday (light has come on once a year). Even with only 10K miles on the car they changed the spark plugs.

That’s not normal or correct unless you had an issue. And what light? Did you have a cel for the spark plugs? Lights don’t come on for normal maintenance items.

[carseatsm5]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

That’s not normal or correct unless you had an issue. And what light? Did you have a cel for the spark plugs? Lights don’t come on for normal maintenance items.

“Service due” illuminated on the dash with a date at startup. Just annual maintenance. Excuse my imprecise language.

As far as I can tell, they did everything called for with the “30K” maintenance visit despite my not having close to 30K miles. I told him do as much as he can since was my final free service.

[TooPoor]

I'm just going to have an indy shop do the spark plugs. As crazy as it sounds, I am almost am starting to believe my dealer wants the car to have issues... That said, I want to reiterate that they showed me MY car and all the maintenance that's been done to it (with my VIN etc) and there were no recommended actions. I did find that odd if BMW says it should be every 30k/3rd oil change.

[pbonsalb]

They probably get paid by BMW for doing the maintenance that is free to you for the first 4 years, and want the business. To justify the work, they probably have to say it is necessary either due to age or mileage.

[EM5C]

I went in for an interior piece related warranty replacement and they said “we might as well change the spark plugs now”. I was just under 20k miles. I looked at them like they were crazy. Oh well, new plugs covered by them. Just not sure why 😂

[pbonsalb]

It was within the service time or mileage range that covered payment to them by BMW NA and you were there. Why not take easy money?

[micvite]

Go tell your dealer to show you EXACTLY where it says its not needed until 50k miles. It clearly says in the maintenance schedule spark plugs are NOT shown in the CBS and they are a named item at 30k miles. Show them this and tell them to do your damned spark plugs or better yet go to another dealership since obviously your service department has 0 clue what they're talking about and I wouldn't trust my car with them at this point.

[M5KEITH]

I recently had my 30K serviced at BMW dealership oil change. Per the key fob scan they informed me that my car did NOT need spark plugs changed at 30K. They said its at 50K which I disagree with but was not going to have them replaced yet.

Then BMW per key fob scan told me that my car needed front diff, rear diff and transmission fliuds replaced at a cost of $1100.

I told SA that per the book the diff fluid change is at 50K.

I did not change my spark plugs. My rationale is there is no carbon on my plugs and car is driving fine with no hesitation. Note my wifes X5M had a service malfunction indicator and car was bucking at 30K because she does not take car over 2,000 rpms. You will actually get a code and emission error when they need to be replaced.

There is a reason why they are called a Stealer-Ship.

[916_M5]

Originally Posted by Eljeffrey13

They are suppost to change ur spark plugs every 3 oil changes so thats 30k miles, its in the manual, my car has 56k and it has gotten the spark plugs changed twice by bmw

Agree with you 100%. I would not go more than 30k especially if you drive very hard or you are tuned.

[TooPoor]

Getting the spark plugs done today.

Also, I had them check the coolant/expansion tank and lo and behold coolant was leaking out so that's getting replaced as well. What's funny is that I had them check the coolant tank the three times I've brought the car in and they said it was fine each time. Now all of a sudden I'm out of warranty and they notice a crack? Is what it is at this point.

[Maverik259]

20k mile service and they did my spark plugs oil filters and brake fluid. And new coolant tank.