BMW x1 owners

[middleoftheroadlife]

Sorry, I couldn't find a topic on cars so hope it's ok here.

My husband (we're separated and live a distance from each other) gave me his BMW x 1 a few months ago as my own car broke down (he offered as he hardly drives it as he works from home and lives in London). Anyway, I'm used to older cars (never had a BMW either) with a logbook where I can see when the service is needed but this stuff is all in the idrive system on the BMW. I asked him and he said he did take it for servicing some time last year but they said it wasnt due yet so I looked in the system which says under 'service' the last one was in April last year. However under ' vehicle inspection' it says it's not due until November this year but it does also need a break fluid check. The car is a 2015 plate so what I'm wondering is should it be serviced now (a bit late admittedly) or do I wait for the vehicle inspecation date? Are they even the same thing? Thank you :)

Just to add, I was quoted £315 for a full service from an independant, local garage and £75 (VI) + £55 (break fluid) from the BMW garage here. Obviously there's a big difference which is why I'd like to know!

Just Google and download the manual online. It's likely it'll tell you how to check. Usually you can just scroll through menu and find using the arrow keys on wheel.

Personally I would use a reputable local German specialist for that age of car. I would only use a main dealer while it's still in warranty, and I wouldn't use a non specialist company for a BMW. But that's just me.

When the service is due will depend on how it's driven, the type and length of journeys, whether it's driven erratically or carefully, as well as time and mileage. That's why the car tells you when it is due, and why it is variable. Then the garage resets the service indicator when they do the service.

Theoretically an Audi, BMW or Mercedes would usually not need an annual service unless it's been driven hard or does excessive miles. Even new Fords now only require a service every 2 years (unless you do a lot of miles of course). 2 years between services on a BMW is completely normal. Oh and the price you've been quoted by an independent garage doesn't sound excessive for a full service to me, but personally I would go to a German specialist.

I don't claim to know everything and these are just my opinions, but my husband and I own a small independent car sales company.

Thank you toomany. That's really helpful. I have done many miles at all since I've had it and am a careful driver (I have 3 kids with me most of the time). It's mainly been getting me back at forth for local journeys though I try and give it a motorway run every so often as it's deisel . Definately not doing long journeys every day though. It's on 72 K. I know my husband didn't use it much either since he got it. I'm just always scared of being screwed over on my own and without much knowledge of cars.

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