[andreigbs]

This is one of the main reasons people gripe about maintaining German cars. Being able to do light maintenance yourself is key, especially on cars that are a few years old and outside the "carefree" maintenance plan dealers do.

The only thing I haven't done myself is the brake fluid flush, even though I could have. After doing them on many cars in the past, I just prefer to pay someone instead.

Which, coincidentally, I did yesterday: $128.

In my limited experience with BMWs, they seem very practical and accessible to work on for preventive/scheduled maintenance.