[anakratis]

Hi folks—

Looking to buy a 2020 or 2021 X3M. A lot of the service records for about 95% of used X3Ms don't show any maintenance or service at around 800-1200 miles. Was break-in required on the pre-LCI X3M? Kind of shocked so many people ignore the S58 break-in procedures...

[2SG5]

If im not mistaken Break-In services are required for all M cars. Ignoring the break-in service will most likely lead to BMW voiding the warranty.

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by 2SG5

If im not mistaken Break-In services are required for all M cars. Ignoring the break-in service will most likely lead to BMW voiding the warranty.

It will not void your warranty if you dont do it, but dont push your luck just in case something goes wrong they now have ability to blame partials on not servicing it regularly.

[PNTDG42]

I think the 1200 is just oil and diff fluid change. I’m not sure they can void warranties over that since you could have changed the fluids yourself or somewhere else.

[BMWX3MCompUK]

It will invalidate your warranty if the break in service isn't performed.

There's extra thick oil in the diff from the factory thats replaced with the standard oil as part of that initial service.

[knali8]

In Australia the first service (break in) is done at 2000km and it's only for M cars. My guess is that the service was probably done at home..

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by anakratis

Hi folks—

Looking to buy a 2020 or 2021 X3M. A lot of the service records for about 95% of used X3Ms don't show any maintenance or service at around 800-1200 miles. Was break-in required on the pre-LCI X3M? Kind of shocked so many people ignore the S58 break-in procedures...

Where are you getting these “service records”? If it’s Carfax or something, it’s likely something like break-in service isn’t recorded/reported or otherwise documented for Carfax etc.

[ttx3m]

This is true. Repair shops including dealers are not required to report service to carfax for example. I learned this shopping for my x3mc.

There were plenty of these cars available a few months ago when I got mine. I didn’t even consider one that I couldn’t get records for. Lots of people don’t care much about this but I keep every service record for all my cars.

I ended up buying mine sight unseen and having it shipped via enclosed trailer. I was confident after talking to the dealer, seeing plenty of photos and videos and the fact that it was a CPO. Don’t be afraid to shop around!

[mattsheng]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Where are you getting these “service records”? If it’s Carfax or something, it’s likely something like break-in service isn’t recorded/reported or otherwise documented for Carfax etc.

You can access all BMW service records through BMW AIR (Aftersale Information Research). AIR gives you access to all sorts of things, including parts diagrams, repair instructions, service records, etc. Here is a list of what are shown in the service record (or see attached screenshot):

• when the service was performed
• where the service was performed
• what services or repairs were performed
• what parts were used

AIR is available through a subscription to BMW TIS (Technical Information System): bmwtechinfo.bmwgroup.com.

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by mattsheng

You can access all BMW service records through BMW AIR (Aftersale Information Research). AIR gives you access to all sorts of things, including parts diagrams, repair instructions, service records, etc. Here is a list of what are shown in the service record (or see attached screenshot):

• when the service was performed
• where the service was performed
• what services or repairs were performed
• what parts were used

AIR is available through a subscription to BMW TIS (Technical Information System): bmwtechinfo.bmwgroup.com.
Attachment 3138307

$250/month, $2,500/year? This is not a consumer facing product.

[mattsheng]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

$250/month, $2,500/year? This is not a consumer facing product.

Lol, you can also spend $30/day vs $39.99/carfax report. TIS is very comprehensive and is geared toward indy shop but consumers can also access it if they feel need it.

[PNTDG42]

Originally Posted by BMWX3MCompUK

It will invalidate your warranty if the break in service isn't performed.

There's extra thick oil in the diff from the factory thats replaced with the standard oil as part of that initial service.

I believe In the US we have a law that is supposed to protect consumers rights to repair with service providers other than the dealer as long as they use OEM equivalent/quality parts. The “magnuson moss act”, the same one that the entire aftermarket community misinterprets into believing it protects their rights to modify a car outside OEM spec without losing warranty (it does not).

[anakratis]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Where are you getting these “service records”? If it’s Carfax or something, it’s likely something like break-in service isn’t recorded/reported or otherwise documented for Carfax etc.

Good to know. I thought you need to do break-in at BMW and they usually report everything.

[PNTDG42]

Originally Posted by anakratis

Good to know. I thought you need to do break-in at BMW and they usually report everything.

For that I would call a bmw service department and provide the vin for the car you’re looking at and see what records they have

[Gfit]

Originally Posted by PNTDG42

I believe In the US we have a law that is supposed to protect consumers rights to repair with service providers other than the dealer as long as they use OEM equivalent/quality parts. The “magnuson moss act”, the same one that the entire aftermarket community misinterprets into believing it protects their rights to modify a car outside OEM spec without losing warranty (it does not).

Agreed. The internet is full of bad info that gets repeated often enough that it appears as fact. If you do the service yourself or had it done somewhere else bmw can’t deny your warranty as per federal law.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by Gfit

Agreed. The internet is full of bad info that gets repeated often enough that it appears as fact. If you do the service yourself or had it done somewhere else bmw can’t deny your warranty as per federal law.

I had no idea this was the case. If we were to read the "fine print" in the BMW M owner's manual, I wonder what it might say...