Dealer refused changing plugs at 45k on 135i...

[Fun w/N54]

So my 2008 service book clearly states that plugs are NOT tied to the CBS. I'm at 45k now and dealer is insistent that they will NOT cover them until it says so based on key reader. Key reader has them liked to my next oil service in 7k or 2k after maintenance period expires.

What does the dealer charge for plugs btw?

Anyone else encounter this issue??

[PA135i]

Just had my car in for hesitation issue. It was the injectors. They replaced the other 3 that they did not replace in January when I had the HPFP/injector recall.

Car had 41,000 miles on it and they replaced the plugs also no questions asked.
I would call BMWNA and complain.

[BrokenVert]

My plugs were all changed at my 48K pre-expiration service

[GaryS]

My plugs were changed at 25k. All I did was ask. It's worth trying different dealers. Some are trying to make customers happy, others are trying to make BMWNA happy.

[pinmagic]

The 4 year maintenance policy is a bit of a joke, isn't it?

[Fun w/N54]

I called BMW and got same BS...will try another dealer. Thanks.

What gets me is the time before this last service the key was read and plugs were not even listed. Now they are listed and for 'convenience sake' linked to my next oil service by CBS. CBS doesn't factor in when warranty expires but I sure do.

[jkoral]

FWIW, in the latest Roundel, Mike Miller (techtalk@roundel.org) wrote:

"The N54 spark-plug replacement interval is every 45,000 miles, but it doesn't show up in the onboard computer, so many people -- including technicians -- don't know about it. The first set of plugs is covered under the BMW Maintenance program."

[DriveHard]

The dealer is wrong..

Tell them to read bulletin 00-01-07

quote

" There are minor changes compared to 2007 models. N54 engines require their sparkplugs to be replaced more frequently than the N52K engines due to the nature of the direct injection process on the N54 engine. CBS no longer displays the spark plug replacment interval on any 3,5,6 series. The 1 series also utilize CBS and share the same Service maint opertations as the corrosponding 3 Series "

Further down the page.... Spark Plug interval 135 N54 45,000 miles

[Fun w/N54]

Thank for all the input.

Looks like another call is in order.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by DriveHard

The dealer is wrong..

Tell them to read bulletin 00-01-07

quote

" There are minor changes compared to 2007 models. N54 engines require their sparkplugs to be replaced more frequently than the N52K engines due to the nature of the direct injection process on the N54 engine. CBS no longer displays the spark plug replacment interval on any 3,5,6 series. The 1 series also utilize CBS and share the same Service maint opertations as the corrosponding 3 Series "

Further down the page.... Spark Plug interval 135 N54 45,000 miles

Just out of curiosity, what's the interval for the N52? And will it show up on CBS or not?

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Just out of curiosity, what's the interval for the N52? And will it show up on CBS or not?

100k.. and no it wont show

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by DriveHard

100k.. and no it wont show

Thanks.

[HIPSI]

Can someone attach SB 00-01-07?
My dealer needs some "help"/I need the proof

[Fun w/N54]

My SA was able to pull it up right away...lots of info so will have to scan through it as the previous poster indicated.

Good luck.

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by HIPSI

Can someone attach SB 00-01-07?
My dealer needs some "help"/I need the proof

not attachable unless scanned or screen photo w/ cropping..

If dealer cant print that bulletin for you , you have much bigger issues..

hopefully will get scanned by someone.

[HIPSI]

Sent an email Sunday to my dealer with the SB # and the applicable verbage as posted by DriveHard above. I asked that he look into a let me know when I could get an appointment to have my plugs changed (now @50k miles). Didn't get a reply...

Followed-up with a call today. My SA says they pull up by VIN and if the Service Bulletin doesn't appear, then it doesn't apply. I asked him to get with the Service Manager and get back. We'll see.. Makes no sense...

[Fun w/N54]

Show them page 8 of the Service and Maint manual...it's listed twice and states plugs are not monitored by CBS.

My plugs were done today and they even gave me the old plugs.

Good Luck

[HIPSI]

One email and four phone calls later and they've agreed to change plugs. Made an appointment for next Thursday!

[135i_vs_]

To bring an old thread back:

I have having the same issue as the OP regarding the spark plug change. I am now at 45,600 miles. Supposedly it is CBS based for the 135i. They did look into SIB 000107.

See link http://forums.5series.net/topic/4559...-engine-codes/ for the SIB. It really doesn't mention the 1-series for the N54 spark plug change.

The guys who actually were able to get the spark plugs done, can you please advise?

Thanks,

[GMWNashville]

As taken from SIB 00 01 07-2008 model year prep and maint requirements.

"There are minor changes compared to 2007 models. N54 engines require their spark plugs to be replaced more frequently than N52K engines due to the nature of the direct-injection process utilized on the N54 engine. Condition Based Service (CBS) no longer displays the spark plug replacement interval on any 3, 5 or 6 Series."


Summary of Spark Plug Replacement Intervals:

Primary Model
Engine
Interval (miles)
Comments

128i Coupe and Conv.
N52K
100,000

128i Coupe and Conv.
SULEV/PZEV
N51
100,000

135i Coupe and Conv.
N54
45,000

328i, 328xi, 528i
N52K
100,000
No change from '07 models

328i SULEV/PZEV
N51
100,000
"

335i, 335xi, 535i
N54
45,000
"

M3 all versions
S65
37,000

550i, 650i, 750i
N62TU
100,000
No change from '07 models

M5, M6
S85
37,000
"

760Li
N73
100,000
"

Z4 Roadster 3.0i, 3.0si,
Z4 Coupe 3.0si
N52
100,000
"

M Roadster, M Coupe
S54
60,000
"


Whats so hard to understand?

[crono]

Anything on the N55?

[1speedbike]

My dealership gave me the same baloney. Brought the car in at 46K and they said the plugs aren't due for another 11K miles. I said, how convenient that they seem to magically be due right after the factory warranty expires. He said they can't do anything as it's tied to the CBS and "the key will let them know when it's time". Hopefully I can bring up the maintenance manual thing and they will change it out before I hit 50K in a month or two...