"Fuel system service"?

[entendu]

Hey so my 08 128's in the shop for the infamous tail light issue (see here http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=680099) and when the tech called, he recommended a "fuel system service" that was going to run a little more than $800. He didn't go into detail, does anyone know what kind of fuel system service is needed around 42k miles? Or was he just trying to drum up business?

[1speedbike]

I've never been recommended this "service" and I don't think I know of anyone who has. I know sometimes they can flush the injectors, or clean the intake valves, etc... but at 42K miles? Not even the 135i engine gets THAT bad in terms of needing a cleanup, and it's DI turbo so it gets clogged up much faster. I wouldn't write him off yet, though. Ask him why exactly he recommends it and what it entails. Even if you're not that familiar with the car/engine (not accusing you, just saying), at least get the gist of it and let us know what he says.

[Bimmer-Bob]

$800?!?

My dealer offers a "fuel injection service" for $250 (and then usually has a $25 off coupon). Anyway, my suspicion is that they just put a bottle of Techron in the tank, but maybe I'm being too cynical. I would hope there's more to it than that.

In your case, I REALLY hope there's more to it than that. For $800, you think they'd give you a little bit better of an explanation, lol. In any case, if there were any service "needed" at 42k miles, it would be covered under warranty.

[bmw1racer]

^ Speaking of Techron, it's on sale at Costco for $10/box (six bottles)... $7 off the regular price.

[entendu]

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

Even if you're not that familiar with the car/engine (not accusing you, just saying), at least get the gist of it and let us know what he says.

No offense taken. I'll ask him specifically what he was suggesting and report back.

[Ronnie Sikh]

Don't see how ur warranty won't cover it ?

[entendu]

The fuel system service was:

-power steering flush
-alignment
-fuel injector service

Seems like at least the flush and injector service should be covered, right?

[RnmEvo9]

Your Service Advisor is most likely trying to 'upsale' stuff for you even though you might not need it. I distinctly recall that I had to get a tire replaced under warranty and a few hours later I get a call from my SA claiming that my control arms are worn out. I played with him a little and asked what it would cost and he said $700 lmao. I told him that I didn't want it done and that I would inspect them myself considering I don't hear squeaking or anything to imply that they are worn out. I inspected them and guess what, they were fine.

Out of all those stuff that you mentioned anyways, your warranty should cover all of that with the exception of the alignment.

[doublevanosrc]

SA trying to stick it in ya for $800!!

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

SA trying to stick it in ya for $800!!

Yup! They must need to make some extra money to thier monthly boat payment! lol


When I worked at a VW/Subbie dealer... these kinds of services were pure profit. They still are. The fuel cleaner that they use (Like BG products) is a good one... but its such a vicious profit greed/circle jerk. The BG wholeseller gives perks to their dealer customers and service centers(ie the parts managers who buy thier products, like sporting events or vacations packages). When the tech puts that can of fuel injector cleaner into your tank... there is a little plastic disc inside the can. That wholeseller then collects those discs and pays out CASH to the techs. The SA even get a cut of the proceeds. The only person who looses is the end user - YOU. Save your money.

[doublevanosrc]

I love my SA but last time he tried to sell me a $250 detail job which isn't bad by i had just clayed and waxed my car a couple of months earlier. After talking to him he did mentioned things "were slow".

[Experimental]

Find another SA pronto...

[entendu]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

When the tech puts that can of fuel injector cleaner into your tank... there is a little plastic disc inside the can. That wholeseller then collects those discs and pays out CASH to the techs. The SA even get a cut of the proceeds. The only person who looses is the end user - YOU. Save your money.

Holy cow, spiffs on the service end, too?!

[Ronnie Sikh]

My
BMW warranty ( original warranty ) covers it all even oil changes brakes everything until march

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Sikh

My
BMW warranty ( original warranty ) covers it all even oil changes brakes everything until march

There are certain "optional" services that aren't covered under the maintenance plan. This includes the fuel service, power steering flush, and alignment. Depending on your dealer, they may or may not try to upsell them. Some service departments even recommend more frequent OCI's, but obviously that comes out of your own pocket.

Personally, mine has never tried to talk me into anything, but I have done one "non-CBS" oil change on my dime, and last week I had them due a coolant flush that I paid for (wasn't covered because BMW calls it "lifetime fill," but I prefer to get it changed every 2 years, especially having spent that time in hot places like Texas and southern Spain).

[DriveHard]

Those flushes are not required under BMW'sservice guide, hence they are not covered under BMW's Miant plan.

They exist as most other preventitive maint items, as PREVENTIVE maint.

1st of all for 800.00 you are getting ripped off..

2nd. most fuel inj services ( cleaning ) are not just simply a can in the gas tank, although most KITS have the bottle for the tank.. Todays fuel inj services have the tech tap into the fuel rail at the access port, turn off the cars fuel pump, and inject fuel system cleaner thru a pressurised bottle. the car runs on the stuff for like 10 minutes, then dies... then everything is reconnected and its good to go.. all in all it takes about 1 hr to do it plus the chemicals.

i like the results of the power steering flushes... the stuff that comes out of there is NASTY... but honestly it takes some time and mileage to get to "NASTY"

Brake flushes...LOL.. as a track guy.. my car with 19k on it has had like 6 full blown flushes, with enough bleeds to add up to a few more LOL..

Coolant... same as Power steering ..


The above are just my opinions..

and in most dealerships almost all employes work on commission / incentive

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by DriveHard

Those flushes are not required under BMW'sservice guide, hence they are not covered under BMW's Miant plan.

They exist as most other preventitive maint items, as PREVENTIVE maint.

1st of all for 800.00 you are getting ripped off..

2nd. most fuel inj services ( cleaning ) are not just simply a can in the gas tank, although most KITS have the bottle for the tank.. Todays fuel inj services have the tech tap into the fuel rail at the access port, turn off the cars fuel pump, and inject fuel system cleaner thru a pressurised bottle. the car runs on the stuff for like 10 minutes, then dies... then everything is reconnected and its good to go.. all in all it takes about 1 hr to do it plus the chemicals.

i like the results of the power steering flushes... the stuff that comes out of there is NASTY... but honestly it takes some time and mileage to get to "NASTY"

Brake flushes...LOL.. as a track guy.. my car with 19k on it has had like 6 full blown flushes, with enough bleeds to add up to a few more LOL..

Coolant... same as Power steering ..


The above are just my opinions..

and in most dealerships almost all employes work on commission / incentive

This thread made me think of those little bottles of BMW Fuel System Cleaner that the dealers sell (I know it's just re-branded Techron). Anyway, is there a specific interval that they recommend it be used? Does it do anything? Do you use it?

[DriveHard]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

This thread made me think of those little bottles of BMW Fuel System Cleaner that the dealers sell (I know it's just re-branded Techron). Anyway, is there a specific interval that they recommend it be used? Does it do anything? Do you use it?

Yes it appears to be rebranded TECHRON / CHEVRON

I do use techron at least twice a year.. have been for years on all my cars. once before the summer and once before the winter. Cant tell you if it works or not, but i can tell you i dont seem to have fuel related issues...

I wait for it to go on sale ( like mentioned above) and get a case of it.

[jmc777]

My dealer gave me two bottles of the fuel system cleaner and said to use it every 3000 miles. I've done that but I buy the Techron not the rebranded BMW.

[Section147]

AutoZone Techron BOGO @ 7.99 through Monday (4/30)

[poorlilpoop]

I was wondering about the service too. My local dealership has slightly different name though.

They call it "Fuel Injection Service"
and here is the discription of the service.

"High pressure fuel system cleaner and valve decarb. BMW fuel system cleaner ran through twice to insure cleaneing of valves and injectors. Should be done every 30,000 miles

$159.95"

However, price difference between yours and what I got is completly different though.

Hopefully, you got your stuff resolved. $800 seems to be little bit stiff.