Service recommendations: Used car unknown history

[TechieCarGuy]

I recently gambled on a super clean 2010 135i with 48k miles. It was such a good deal, I forewent the requisite visit to my mechanic to have it checked out. Other than a low battery (which I am addressing today) it seems to be a solid car.

At 48k miles I am thinking its due the regular services at least (oil, brake fluid & filters), but imagine its probably due new plugs. I called the BMW dealer in the city that the car was bought and the last service record they have was routine service (oil, brake fluid & filters) at 27k miles. I looked at the air filter last night and it is brand new but not a BMW filter, which tells me the car has been serviced someplace.

The in car service indicators are only showing the routine stuff which is due. I have yet to get an appointment with my independent to have him do a run through of the car, which will probably tell me more. I obviously want to do a software update, the fluids and if I can't determine if the plugs have been changed will do that....

What else should I be considering doing on a car I'm uncertain of its history since the 27k? Transmission Flush? Dif? Radiator? I know these cars are suppose to be good for 100k miles but despite the expense, I'd feel better knowing what has and has not been done.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Quart

I recently gambled on a super clean 2010 135i with 48k miles. It was such a good deal, I forewent the requisite visit to my mechanic to have it checked out. Other than a low battery (which I am addressing today) it seems to be a solid car.

At 48k miles I am thinking its due the regular services at least (oil, brake fluid & filters), but imagine its probably due new plugs. I called the BMW dealer in the city that the car was bought and the last service record they have was routine service (oil, brake fluid & filters) at 27k miles. I looked at the air filter last night and it is brand new but not a BMW filter, which tells me the car has been serviced someplace.

The in car service indicators are only showing the routine stuff which is due. I have yet to get an appointment with my independent to have him do a run through of the car, which will probably tell me more. I obviously want to do a software update, the fluids and if I can't determine if the plugs have been changed will do that....

What else should I be considering doing on a car I'm uncertain of its history since the 27k? Transmission Flush? Dif? Radiator? I know these cars are suppose to be good for 100k miles but despite the expense, I'd feel better knowing what has and has not been done.

If I buy a used car, I assume nothing has been done.

[Gangplank]

Oil change + check everything else.

I just picked up a really clean 2011 135i. I got lucky and the maint. Slips we're in the glove box. .

[Olgeezer1]

Not a bad time to do all the fluids. That's the life of your car. Then you'll know exactly where you are and at 48k. it's a good time. Like you said, oil, coolant, brake fluid, Trans.(assuming it's a manual), Differential, also often overlooked power steering fluid. If I've overlooked something, change that too. Fresh fluids are the best way to protect your investment.

[Gangplank]

Here's my maint. Sched

Oil and filter: 5k to 7k mi. (max)
Air filter: 2 yrs or 4th oil change
Brake fluid: every 2 years
Coolant flush: every 2 years
Power steering fluid: 3 yrs
Cabin air filter: 3 yrs or 30k mi.
Differential: 30k miles
Walnut Blast: 50k (w/ catch can 90k)
Belts: 5 yrs or 50k mi.
Water pump: 5 yrs or 50k
Spark plugs: 60k mi.
Trans. flush/fill: 60k mi.
Fuel filter: 60k? (in fuel tank)

[jcoop269]

I would not worry about the plugs at 48000 as it's not an n54 and the plugs are rated at 100,000 on the 128...that being said, after I hit 100,000 I had a very slight miss and new plugs resolved the issue. NGK BMW stamped or not will be fine but don't use Bosch unless they're from the dealership.

[Gangplank]

I believe the plugs are every 45k on the n54 (and n55 if tuned).