Argument with my dealer

Originally Posted by NoI4plz

Off topic question here, but after your Indy oil change, did your CBS system reflect the brand new oil hence increase the CBS by a lot? If so then what's the point of the CBS, an automatic way of what I do for my dd after an oil change (reset trip A to count upto 3k for my next oil change)?

Here's my answer -I don't know the specific technical answer to this question, but over the years I have determined that the CBS is not set up to reset itself "backwards". At least not by very much. Once it "counts down" it maintains that count. As I mentioned in my previous post, the oil sensor analyzes the quality of the oil, but the computer uses other data to determine the need for an oil change.

Originally Posted by pointandgo

Since they are QUITE FAR AWAY from me,

How do you live in LA and have a long drive to a dealer? You pass a BMW dealer about every 5 miles around here!

Originally Posted by cwinter

Interesting but likely either a mistake by the dealer, meaning BMW didn't end up paying for it or they fudged the numbers and got money for it when they shouldn't. Could also be that they changed the oil and did not reset the indicator, leading to the indicator still being set by 15k miles.

Whatever the reason, it is pretty clear how it should work but apparently not clear enough to get a uniform answer from dealers across the nation. Which is really baffling to be honest.

Or maybe they would just rather take care of a good customer. I told them before hand that I already had an oil change and of course their records show that. They said no problem and did it anyway all the while giving me a brand new 535i as a loaner. They are IMO a first class dealer and very good to their customers.

Originally Posted by haskindm

Let me get this straight. You are upset with the dealer/BMW because they want to give you an oil change at no charge? Surely you understand that changing the oil once per year is the absolute minimum. Short trip driving is the absolute most severe condition to which you can subject your car. Moisture accumulates in the oil that does not get evaporated by the heat of a nice long drive. If you took your car on a long trip now you might even see your oil level drop fairly quickly as a good percentage of your oil is now water. I understand that you are leasing the car, but have a care for the poor sod that buys your car when you are done with it, especially if it costs you nothing!

My SBI says that it's not time...plus L.A. is a desert...very low humidity. I took a long trip a few months ago (16+ hrs round trip) and at my oil level hasn't budged from "full." I believe that the SBI would take into account "short trips," otherwise it is worthless.

Originally Posted by Pasa-d

How do you live in LA and have a long drive to a dealer? You pass a BMW dealer about every 5 miles around here!

True, but I didn't lease it from one of the closer dealers. As you know the definition of "far away" in L.A. is more than a 20 min. drive.

Originally Posted by Yeoman

The BMW oil change interval is 15K miles OR 1 year, whichever comes first. I don't know why this is so hard to understand.

Then what's the purpose of the SBI?

Very interesting observations. Regardless of the true reason behind them urging you to get an oil change, why don't you just get it done? I would leap at the offer!

Op true that different dealer have different policies. Some have great SAs, others just could give a rats behind. It matters on what your individual relationship with the SA is.

I just wanted ask you why are you concerned with your oil level. You should be happy your oil level is full, that means you have a great engine under your hood. A lot of owners of BMW have reported some oil burn issues, nothing too serious but still something.

I honestly dont think that BMW dealers have any incentives to do the work persay. There are profits in getting reimbursed oil changes, however I think they could care less if the car is being neglected for maintenance, actually cheaper to blame future engine trouble on that negligence.

Lastly, I think the CBS System is cracking me up. Its more of a planner rather than a real time oil analysis system. I feel the CBS is still primitive, not blaming BMW, but rather the complexity of monitoring oil in any economical and scientifically sound method. I think we Are far from having mini spectrometers in our cars so yes, until then the planner aka CBS is going to be the best the market has to offer.

Edit: if The results of Andrew B can reproduced on other vehicles who do DIY oil changes than yes, I'm guessing this oil sensor seems to be far more advanced then I thought it was. I wonder exactly what their testing in the oil in real time to determine oil life. Are they going off experimental data sets for viscosity, oil temp range and different metal concentrations and comparing that against real time data points found in each individual car?

Originally Posted by NoI4plz

Off topic question here, but after your Indy oil change, did your CBS system reflect the brand new oil hence increase the CBS by a lot? If so then what's the point of the CBS, an automatic way of what I do for my dd after an oil change (reset trip A to count upto 3k for my next oil change)?

I recently changed the oil in my 335i, and forgot to reset the CBS. Looked at it 2 days later (I always watch it after a change), and it reset itself - now indicating 15,000 miles until a change is needed.....

Originally Posted by Bemo

Very interesting observations. Regardless of the true reason behind them urging you to get an oil change, why don't you just get it done? I would leap at the offer!

I was planning on it when the CBS indicated to do so. In the meantime I've been busy and have better things to do rather than waste a whole day getting the oil changed prior to the CBS indicated requirement. As my Owner's Manual says:

"Sensors and special algorithms take the different driving conditions of your BMW into account. CBS uses this to determine the current and future service requirements." Engine oil is specifically indicated under the CBS "system."

Nevertheless, I gave in and have an appointment for next Wednesday with an agreement that my car will get in-and-out quickly. I expect free coffee and jelly donuts or else.

Originally Posted by NoI4plz

Op true that different dealer have different policies. Some have great SAs, others just could give a rats behind. It matters on what your individual relationship with the SA is.

I just wanted ask you why are you concerned with your oil level. You should be happy your oil level is full, that means you have a great engine under your hood. A lot of owners of BMW have reported some oil burn issues, nothing too serious but still something.

I honestly dont think that BMW dealers have any incentives to do the work persay. There are profits in getting reimbursed oil changes, however I think they could care less if the car is being neglected for maintenance, actually cheaper to blame future engine trouble on that negligence.

Lastly, I think the CBS System is cracking me up. Its more of a planner rather than a real time oil analysis system. I feel the CBS is still primitive, not blaming BMW, but rather the complexity of monitoring oil in any economical and scientifically sound method. I think we Are far from having mini spectrometers in our cars so yes, until then the planner aka CBS is going to be the best the market has to offer.

Edit: if The results of Andrew B can reproduced on other vehicles who do DIY oil changes than yes, I'm guessing this oil sensor seems to be far more advanced then I thought it was. I wonder exactly what their testing in the oil in real time to determine oil life. Are they going off experimental data sets for viscosity, oil temp range and different metal concentrations and comparing that against real time data points found in each individual car?

I'm not concerned with my oil level. I merely indicated that it remained at the "full" level.
BMW says that it uses "special algorithms" in its CBS system. I'm sure they don't want their engines to be damaged under "rental" as with mine. I'm trusting their system.

Mine have all been "annual" oil changes with low miles:

12/16/09 - In service date
12/22/10 - Oil change - mileage = 5173
12/22/11 - Oil change - mileage = 8217 (3074 since last change)

Upcoming
12/XX/12 - Oil change - est mileage = 11,000 (2800 since last change)

It does appear that the dealer reset the indicator after each change, as I currently show 13000 until next service.

does the CBS show remaining miles or miles at the odo?

Originally Posted by spicytofu

does the CBS show remaining miles or miles at the odo?

If I'm understanding your question correctly, the CBS indications shown on the center display indicate miles-to-go until the indicated service is required.

Originally Posted by Zooks527

If I'm understanding your question correctly, the CBS indications shown on the center display indicate miles-to-go until the indicated service is required.

I see, it doesnt seem to change. Ive been at 11k for a while and I have driven about 6k so far. I guess it is right since it will be about 16k when I get my first change.

Originally Posted by CALWATERBOY

When questioned, my SA had to admit the "scope" was a guy scrolling through iDrive.

Wow. What excellent service.

Attachment 344322

Interesting. I don't have iDrive.

Originally Posted by pointandgo

I was planning on it when the CBS indicated to do so. In the meantime I've been busy and have better things to do rather than waste a whole day getting the oil changed prior to the CBS indicated requirement. As my Owner's Manual says:

"Sensors and special algorithms take the different driving conditions of your BMW into account. CBS uses this to determine the current and future service requirements." Engine oil is specifically indicated under the CBS "system."

Nevertheless, I gave in and have an appointment for next Wednesday with an agreement that my car will get in-and-out quickly. I expect free coffee and jelly donuts or else.

Don't forget the free WI-FI, soft drinks, and morning paper!

OK, It's DONE...today! 6,672 miles. CBS actually showed 7,000 miles until next service (!)...and Zero oil consumption. Is it useless with its "mathematical formulas" that monitor driving conditions? What the heck...I gorged myself on free donuts.

Brake fluid flush and microfilter also changed (although not authorized by BMW NA according to the ticket?).

I asked the SA why my CA didn't work...he said that I didn't have it!

Checked out the new 328i and decided what I wanted for my next car. It's quite larger. My sales adviser wasn't there to give me a test drive.

Originally Posted by pointandgo

Checked out the new 328i and decided what I wanted for my next car. It's quite larger. My sales adviser wasn't there to give me a test drive.

So your are going to ditch the E9X flock for a what? 5 Series? No, No - a 6 Series four door coupe.. That is so oxymoronic to me...

Originally Posted by Nordic_Kat

So your are going to ditch the E9X flock for a what? 5 Series? No, No - a 6 Series four door coupe.. That is so oxymoronic to me...

No, no! A mix up of words. I would rather get a job in a funeral parlor than go to the 5-series threads (it would be more exciting).

I'm 3-series ALL THE WAY. Was just noting the the new Gen looks a little larger.