Condition Based Servicing

A query on CBS.

As mine was getting an oil service at BMW recently I noticed than on the paper work that the dealer gave me afterwards that they include in any CBS, something called a standard scope.  This was printed on a BMW card detailing what is involved with each CBS item implying that it is done regardless of what is happening to your car.

This standard scope is bascially plugging it into the diagnostic machine to check for faults and you get charged for it.

As my car was in for some head scratching, I knew they would be plugging it into the diagnostic machine anyhoo so I was quite happy to pay for that.  Fine.

But!

If you are getting just your Micro filters replaced on your E60 which is no more than 5 minutes work therefore buttons in terms of potential labour charge, they make their cash from doing a standard scope.

If you think about it, by the time they have processed your car, done the paperwork, moved in and out of the workshop, washed it (even though you asked for it not to be washed) filled out the service book, reset the iDrive it isn't worth the time and effort for the labour for the replacing of the filters but throw in a standard scope and kerching the dealer makes his money.

Is BMW feeling the munch of the credit crunch?

Andrew

Exactly as everything is all CBS now they can't hit you with "your front pads and discs need changing sir" as the computer is staring them in the face saying you have 13,000 miles to go.

E39 went in for a service in Jan 2005, was told your front pads and discs need changing sir", righto thanks.

I did not fit any pads or discs.

E39 went in for a service 9 months and 10,000 miles later and then was not told "your front pads and discs need changing sir".

I asked why that 10,000 miles later the same pads and discs did not need replacing and was told it is just down to the mechanics own personal experience and recommendations.......

The CBS sorts that sort of behaviour out.  So I'm quite happy to go to BMW for servicing.

I'm not knocking the dealer I went to on this occasion and tbh I wouldn't mind if they do a diagnostic check on it, as it goes into the dealer so infrequently as the oil is longlife stuff at 19,000 miles between changes.

Well I wouldn't say it removes common sense, but I'm suprised at your post.  Although I thought that you couldn't reset the CBS unless you replaced the pad wear sensor?

My iDrive is saying 13,000 miles to go for front pads and has been for over 10,000 miles.  The pads and discs look good but I'm not convinced by the fact that I've been able to drive 10,000 miles and not put any wear on the pads!

So I'm going to strip them out and check them.

Sorry, sig updated. I was referring to my E60.

Before the CBS brake warning came on it had been telling me brakes were due soon and counting down the miles. When I did the inspection I had a good look at the sacrificial wear sensor and it had not been triggered. The E60 sensor is similar to the E39 and Z3M, but it has a lump on it that looks designed to make it trigger a lot earlier and while there is plenty of meat left on the pads. Since everything looked virtually new I reset the warning.


Edited by siwilson