Hi everyone, my brother owns a 2004 X3 2.5i and he's approaching 80,000 miles. I'd like to learn a little about maintenance issues on these cars as well as any common problems et cetera. Unfortunately he doesn't know a wrench from a hammer (he lost his owner's manual) so I'm the one responsible for the upkeep of the car. All the maintenance I am aware of is that the oil has been changed (probably not often enough, but on a semi regular basis) and that he did a trans fluid flush and new filter around 50,000 miles. This is outside of whatever work the dealer did to his car while it was in its warranty.

Thanks in advance for the help, I'm going to get working with the search button on the boards here to see what I can find.

In general, BMWs have maintenance needs similar to other cars. Here are a few of the major differences:


Almost all new models (including MY 2004) come with synthetic oil and 15,000 mile oil change intervals. Actually, there is a computer that adjusts for number of starts and then tells you when to change the oil. Many of us change the oil at 7500 miles or every six months.
BMW recommends completely draining and refilling the brake fluid every two years. Also, they do NOT recommend re-surfacing the rotors; instead, replace them.
The major services are called Service I (at 30K) and Service II (at 60K). If you search, you'll find a list of everything that is included with each.


Good luck.

Thank you, even if it wasn't required I only use synthetic oil in my own car. Mobil 1 is my first choice. Also, my brother had his brakes done at a shop last summer. New pads all around and new front rotors, I should look into the brake fluid. I don't know if that was changed, but its something I'd imagine I could do myself.