My BMW maintenance (low mileage oil change) is due but my lease turn in is in about six weeks. By the time i turn it in, I will have passed more than a month with the reminder warning light coming on. I don’t want to bring it in because of hassle and because COVID. If I turn it in at lease end with deferred maintenance (assuming i can find a dealer to accept it) will they care?
Some will, some won’t. Some will try to charge you for it, some will just do it under maintenance and not say anything.
That being said I wouldn’t call a free oil change at BMW dealer much of a hassle. It’s pretty hassle free at any BMW dealer I’ve been to.
As for COVID… if you’re over 65 or have some horrible pre-existing condition, maybe don’t go or wear a properly fitted N95 if you want any actual protection. Otherwise, just go and get the oil change done, you’ll be fine.
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If avoiding this is a priority…
… just get a cheap oil change somewhere without the perceived drawbacks.
I recently had our ancient RX serviced at Valvoline Instant Oil Change using a voucher I bought from Groupon. I arrived when they opened, drove right into the service bay, and never got out of the car.
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FWIW, Some dealers offer a pickup/dropoff service…
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Why not schedule the oil change and drop off for the same time? Get your inspection done and let them know the oil change is set up. One time drop off and no worries.
Thanks everyone.
To clarify,
I don’t want to drive a loaner but I need my car every day. I also don’t want anyone in my car. I’m absolutely distancing and avoiding as much as I can. I have to get groceries etc but I use paper towels to grasp the EV chargers, push elevator buttons, touch doorknobs, etc.
This is not a Covid thread, so…
Also my PHEV ICE only has about 4000 miles on it, so the warning light is just the 12 month oil change; the ICE is not likely to suffer if I put another 200 miles on it in the next six weeks.
My q is really whether or not BMW will ding me if I turn it in without servicing, with the warning light on. Maybe they will let it slide since it’s a pandemic?
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It sounds like he doesn’t even want someone else in his car, because of all the evidence that covid spreads on surfaces and such…
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I answered your question honestly in the first post.
Some will, some won’t. Some will try to charge you for it, some will just do it under maintenance and not say anything.
Unless you’re in a risk group, playing the pandemic card is not a good excuse to ignore maintenance on your car. You won’t even let them pick up and drop off. How much more can they do for you?
Worst case they charge you for an oil change, surely thats worth your life? Right? Since that is what you seem to believe is at risk.
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AFAIK the only situation where the manufacturer can mandate that only their dealers can service the product is when the service is free.
So maintenance performed under BMW’s “free maintenance” plan must be performed at a BMW dealer.
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What does the BMWFS lease agreement say?
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I just had my car serviced by valet and I felt safe. With that said I went and tried to smog my other car the place was closed due to covid exposure. I paid registration but decided not to smog my car till covid subsides.
Like the others said if you think it’s unsafe then it seems it’s worth getting charged for an oil change.
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It’s a $700 charge for missed maintenance since they have to take the engine apart to inspect for damage.
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Good point about the cost. But LH is all about the deal and saving $0.01…
I’m not so worried about me in a loaner, its others that we spread virus to after we come into contact with it. Most people that come into contact don’t have symptoms, but they pass it on to others. Some of those get sick, and some of those die (now one in 1000 in the US have died). So many people don’t get that, which is why we are where we are today. Such an inconvenient truth…
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Can you schedule an oil change 3 days before turn in and just leave the car there?
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I understand your concern, and you are going to have to personally weigh the options for yourself. It might be worth a call to bmwfs (if you do, I’d focus on the covid concern and not mention “I need to drive it everyday” since that won’t typically fly), and see what they say. Better to have a note on your account before a dispute later.
Worst case
And if, in the end, you get dinged for it, and you think it saved you from possible exposure, then it’s a small price to pay.
But as far as what’s normal and expected: even here in SoCal with nearly 0 ICU beds, dealers are open and servicing customers’ cars. I wouldn’t just bring it turn it in without the maintenance, without a call, and hope not to get billed.
Good luck.
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3 posts were merged into an existing topic: Off Topic Landfill 3
According to https://www.bmwusa.com/return-vehicle.html “brake fluid service indicator” is acceptable, but “Past due service indicators for Engine Oil or Brake Pads” is not. Interestingly, an OEM windshield replacement may not be essential. If you call, you will get a different answer each time, depending on who answers.
According to my past experience, if I’m getting into a new upmarket lease from the same dealership, almost anything can be acceptable. Rattlesnakes in the glovebox, maybe not, but the odd tarantula should be fine. YMMV.
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I have a similar question for maintenance for an Audi that I’m turning in a few weeks early (lease fully paid).
I have a message on the dash that I need an oil change in the next 15 days but I’m turning in my car tomorrow.
That’s not an issue right?
What then is the reason we have 0 icu beds? Why the surge after each holiday?
I messaged a dealer and they did say it needs to be returned without the maintenance light. So I’ll do my best. Appreciate everyone reaching out, great community!
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Sorry for the ignorant question…but are people not able to change their own oil anymore on newer cars? I used to do this all the time before switching to evs. If you are really that scared of Covid i say learn how to change it and do it.
Some have old relatives living in the household…I’m sure grandpa doesn’t care about any studies, after winning the life roulette for 80 years you kinda know your luck will soon run out.