Owning a BMW: what to keep on top of
Follow the dashboard service prompts rather than an annual date, and keep the record of each one. On older four-cylinder diesels, listen for timing chain noise, and on heavier X models keep an eye on suspension and tyre advisories at each MOT.
- Condition Based Service prompts for oil, brake fluid and filters.
- Timing chain noise on the N47 diesel used up to about 2014.
- Run-flat tyre wear and suspension bushes on X models.
- Keyless entry theft risk on the 3 Series, 5 Series and X5.
Is my BMW ULEZ compliant?
Petrol BMWs registered from 2006 generally meet ULEZ. Diesels need Euro 6, which most BMW diesels registered from September 2015 meet. A 320d or 520d from before then usually pays the £12.50 daily charge, though some 2014 BMW diesels were already Euro 6.
Can you get a BMW service history by registration?
BMW keeps a digital service book, which replaced the paper one on newer cars. For BMWs from model year 2012 the Full HPI Check with Service History reads that record for £14.95, showing each visit's date, mileage and garage. It is the record a buyer will want to see when you sell. If BMW holds nothing for the car, the service history part is not charged.
Which BMW models can be checked?
Every BMW with a UK registration, including the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Series, the X1, X3 and X5, and the i models.
Last reviewed by ServiceLad.