Main dealer service or not?

vansboy

flashg67 wrote: »

I suspect it may have been set back to time/distance at the last service in error - particularly as you did 18 months previously? You may have paid extra for the long-life oil, which isn't needed for annual servicing. As above, dealers will do software updates if thy are due - not necessarily because there's a fault - you've learned something today Shielder!!

The vehicle is covering minimal mileages, compared to the expectancy of 'longlife oil' and has undergone a bit of confussion as to earlier services.

I would get it all up to date, with main dealer, then if you have an independent that you are happy to use, do this in future, but with annual inspections and oil and filter changes, using the longlife, correct specification oil, regardless of distance travelled.

VB

maimee_magic

So is "fully synthetic oil" long life oil and do I not really need this as I only do low mileage?

Iceweasel

More than likely it is - see if it says LL01 or LL04 for example on the bottle.

You need the best oil available as you are giving the engine a harder time than those who do high mileages on motorways.

I suspect you do lots of short journeys.

vansboy

maimee_magic wrote: »

So is "fully synthetic oil" long life oil and do I not really need this as I only do low mileage?

There are lots of 'fully synthetic' oils available at different prices, for different car makes, not all will be the actual specification for yours so check the handbook.

You NEED the correct LL for your vehicle, regardless of covering low miles and the indicator telling you when to service.

Halfords had £12 accross the range offer last week for their 4litre packs. Usually expect to pay £25 - £30.

. So many expensive problems are showing up on supposedly extended oil change intervals, which are due to wrong oil, contaminated or 'worn out' oil, it makes sense to go for an annual 10/12000mile oil and filter change regardless of a lower mileage covered.

VB

bigjl

On that vehicle i would stick with main dealer.

As has been mentioned there have been some issues that have required software updates.

As you do low mileage there is a good chance for good will contribution if the worst should happen.

And also the fact that come trade in time a low mileage car with full Main Dealer history is likely to bd easier to sell than one that has ventured outside the dealer network.

The saving will likely be less than £100 on that main service and even less on a simpler service.

I would have things like brakes and tyres done by a local independant garage though.

Mainly as main dealers can be expensive for such things.

I get my brakes and tyres done outside the dealer network and get the same parts fitted for half the price.

bigjl

Iceweasel wrote: »

More than likely it is - see if it says LL01 or LL04 for example on the bottle.

You need the best oil available as you are giving the engine a harder time than those who do high mileages on motorways.

I suspect you do lots of short journeys.

I thought LL04 etc were BMW oil specs.

And that VAG specced 504/507 etc.

I would have expected the variable service schedule to have algorithms that could work out how many cold starts and time spent at idle so they could ensure the oil is not left in situ for too long.

But i am firmly in the camp of changing oil myself mid service interval and have rarely ever left oil for more than 12months, if i have ot has been only by a few days/weeks or the car was on its way to the scrapyard soon a d changing it would be pointless.

I personally don't think variable service scheduling is the same as the old VAG LongLife servicing which was up to 20k miles if memory serves.

My Pathfinder has a service interval of 18k. And i am sure it is that or 2yrs!

I left the oil in this time for 10 months and just over 10k miles this time and the engine was not a happy bunny sounded like a bag of spanners.

One of the few times when there was actually a discernable difference in engine sound before and after an oil change.

I won't be leaving it that long again.

I am sure my sister has a Pug 106? And the service interval was 2yrs or 24k miles!

[Deleted User]

It's only worth going to a local independent garage if you have one that you know and trust. How much cheaper could you get it elsewhere?


Regarding the software update, like all software, that which is running your car will have bugs, so it is worth getting it updated. Would you use a software product with version number 1.0.0? No, you'd want to use 1.0.1 - where they've fixed all the bugs they didn't manage to get done for 1.0.0

deaglecat

Modern car (esp diesel) with fancy ECU or electronics and low mileage ... then main dealer (or independent who specialises in that manufacturer).

Older car with more basic engineering then not worth paying main dealer markup... so independent garage or DIY (if competant).

redpete

I'd look for a VAG specialist independent with some recommendations from people I trust.