[hlothery]

Posted this in Maintenance forum, got no response. Had my 20K oil change recently, and dealer offered me a $180 added service of Bardahl oil additives. I always considered this kind of a snake oil type product, was very surprized to have it offered by the dealer. Am I crazy? Why would you need this with synthetic oil?

[SteveinArizona]

I would never put an oil additive into a relatively new BMW.

[Bob in IL]

This does seem odd and like just a dealer add-on. I think you were wise to be skeptical.

[jsf721]

Dealer offered to put fuel injector cleaner in my wife’s 2017 G30 with 12k mikes because of the local gas ? She called me and I asked the SA why they suggested it ? She gave me a crap answer. I said if BMW recommends it do it. I ha e the full maintence package plus the wear items.

Well it’s not covered she says. I said what’s the part number of what your adding. I look it up and it’s a 20 oz bottle of Techron ! For $ 108 installed. They suck. I actually complained when I got my pre survey explaining if there was any reason not to give them a perfect survey.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by hlothery

Posted this in Maintenance forum, got no response. Had my 20K oil change recently, and dealer offered me a $180 added service of Bardahl oil additives. I always considered this kind of a snake oil type product, was very surprized to have it offered by the dealer. Am I crazy? Why would you need this with synthetic oil?

Your dealer is selling you. Skip it. And beware of other nonsense they may pull in the future.

[silberma]

Originally Posted by jsf721

Dealer offered to put fuel injector cleaner in my wife’s 2017 G30 with 12k mikes because of the local gas ? She called me and I asked the SA why they suggested it ? She gave me a crap answer. I said if BMW recommends it do it. I ha e the full maintence package plus the wear items.

Well it’s not covered she says. I said what’s the part number of what your adding. I look it up and it’s a 20 oz bottle of Techron ! For $ 108 installed. They suck. I actually complained when I got my pre survey explaining if there was any reason not to give them a perfect survey.

Be aware that BMW recommend Tier 1 gasoline which has more detergents than the EPA requires. Most major brand are Tier 1, however, if you are not using major brand it is suggested that you add Techron to your gas tank every few months. A bottle sells for about $5 at auto parts store.

[hlothery]

Originally Posted by claykin

Your dealer is selling you. Skip it. And beware of other nonsense they may pull in the future.

I'm hip! And I did skip it. Actually was flabbergasted that they would be trying to sell this stuff for a new, performance BMW. So disappointing.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by hlothery

I'm hip! And I did skip it. Actually was flabbergasted that they would be trying to sell this stuff for a new, performance BMW. So disappointing.

If you have another dealer in the vicinity, consider switching.

[jsf721]

I run 93 major brand gasoline. That coupled by the fact that I turn my cars in every 36 Months leads me to believe I will never have an issue.

That said, I did buy a case 6 bottles of techron and will dose my cars before their next oil service.

Originally Posted by silberma

Be aware that BMW recommend Tier 1 gasoline which has more detergents than the EPA requires. Most major brand are Tier 1, however, if you are not using major brand it is suggested that you add Techron to your gas tank every few months. A bottle sells for about $5 at auto parts store.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by hlothery

I'm hip! And I did skip it. Actually was flabbergasted that they would be trying to sell this stuff for a new, performance BMW. So disappointing.

Is this dealer owned by a large group? Usually these guys are the troublemakers trying to push crap on their customers.

[hlothery]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

If you have another dealer in the vicinity, consider switching.

Bought it in Dallas. Only one dealer in SA. There is one in Austin. The SA dealership has been wonderful in all my dealings with them so far (through the M4 sales and maintenance, etc), until this. Just gives me pause. I'm pretty savvy, and will watch them a little more closely from now on. I guess money does really drive everything, as much as we would like to believe in our search for quality. (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance notwithstanding!)

[hlothery]

Originally Posted by claykin

Is this dealer owned by a large group? Usually these guys are the troublemakers trying to push crap on their customers.

I think they are, affiliated with a group in DFW. Not sure if this is some crap being pushed by the affiliated small insurance organizations which push non-BMW extended warranties for incredible prices.....that is kind of the feel I got. Clearly not a BMW Corporate initiative, IMO. Didn't fall for it, and usually won't even consider any of that crap. Anyway, if I wanted Bardahl products, I'd go to any local auto parts franchise and get it for $29.95.....certainly not for $180! Hard to express my disappointment.

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by hlothery

I'm hip! And I did skip it. Actually was flabbergasted that they would be trying to sell this stuff for a new, performance BMW. So disappointing.

Just another dealer making a quick buck. What else is new?