Quick-reference resources for BMW owners in Simi Valley and the Conejo Valley. Maintenance schedules, pre-purchase checklists, warning light guides, and service interval references — everything you need on one page.
Engine oil and filter with BMW LL-01 or LL-04 (confirm spec for your engine). CBS reset. Tire rotation. Visual inspection of leaks, brake pad condition, and cooling system.
Brake fluid flush. Air filter inspection and replacement if needed. Cabin air filter replacement. Spark plugs at 30,000–45,000 miles depending on engine.
Coolant flush with BMW-spec blue coolant. Fuel filter inspection. Power steering fluid check (on hydraulic-assist models).
Automatic transmission fluid service (ZF 8-speed: pan, filter, fluid). Transfer case fluid (xDrive models). Rear differential fluid. VANOS solenoid inspection and cleaning or replacement if codes present. Walnut blasting (direct injection engines — N54, N55, N20, B58).
Electric water pump replacement (N52, N55). Thermostat and housing replacement. Expansion tank inspection and replacement if any cracking. Valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket if not previously replaced. Timing chain tensioner assessment (N20 specifically).
Service records for at least the last 4 oil changes. HPFP replacement confirmation (N54). N20 timing chain tensioner confirmation (F30 328i, F25 X3 xDrive28i). Any recall or extended warranty work completed.
Oil residue along valve cover seam. Seepage at oil filter housing area. Expansion tank condition and cap seal. Coolant color and level. Any recent cleaning that might obscure leaks.
Rattle that clears in 2 seconds: likely VANOS. Rattle that persists 5+ seconds: timing chain guides. Any rattle on an N20: scan immediately. Turbo spool noise or boost hesitation on first pull: HPFP (N54/N55).
Park level on flat ground. Return after 8–12 hours. Any corner sitting lower = active strut leak. System pumps back up on start = confirming leak. Both compressor and strut may need replacement.
Full module scan — not just powertrain codes. Stored codes that were cleared recently show in fault history on BMW-capable scanners. VANOS codes, fuel system codes, and suspension codes are all relevant. Don't buy any used BMW without a fresh scan.
Pull over safely immediately. Do not continue driving. Let the engine cool before opening the hood. Overheating BMW aluminum engines warp and crack cylinder heads at temperatures that would be survivable in older cast-iron engines.
Stop the engine immediately. Do not restart and drive to a shop. An engine with no oil pressure can be destroyed in minutes of continued operation. This is the one warning where you call for a tow, not a diagnosis.
Steady light: non-emergency fault. Get a scan within a few days. Flashing light: active misfire. Back off throttle, avoid hard acceleration, and get to a shop the same day to prevent catalyst damage.
Pads are at minimum thickness. Schedule brake service within 1–2 weeks. Not an emergency for typical daily driving, but continuing past this warning contacts the metal backing plate with the rotor — converting a pad replacement into a pad and rotor replacement.
Air suspension fault. Check if any corner of the vehicle appears lower than normal. If the car is sagging, avoid highway speeds and schedule service promptly. The compressor will burn out if forced to compensate for a significant strut leak continuously.
Coolant level has dropped below minimum. Add BMW-spec blue coolant to bring to correct level and get the system inspected for the source of the loss. A coolant level that drops repeatedly indicates an active leak that needs to be addressed.
German Auto Doctor serves BMW owners throughout Simi Valley and the 805. Call or schedule online for any BMW question — from warning light interpretation to pre-purchase inspection to major service planning.
Service by German Auto Doctor · 521 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley CA 93065