A Checklist: Mainetance on a new car.

[Lockecole7]

Ok, well recently got my first car that I actually give a shit about enough to keep it in mint condition as long as possible, so I'm trying to compile a list of things I should keep in mind to maintain the car as long as possible in the condition its in.

The cars a 2007 BMW 328xi, with about 65,000 miles on it, purchased used. Currently in near mint condition from what I can tell, the most miniscule issues on the leather interior, and a good amount of break dust on the alloy wheels (which Im currently working on to clean), but beside that, its perfect. I'm currently trying to compile a list of things that would be recommended to upkeep the car. No detail should be spared, both asthetically and to maintain the working condition of the car.

Things like fluid changes, break changes etc and the mileage you would recommend they be done. Also things such as leather finish, wheel finish, wax etc, and brands you would recommend.

I live in Philadelphia, PA, in the city, so snow/cold weather can be an issue as its currently not in a garage. Any help would be appreciated, it's a project of mine and I don't mind putting money into the car to maintain it. Thanks for any help.

[Kazen]

While this isn't your normal routine maintenance such as fluids, seeing as it has 65k miles on it you may want to look into having the belts replaced soon if they're still the original ones.

[Seanr]

Are you planning to do all or most of the work on it yourself?
like you said keep up with your fluid changes. I love Autozone's Limited lifetime warranty on their brake pads, i don't know if you've ever used them, but basically as long as you bring back the brake pads and they're not worn down to the shim.. they'll swap them out for fresh ones.
Get some good/fresh year round or snow tires as well, AWD means shit all if they all are slipping

Honestly only thing I can say is as soon as any warning light comes out, go check it out.


Edit: Yea Kazen made a good point too

[Cadsuane]

While this isn't your normal routine maintenance such as fluids, seeing as it has 65k miles on it you may want to look into having the belts replaced soon if they're still the original ones.

Probably has a timing chain. When non-timing belts wear out and start squeaking it only causes irritation. Not terribly important preventative maintenance.

OP, high end dealerships often set you up with a maintenance schedule (every x number of miles) that if adhered to and documented preserves the resale value of the car. Otherwise I would suggest you exercise due diligence and common sense, but since you actually think break dust on the rims is a maintenance issue worth concern (beyond obsessive compulsiveness), certain doubts are raised. Keep in mind that a car with 65000 miles is a car with a few hundred less service hours on moving parts no matter how much in mint condition it might look like. Good chance a bearing will start failing with the next 20000 miles, or a water pump, or the breaks, etc. Ask your mechanic how to spot symptoms or just make sure that he actually does a general check-up while he's changing your oil.

[Icari]

Check your owners manual for a general guideline as to when maintenance should be done.

[Skyylya]

It's not really a new car...so you're pretty much just going on guess work. do the basics and hope whoever sold it didn't do it for a reason.