Question about BMW BSI

[arkom]

I am thinking of purchasing a new BMW and might swap the wheels and maybe change the front bumper to something a bit more sportier. Both will be after market products, but the dealer told me that if I did, it will void the BSI. I could understand if I were to make modifications to the motor, but I'm not sure how new wheels or bumpers would affect the motor.

I got a friend who also has a BMW and did something similar, but he seems to have no problems getting his car serviced under the BSI.

Does anyone know if this true?

[richard_smith237]

Which beemer are you looking at ? BMW also do M-Sport models (which is basically a sportier body kit, wheels, interior) - not to be confused with the actual M series.

I can't see how changing the body kit can effect the warranty. However, I can see how changing the wheels might effect the warranty for the suspension.

[arkom]

Which beemer are you looking at ? BMW also do M-Sport models (which is basically a sportier body kit, wheels, interior) - not to be confused with the actual M series.

I can't see how changing the body kit can effect the warranty. However, I can see how changing the wheels might effect the warranty for the suspension.

Thanks for the reply, looking at the 5 series. Yeah I know abut the M-Sport kit, unfortunately the prices are pretty steep. The wheels alone cost about 240,000 THB!!

Edited September 16, 2013 by arkom

[richard_smith237]

Which beemer are you looking at ? BMW also do M-Sport models (which is basically a sportier body kit, wheels, interior) - not to be confused with the actual M series.

I can't see how changing the body kit can effect the warranty. However, I can see how changing the wheels might effect the warranty for the suspension.

Thanks for the reply, looking at the 5 series. Yeah I know abut the M-Sport kit, unfortunately the prices are pretty steep. The wheels alone cost about 240,000 THB!!

I have the 5 Series, also an M-Sport model... The M-Sport models are 200,000 Baht more than the standard trim, I managed to negotiate a 250k discount (so secured an M-Sport model for 50k less than the list price of the standard trim).

With the M-Sport you get: M-Sport Body kit (front + rear bumper and side skirts), darkened window trim, exhaust pipe finishers in dark chrome, M-Light Alloys (18" or 19"). M-Sport door sills, Sports seats, M-Function steering wheel, Aluminium trim, Anthracite headliner....

I didn't want all of this: Just the wheels and body kit - but it works and I like it, especially the fatter M-Sport steering wheel.

Its purely a matter of choice - I much preferred the sportier look and tend to trust the in-house modifications rather than after-market wheels and body kit (which IMO will add up to an equal additional cost).

Edited September 16, 2013 by richard_smith237

[vtjforyou]

Buy a Benz.. then no BSI !

[arkom]

Which beemer are you looking at ? BMW also do M-Sport models (which is basically a sportier body kit, wheels, interior) - not to be confused with the actual M series.

I can't see how changing the body kit can effect the warranty. However, I can see how changing the wheels might effect the warranty for the suspension.

Thanks for the reply, looking at the 5 series. Yeah I know abut the M-Sport kit, unfortunately the prices are pretty steep. The wheels alone cost about 240,000 THB!!

I have the 5 Series, also an M-Sport model... The M-Sport models are 200,000 Baht more than the standard trim, I managed to negotiate a 250k discount (so secured an M-Sport model for 50k less than the list price of the standard trim).

With the M-Sport you get: M-Sport Body kit (front + rear bumper and side skirts), darkened window trim, exhaust pipe finishers in dark chrome, M-Light Alloys (18" or 19"). M-Sport door sills, Sports seats, M-Function steering wheel, Aluminium trim, Anthracite headliner....

I didn't want all of this: Just the wheels and body kit - but it works and I like it, especially the fatter M-Sport steering wheel.

Its purely a matter of choice - I much preferred the sportier look and tend to trust the in-house modifications rather than after-market wheels and body kit (which IMO will add up to an equal additional cost).

Yeah, I also prefer the sportier look and would rather go with in-house as well. When I asked about the pricing they gave me a starting price of about 600,000 baht. Like you I just wanted the wheels and body kit, but if could get similar deal like you did I would do that.

[richard_smith237]

Which beemer are you looking at ? BMW also do M-Sport models (which is basically a sportier body kit, wheels, interior) - not to be confused with the actual M series.

I can't see how changing the body kit can effect the warranty. However, I can see how changing the wheels might effect the warranty for the suspension.

Thanks for the reply, looking at the 5 series. Yeah I know abut the M-Sport kit, unfortunately the prices are pretty steep. The wheels alone cost about 240,000 THB!!

I have the 5 Series, also an M-Sport model... The M-Sport models are 200,000 Baht more than the standard trim, I managed to negotiate a 250k discount (so secured an M-Sport model for 50k less than the list price of the standard trim).

With the M-Sport you get: M-Sport Body kit (front + rear bumper and side skirts), darkened window trim, exhaust pipe finishers in dark chrome, M-Light Alloys (18" or 19"). M-Sport door sills, Sports seats, M-Function steering wheel, Aluminium trim, Anthracite headliner....

I didn't want all of this: Just the wheels and body kit - but it works and I like it, especially the fatter M-Sport steering wheel.

Its purely a matter of choice - I much preferred the sportier look and tend to trust the in-house modifications rather than after-market wheels and body kit (which IMO will add up to an equal additional cost).

Yeah, I also prefer the sportier look and would rather go with in-house as well. When I asked about the pricing they gave me a starting price of about 600,000 baht. Like you I just wanted the wheels and body kit, but if could get similar deal like you did I would do that.

Which 5 Series are you looking at ?

http://www.bmw.co.th/th/en/BMW_Pricelist.html

[I knew this would happen]

I´ve also changed the wheels and have had 3 BSI services since. Got new brakes, discs, oil change, brake fluid change, everything perfect. The only thing is that Millenium installed my new wheels which i bought from an importer in BKK. Millenium said to me that if they do it and see if everything fits properly it will be ok. But i didn´t claim any warranty yet, so maybe there is still a trap waiting for me. As usual, ask three guys and get three answers.

I saw many Millenium customers and also 2nd hand premium cars (sold with warranty) which have similar wheels like mine (Breyton). I guess changeing the wheels might be ok as long as you buy some with the same specs. as BMW offers them. Mine have the same offset and tyre size like oem 19s. Soon i´ll have another BSI appointment, I´ll ask them again, courious now.

For the looks of the car, you might check out bmoption.com, there you can find nice stuff for your 5er. They also have replica M Body kits which seem to be decent in quality and the shop has a good reputation among thais (that´s at least what my brother in law told me ). But the M stuff (oem or replica) has the best look anyway IMHO, Hartge or Schnitzer stuff just looks like glued on alien elements.

Edited September 17, 2013 by I knew this would happen

[richard_smith237]

I´ve also changed the wheels and have had 3 BSI services since. Got new brakes, discs, oil change, brake fluid change, everything perfect. The only thing is that Millenium installed my new wheels which i bought from an importer in BKK. Millenium said to me that if they do it and see if everything fits properly it will be ok. But i didn´t claim any warranty yet, so maybe there is still a trap waiting for me. As usual, ask three guys and get three answers.

I saw many Millenium customers and also 2nd hand premium cars (sold with warranty) which have similar wheels like mine (Breyton). I guess changeing the wheels might be ok as long as you buy some with the same specs. as BMW offers them. Mine have the same offset and tyre size like oem 19s. Soon i´ll have another BSI appointment, I´ll ask them again, courious now.

For the looks of the car, you might check out bmoption.com, there you can find nice stuff for your 5er. They also have replica M Body kits which seem to be decent in quality and the shop has a good reputation among thais (that´s at least what my brother in law told me ). But the M stuff (oem or replica) has the best look anyway IMHO, Hartge or Schnitzer stuff just looks like glued on alien elements.

Good info:

Apologies for Off Topic question (no need to start a new thread): At what age / milage would you expect to undertake your cars first service?.

BMW just told me 1 year or when the computer says so... now, I'm not sure what my computer tells me but I only do about 6000 km a year.

But 1 year seems a long way off for a first service...

[I knew this would happen]

I guess about 1 year +/- for a new car is what you can expect until you need a first service. The BMW´s have a CBS (Condition Based Service), so the car will use it´s sensors to check oil, brakes, micro+pollen filter and diesel filter condition with it´s sensors and notice you. Brake fluid, spark plugs have a fixed lifecycle. The car will ask you to change the oil after about one year even if you only drove very few kilometers. I think you´re at least in a service once every year, sometimes 2, so there will be no lack of maintenance

The service cycles in Thailand seem a lot shorter than these in Europe, i guess thats because it´s a hot country with a lower fuel quality. In Germany i could drive 2 years and nearly 35tkm without the first service. I´ll try to check my service book and post my service cycle if i don´t forget it this evening

[arkom]

I´ve also changed the wheels and have had 3 BSI services since. Got new brakes, discs, oil change, brake fluid change, everything perfect. The only thing is that Millenium installed my new wheels which i bought from an importer in BKK. Millenium said to me that if they do it and see if everything fits properly it will be ok. But i didn´t claim any warranty yet, so maybe there is still a trap waiting for me. As usual, ask three guys and get three answers.

I saw many Millenium customers and also 2nd hand premium cars (sold with warranty) which have similar wheels like mine (Breyton). I guess changeing the wheels might be ok as long as you buy some with the same specs. as BMW offers them. Mine have the same offset and tyre size like oem 19s. Soon i´ll have another BSI appointment, I´ll ask them again, courious now.

For the looks of the car, you might check out bmoption.com, there you can find nice stuff for your 5er. They also have replica M Body kits which seem to be decent in quality and the shop has a good reputation among thais (that´s at least what my brother in law told me ). But the M stuff (oem or replica) has the best look anyway IMHO, Hartge or Schnitzer stuff just looks like glued on alien elements.

Good info, I have a feeling they are telling me that to compel me to spend more for M-Sport accessories. I know bmoption, my cousin has used them a few times for his BMW. Funny thing,they called me up today and told them I am now looking at Mercedes and they sorta backed tracked on what they told me earlier.

Which 5 Series are you looking at ?

http://www.bmw.co.th/th/en/BMW_Pricelist.html

Right now I am looking at the 520d, also tested the petrol but felt like the diesel version was a bit more responsive.

Edited September 17, 2013 by arkom

[richard_smith237]

I guess about 1 year +/- for a new car is what you can expect until you need a first service. The BMW´s have a CBS (Condition Based Service), so the car will use it´s sensors to check oil, brakes, micro+pollen filter and diesel filter condition with it´s sensors and notice you. Brake fluid, spark plugs have a fixed lifecycle. The car will ask you to change the oil after about one year even if you only drove very few kilometers. I think you´re at least in a service once every year, sometimes 2, so there will be no lack of maintenance

The service cycles in Thailand seem a lot shorter than these in Europe, i guess thats because it´s a hot country with a lower fuel quality. In Germany i could drive 2 years and nearly 35tkm without the first service. I´ll try to check my service book and post my service cycle if i don´t forget it this evening

Much appreciated - this backs up what BMW mentioned.

These new cars are becoming more and more like spaceships - sensors for everything.