Is Engine Carbon Cleaning Worth It?

Red VW with the bonnet open showing engine

Is your direct injection engine suffering from poor performance, excessive fuel consumption, rough idle, hard starting, or a persistent check engine light? If so, you could be dealing with the common issue of carbon buildup.

Direct injection engines are particularly susceptible to carbon deposits accumulating in the intake ports over time, which can lead to a host of problems including those just mentioned.

If your engine has excessive carbon buildup, carbon cleaning is well worth it, as it will restore your engine’s ability to operate correctly by clearing out the intake ports, giving you back peak performance and allowing the engine to run efficiently.

Why Would You Need a Carbon Clean?

Carbon buildup is a common issue for direct injection engines due to the fact that their injectors are placed directly into the cylinder, rather than in the intake ports.

This means that fuel that would help to clean out the intake ports like it does on old engines no longer happens, and as a result carbon deposits build up in the ports and around the top of the values, restricting airflow and impacting the engine’s ability to operate as it should.

Here is what it looks like inside the intake ports when there’s carbon buildup:

As a result, when carbon buildup gets bad enough, you will typically see the following signs:

Decreased Performance

If you’ve noticed a gradual decrease in engine power, sluggish acceleration, or a general lack of responsiveness, carbon build up may well be to blame.

Rough Idle and Start-Up Issues

Carbon buildup on intake valves can cause rough idling, engine misfires, and difficulty starting.

Persistent Check Engine Light

Carbon deposits can trigger the check engine light to illuminate. While other factors can also cause this, carbon buildup should be considered as a potential problem if the light persists and nothing else you do resolves the problem.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

Carbon deposits restrict the amount of air coming in through the intake ports, disrupting the air-fuel mixture and resulting in increased fuel consumption. If you find your car using more fuel than it should be without any apparent reason, odds are carbon build up is to blame.

So, Is Carbon Cleaning Worth Doing?

Engine carbon cleaning is well worth doing if your engine has a significant buildup of carbon deposits causing disruptions to its performance.

By getting carbon cleaning done, you can expect the following benefits:

Improved Engine Performance

One of the primary reasons why engine carbon cleaning is worth it is because it restores engine performance.

By removing carbon deposits, the engine operates like it would have had from factory, giving you the power, acceleration and responsiveness that the car would have had when new.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency

Carbon deposits interfere with proper fuel atomization and combustion, leading to increased fuel consumption.

With a cleaner engine, fuel is utilised more efficiently, resulting in better mileage and potential savings at the pump. Over time, the cost of carbon cleaning is likely to be offset by the fuel savings you achieve.

Prevention of Costly Repairs

Allowing carbon deposits to build up unchecked potentially leads to more severe engine issues down the line.

Carbon buildup affects critical engine components, leading to costly repairs or even engine failure given a long enough time frame.

By having engine carbon cleaning done when required, you can prevent the need for more expensive repairs in the future, saving you money and ensuring the longevity of your engine.

How Often Does Carbon Cleaning Need to Be Done?

Typically, engine carbon cleaning will need to be done every 100,000 KMs. This can depend on the type of driving the car is exposed to and the fuel used, but for most cars this is the sweet spot.

Get Your Engine Carbon Cleaned Today!

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this post, contact us today to get your engine carbon cleaned and restore your car’s performance!

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Can You Tune a Stock ECU?

Are you looking to get more performance out of your car? If so, you’ve no doubt heard about ECU tuning.

ECU tuning is a very popular modification which can be an easy way to get extra power from your motor. However, there are a lot of questions that come up regarding ECU tuning, especially on stock ECUs.

In this post, we will give you everything you need to know regarding tuning stock ECUs.

So, Can You Tune a Stock ECU?

Yes you can. Practically all stock ECUs can be tuned using either one of two methods:

1. ECU Flashing

ECU Flashing is a modern method of tuning that involves updating the software or “map” on the ECU through the car’s OBD port.

This new software can adjust various parameters such as fuel/air mixture, ignition timing and boost pressure to increase the car’s performance.

The major advantage of ECU flashing is that it’s quick, easy and reversible – you can return the ECU to its original settings if needed. This method can be done on cars which have OBD ports, which are typically from 1995 and newer.

2. Socketing Or Chipping

The other more traditional method of ECU tuning, commonly used on older vehicles without OBD ports is called chipping or socketing.

This process typically involves the ECU being physically opened and either replacing the chip, or in some cases installing a socket to allow a new EPROM chip to be added. The new chip contains the modified maps to improve the car’s performance.

This method is more complicated than ECU flashing but is the only real method possible on older ECUs. It’s also a more labour-intensive process and, if not done correctly, can risk damaging the ECU.

However, this method is only typically required on cars older than 1995 that don’t have OBD ports.

Why Would You Want to Tune a Stock ECU?

There are several reasons why someone would want to tune a stock ECU.

The most obvious general answer is that it is often the quickest and easiest way to get performance gains from the car.

Installing a standalone ECU and getting the car dyno tuned is complicated and requires a lot of work, has the potential for running issues and other problems, and means the car is no longer in factory condition, which can void the warranty.

Tuning a stock ECU, on the other hand, can have the following benefits:

Quick & Easy: Tuning a stock ECU is usually quick and easy, especially if a flash can be done. It also means you can use a preset map so the car does not have to be tuned on a dyno
Cost Effective: Tuning a stock ECU is often once of the most cost effective performance upgrades you can do.
Good Performance Improvement: Many stock ECUs have a range of aftermarket tune options which have proven performance benefits, meaning you won’t have to guess if doing the tune is going to be worth it. With a standalone ECU and custom tune, you can never be 100% sure what result you will get until it is done.
Safety Of the Tune: If you use a tune from a reputable tuner, you can be confident that your car will not have any problems with the new tune.
Engine Smoothness and Responsiveness: Stock ECUs often provide the smoothest and most responsive drivability from an engine, leading to a more satisfying and comfortable driving experience.
Unlock Hidden Features: Some manufacturers lock certain features to make different versions of a car. With an ECU tune, these features can be unlocked, including speed limiter removal, launch control and more.

Is It Worth Tuning Your Stock ECU?

Whether tuning a stock ECU is “worth it” will greatly depend on the specific car in question as well as your goals.

Typically, with cars that are naturally aspirated, as well as older cars, there is often very little improvement that can be expected from an ECU tune, often somewhere in the range of 5-10hp.

However, with more modern cars, especially if they are turbo, power increases can be as high as 100hp from a good ECU tune.

So you really have to take into account your specific car and circumstances and see what the likely outcome is, in order to decide if the tune is worth doing.

There are also some potential downsides you should note:

Potential Risk to Engine Longevity
While this is not a big risk if you use a tune from a reputable tuner, there is always a risk that any modification can cause problems or increase wear on your engine. You need to be sure that you are prepared for that possibility if it does occur.
Warranty Concerns: Tuning a stock ECU may void the vehicle’s warranty in some circumstances, so you should check with your car’s manufacturer before proceeding with any kind of ECU tuning.
Cost: ECU tuning can be expensive, particularly for more advanced or custom tunes.

Will Tuning a Stock ECU Damage Your Engine?

It’s important to keep in mind that damage to an engine as a result of an ECU tune is fully dependent on the tune itself, not which ECU it is on.

With that being the case, a tuned stock ECU itself, with a tune that is done correctly (ideally by a reputable tuner) has very little risk of damaging your engine.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that any modification done to a car does increase the risk of something going wrong or being damaged, so always keep that risk in mind when you choose to install upgrades on your car.

If the ECU tuning is done incorrectly or excessively, no matter whether it is on a stock ECU or a standalone ECU, it can lead to engine damage over time.

Common issues with ECU tuning include:

Over-Tuning
Tuning the engine to produce more power than the engine or other vehicle components can safely handle can result in excessive wear and even catastrophic failure of engine parts. For example, too much boost pressure on a turbocharged engine can cause premature turbo wear or even engine damage.
Improper Tuning
Even with less aggressive tuning, improper adjustments can lead to problems. For example, leaning out the fuel mixture too much can cause higher engine temperatures and potential damage.
Increased Stress on Components
Tuning that increases power output can put additional stress on various engine and drivetrain components, potentially leading to increased wear and a reduced lifespan.

This is why it is extremely important to have your ECU tuning done by a professional and use a tune from a reputable tuner such as APR or Dinan.

Will Tuning a Stock ECU Void Your Warranty?

It depends.

Typically, modifications can void specific parts of the warranty, but it greatly depends on the dealer/manufacturer and what modification was done.

In many cases, vehicle modifications are allowed without completely voiding the warranty. Typically, a dealer will need to prove that the modifications caused the damage before it can deny warranty coverage. However, this can vary from case to case.

Also, it’s worth noting that some dealerships are more tolerant of modifications than others. Some may overlook ECU tuning if it’s not causing any problems, while others may void the warranty at the first sign of any modifications.

Given the potential impact on warranty coverage, it’s generally a good idea to check with your dealer or review your warranty terms before getting an ECU tune.

Looking to Get Your ECU Tuned?

If you want to get your ECU tuned or would like to discuss your options for your car, contact us now by calling 09 441 3635 or emailing service@dodsonmotorsport.com.

How Often Should You Carbon Clean Your Engine?

If you drive a modern car you’ve no doubt heard about carbon cleaning the engine to keep it running properly.

The vast majority of newer engines use what’s called direct injection, where petrol or diesel is injected right into the cylinder rather than the intake ports like on older engines.

While this makes for a more efficient engine, it also means that the intake ports don’t get cleaned through normal use, and as a result carbon deposits build up and restrict air flow, causing a number of running issues. The only way to get rid of it is to manually carbon clean the engine.

But, just how often does an engine actually need carbon cleaning?

Recommended Engine Carbon Cleaning Intervals

While there are no official recommendations from any car manufacture on how often you should do carbon cleaning, the typical intervals for when it’s a good idea to do are generally every 100,000 kms for petrol engines and 60,000 kms for diesel engines.

This does vary depending on how you use the car and even between different models, but that’s the typically time frame that most engine will start seeing the effects of carbon build-up and require a carbon clean.

Other Signs That Your Engine May Need a Carbon Clean

Aside from just mileage, there are other tell-tale signs that your engine may need a carbon clean.

When carbon starts building up in your engine, you will notice a number of effects including:

Poor fuel economy
Rough idle or even stalling
Reduced performance
Hesitation
Excessive emissions
And more

If you start to notice any or all of these things, chances are that it’s time for your engine to get carbon cleaned.

Time to Get Your Engine Carbon Cleaned?

If the time has come to get your engine carbon cleaned, we can help.

As specialists in performance cars, we offer carbon cleaning for all modern direct injection engines including Volkswagen, Audi and BMW from our workshop in Wairau, Auckland.

Give us a call on 09 441 3635 or email service@dodsonmotorsport.com to book your car in today!

A Special Nissan GTR Gets Serviced a Dodson

Recently we had a visit from a rather special Nissan GTR that came in for our comprehensive Nissan GTR service.

In preparation to attend a couple of upcoming events including Nationals and Clubfest, we made sure that everything was serviced and ready to go so that the owner could enjoy the car’s full performance reliably.

As you can probably tell, this isn’t your ordinary GTR. This one has been upgraded with a facelift EBA kit along with a number of other modifications and a striking yellow paint job which suits it really well and makes it stand out.

After our service, the owner can be confident that the car will perform at its best for the coming events.

If you have a Nissan GTR you need serviced, be sure to contact us today.

We offer premium servicing for all GTR models and as GTR specialists, we are also able to help you with upgrades and modifications.

Speak to our team today by calling 09 441 3635 or emailing service@dodsonmotorsport.com.

BMW Ms Getting Serviced At Dodson

If the time has come to get your BMW M serviced, we at Dodson Motorsport can help.

As specialists in BMW M cars, as well as a range of other performance cars, we are able to service your BMW to the highest standard and ensure the job gets done right.

BMW Ms require correct servicing procedures as well as the right oils and parts to be used in order to operate as they were intended and perform at their peak.

We only use high quality oils and components on all cars that we service, ensuring that they are serviced to, and often beyond, manufacturers specifications.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a few BMW Ms come through our shop, including:

This beautiful white E92 M3 with some tasteful mods that came in for a service, and…

this fantastic looking black M4 that was in for a transmission service.

BMW Engine and Transmission Servicing

Whether you need an engine or a transmission service, our service packages will ensure that your car runs and performs like it did when it left the factory.

We are able to service most modern BMWs and even some classics, including:

1 Series – E82
2 Series – F87, G87
3 Series – E46, E9x, F3x, G2x
4 Series – F3x, G2x
5 Series – E60, F10, G3x
6 Series – E63, F06, F12, F13, G32
7 Series – E65-68, F01-04
8 Series – G14-16
Classic Models

We service both auto and DCT transmission cars. Even if your BMW is not on this list, get in contact with us as we still may be able to service it.

Get Your BMW Serviced Now!

If your BMW’s service is due, book your car in with us either by visiting the BMW page here or by contacting us on 09 441 3635 or service@dodsonmotorsport.com.

Get Your Porsche Serviced In 2023 At Dodson Motorsport

If you have spent the money to buy a Porsche, no doubt you want it to be looked after right.

These cars are not cheap, and they require the correct maintenance procedures in order to be maintained in optimal condition and perform at their peak.

That’s why we at Dodson offer Porsche servicing in Auckland to ensure that your Porsche is properly taken care of.

What You Get With a Dodson Porsche Service

Our Porsche Service is a comprehensive service that ensures the job is done right and that every part that needs to be replaced is done so with top quality replacements.

We offer both engine and PDK transmission servicing for Porsches.

Porsche Engine Servicing

Our engine service for Porsches includes:

Replacement of engine oil & filter
New sealing washers on sump plug and reservoir
Check and top-up of any low fluids
Vehicle safety check
Quality test drive
Optional – perform any additional standard or intermediate maintenance as required by Porsche service manual

This ensures that your Porsche’s engine is equipped with a new quality oil and filter and is ready to service another round of high performance driving.

Porsche PDK Transmission Service

Our Porsche PDK transmission service includes:

Scanning the vehicle for any fault codes to ensure the sensors and pressures are correct
Draining the transmission oil, removal of sump with filter
Replacement sump and filter and clean of all components
Filling transmission with DMS high performance transmission fluid
Performing a clutch/gear calibration
Quality test drive

Our services are performed to the highest standard and will ensure that your Porsche is maintained as was intended by the factory. We will also advise you on any issue we may come across if there happen to be any, so that they can be taken care of before they become a problem.

What Makes Dodson’s Porsche Service Special?

As specialists in high performance cars, we understand what these cars go through and what they need in order to perform at their best and live a long life.

With our experience with many performance marques from Porsche to Lamborghini to Nissan GTRs, we have seen it all and know what to expect and how to deal with any potential issues that these cars may have.

We also have all the correct diagnostics equipment, which in the case of Porsche is the PIWIS service tool, which allows us to properly diagnose and calibrate the car to ensure all sensors are working and everything is operating correctly.

After years of working on these cars, we have also developed our own high performance DMS fluid which we use, depending on the situation, which is designed to give the mechanical components even better protection during performance driving.

We only use the highest quality parts and oils for every single service we do, so that every customer of ours knows that their car has the very best components that they can get.

Which Porsche Models Can We Service?

We currently service all modern watercooled Porsches including:

GT3
GT2
991 911
992 911
997 911
Cayman & Boxter
Panamera
Cayenne
And more

Will Getting My Porsche Serviced By Dodson Void My Warranty?

If your Porsche is still under warranty, it could cause problems getting it serviced by an independent shop.

If that is the case, we always recommend you complete the warranty period with the dealer or authorized service centre before coming to see us.

Book Your Porsche Service Today

If you are looking to get your Porsche serviced, speak to us now by calling 09 441 3635 or emailing service@dodsonmotorsport.com.

Tips For Getting Your Audi Serviced

If you own an Audi, no doubt you want it to be looked after right. When it comes to Audis, there are some things you should know in order to make sure the service has been done correctly so that the car is maintained in optimal condition. In this post we will come some basics of Audi servicing so you can ensure your service is done right and avoid problems.

Audi Servicing Basics

Most basic rules of servicing any car apply to Audis as well. Using quality oil and parts, and doing regular services at the recommended schedule will ensure that the car is maintained correctly. This is especially true on performance models which often require specific oils and get driven hard, so they need to be looked after properly as well.

Keeping track of the service history is also important to ensure you are doing services when they are due and to let any future owners of the car know what’s been done. A full service history will often result in a higher sale price too.

Are Audis Expensive to Service?

This question often comes up, as European cars often get the stigma of high maintenance and upkeep costs.

The truth is that Audis are not more expensive to service or maintain than any other car model that is in the similar range. BMWs, Mercedes and other high performance European cars all cost roughly the same, and often times its a lot less than most people think.

How Often Should You Service Your Audi?

Regular servicing of your Audi will ensure that all the mechanical components remain in good condition and the oils can do their job as they were designed. It will also increase the chances that any potential issues are spotted early and repaired before they become a major problem.

At Dodson, we recommend doing an engine service every 10,000 kms, and a transmission service every 60,000 kms.

Can My Audi Be Serviced Anywhere Or Do I Have to Take It To a Dealer?

No, you do not have to go to the Audi dealer to get your Audi serviced. Your Audi can be serviced by independent service shops.

However, there are a few things to be aware of.

Not all service garages are going to have the necessary tools and knowledge to service your Audi correctly. While anyone can drain and replace oil, things get a bit more complex when special oil is required or the car needs to be scanned and reset, for example in the case of a DSG service. If the shop doesn’t have the right tools they won’t be able to do this correctly.

We at Dodson have all the latest diagnostics and calibration tools required to correctly service all Audi models and are able to carry out the service to the standards that an Audi dealer would provide.

How Long Does an Audi Service Take?

If we at Dodson are performing the Audi service, typically it won’t take longer than 2 hours. If there is any reason for the service to take longer than expected we will notify you to let you know what is going on.

How to Reset the Audi Service Due Message?

While we will always make sure the service indicator light is reset after performing a service, you may need to reset the service message for other reasons.

To reset the service message, try the following steps:

2006-2015 Models

Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
Press the “Car” button which is located next to the climate control.
Turn the control knob in the centre console to scroll down on the screen, select “Service interval display“.
Press the control knob button to select.
Turn the control nob to scroll down to “Reset service interval”. Press the control knob button to select.
Turn the control nob to select “Yes“ and then press it to confirm.

2015-2021 Models

Turn the ignition “On” to activate the electronics, but do not start the engine. Usually you will just need to press the “Start/Stop” button once.
Use the controls near the gear shift to toggle the menu on the display. From the Home screen on the display, turn the control knob to highlight “Vehicle“ and press to select.
Turn the control knob to highlight “Settings & Service“ and press to select.
Under “Service intervals“, select and press on “Reset oil change interval”.

The service due message should now be gone.

If that does not work, you will need an Audi diagnostics tool such as a VCDS tool which you will need to plug into the OBD2 port and then reset the message. The Audi dealer or most auto repair shops should be able to reset this for you.

Can I Check Audi Service History Online?

Yes, Audi does have an online service history system where they log all the services for each car. However, this will only be as accurate as the information entered, and if the car has been serviced by independent shops, they may not have entered all the information. Make sure to check this when buying your car so that you know which services were really carried out.

How Much Does An Audi Service Cost?

We at Dodson offer very competitive pricing when it comes to Audi servicing.

Engine services typically consist of replacing the engine oil & filter, installing a new sealing washer on the sump plug, checking and topping up any other fluids, checking and replacing the air filter if necessary, doing a vehicle safety check and test drive. This service costs from $399, depending on the Audi model.

If you need to get your transmission serviced, that typically involves scanning the car for any fault codes, replacing the oil and filter, the sump gasket, taking it for a test drive and doing a clutch and gear calibration if necessary. Our Audi transmission service costs from $599 depending on the model.

We also offer Haldex services which can either including just a fluid change (from $159) or a fluid change or a pump clean (from $229).

To book your Audi service in, simply call us on 09 441 3635 or email service@dodsonmotorsport.com.

Get Your Mercedes AMG Serviced at Dodson

Are you looking to get your Mercedes AMG serviced? We at Dodson offer high quality engine and transmission servicing for Mercedes AMG models.

Mercedes AMGs are designed to look good, go fast and be comfortable. Taking proper care of your AMG Mercedes is going to ensure that not only is it more reliable, but it will perform optimally for longer and have a longer life.

Our AMG service is specifically designed as a dealer alternative option which will ensure your Mercedes AMG is serviced correctly with the highest quality parts and materials, while costing you less.

With all services we perform on Mercedes AMG cars, we only use Genuine Mercedes parts along with Castrol Edge, Motul and Brembo to ensure only the highest quality components are used on your car. We offer both engine and transmission services.

Mercedes AMG Engine Service

Our engine service will ensure that your AMG is serviced to the same standard that a dealer would provide and higher, and will include:

Replacing the engine oil & filter
Installing a new sealing washer on the sump plug
Thorough check and top-up any low fluids
Inspection of engine air filter(s) and offer replacement if necessary
General vehicle safety check
Quality test drive

This ensures that the job is completed correctly and that your car is returned to you ready from another round of peak performance.

We recommend getting an AMG engine service every 10,000 kms.

Mercedes AMG Transmission Service

Our transmission service will ensure that your AMG transmission performs as it should and is maintained in peak condition, and will include:

Scanning vehicle for any fault codes to ensure all sensors and pressures are correct
Draining the old transmission oil, removing the sump and filters
Replacement of filters and thorough cleaning of all components
Refitting of all components with a new genuine pan gasket
Filling the transmission with new transmission fluid
Quality test drive
Optional clutch/gear calibration

We recommend getting the AMG transmission service done every 60,000 kms.

Book Your AMG Service Today

If you need to get your Mercedes AMG serviced, book yours in with us by calling 09 441 3635 or emailing us on service@dodsonmotorsport.com.

Tips for Getting Your BMW Serviced

If you own a BMW, no doubt you want to make sure that it’s looked after and serviced right.

When it comes to BMWs, especially modern ones, there are a couple of things you should know before taking it somewhere for a service.

In this post we will cover some important aspects of servicing your BMW so you don’t get caught unaware and potentially run into a problem.

Are BMWs Expensive to Service?

A common question that pops up is “are BMWs expensive to service?” The reason this is often asked is because BMWs are seen are upper end luxury or high performance cars, so people assume that they are expensive to service and maintain.

The truth is they they aren’t actually expensive to service, and that the service for a BMW shouldn’t cost you much more than a service would cost for other similar vehicles.

Can You Take Your BMW Anywhere to Get a Service?

Technically, yes. Nothing stops any mechanic from draining the old oil and filling it with new oil. And you certainly don’t have to go to a BMW dealer to get the service done. However, there are some steps that need to be taken to ensure the job is done right, especially on newer BMWs.

One example of this is how most BMWs since 2006 don’t have a dipstick, and instead uses sensors and a display in the instrument panel or iDrive system to give you the oil reading. However, this can take some time to calibrate after an oil change, and if the mechanic doesn’t know this, may end up incorrectly filling the car with either too much or too little oil.

Another thing to be aware of is that many BMW engines require particular oil to be used. If the incorrect oil is used, it can cause catastrophic damage to the motor that’s going to require an expensive rebuild. So you’ll want to be 100% sure the shop carrying out the service knows exactly what oil your particular car requires.

Where ever you decide to take your BMW to get serviced, make sure they know what they are doing, specifically with BMWs!

How to Check Your BMW’s Oil Level If It Has No Dip Stick

If your BMW doesn’t have a dipstick and you want to check the oil level, there are two ways you can do it.

If the car does not have iDrive:

Start the car and warm up the engine to operating temperature (temperature gauge in the middle)
Using the control stalk, go through the menu and select “Oil”
Press the “BC” button
Now you will see a display showing you how much oil you have

If the car does have iDrive:

Start the car and warm it up to operating temperature (temperature gauge is in the middle)
Using the iDrive controls, go to “Info”, then “Service”. On some iDrive versions, you will then need to select “Vehicle Status”
Choose “Engine Oil Level”. You will see a display showing you how much oil you have

How to Reset the BMW Service Indicator Light?

Usually when a BMW is serviced, the shop carrying out the service should reset the service indicator light for you. However, if for some reason you need to do it yourself, you can follow this procedure to reset it at home without needing any special tools:

Turn on the car’s accessories on but do not start the engine. If your car has a key, this is usually the second position. If your car has a push button start, some models will need you to push the button once, others may require you to push the button three times. Check the owner’s manual to make sure.
There is a small button next to the odometer, usually on the bottom left corner of the dash cluster. Press and hold this button until the service message appears.
Once you get this message, release the button and then press and hold it again until you get a display that says “Reset?”
Release the button, then press and hold it again. You will get a display that says “Reset in Progress”, keep holding until you see the display say “Reset Successful”.
Now turn the car off, and turn it back on again and fire up the engine. Make sure that the light has been properly reset.

How Long Does a BMW Service Take?

If you are getting your BMW serviced, no doubt you are eager to get the car back and get driving again. Servicing a BMW doesn’t take any longer than any other car, and at Dodson, BMW services are usually done within around 2 hours. If there’s any reason your service is taking longer than expected, we will notify you.

How Much Does a BMW Service Cost?

We at Dodson offer very competitive prices when it comes to BMW servicing.

Typical engine services which consist of replacing the engine oil & filter, installing a new sealing washer on the sump plug, checking and topping up any other fluids, checking and replacing the air filter if necessary, doing a vehicle safety check and test drive will cost you from $399, depending on the model.

If you need to get your auto or DCT transmission serviced, that typically involves scanning the car for any fault codes, replacing the oil and filter, the sump gasket, taking it for a test drive and doing a clutch and gear calibration if necessary, and that costs from $599 depending on the model.

Get Your BMW Serviced Today

If it’s time to get your BMW serviced, make sure you give us a call 09 441 3635. We specialise in servicing BMWs and will ensure that yours gets serviced to the highest possible standard, using only the best oils and parts.

We Now Do Pre-Purchase Car Inspections

In order to further help owners of performance and supercars, or in this case, soon-to-be-owners, we are now offering per-purchase inspections specifically catered to performance, exotic and supercars.

From our workshop in Wairau, Auckland, we are able to offer thorough inspections to help you make a good purchase decision, no matter whether you are looking at a modified JDM, a classic Euro or a near new supercar.

As experts in building and servicing performance and supercars, we are able to offer a thorough pre-purchase inspection service that will help you see the true condition of the vehicle you intend to purchase.

We known the ins and outs of these cars and exactly what to look for and how to test them to make sure there are no hidden problems or potential issues that could arise in the near future and potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

We go over the car in detail, checking all corners to ensure that you know exactly what you are buying.

What’s Included In Our Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

Engine Check
We scan the ECU for error codes (unless it’s a classic without an ECU) and go over the engine physically in detail to look for oil leaks and any other potential issues. We also look at the service history to ensure it has been looked after in the past.
Drivetrain & Mechanical Check
We inspect the drivetrain and transmission to make sure everything is in good running order. This includes running diagnostic scans on DCT type transmissions such as DSGs and PDKs to ensure there are no fault codes.
Suspension & Underbody Check
We go over the entire underbody and suspension in detail, looking for rust, corrosion, worn bushings and ball joints and anything else we can find.
Exterior Check
The exterior of the vehicle is inspected for any signs of body work and paint repair, if it has ever been in an accident, and if there is any rust or other damage to be aware of. We also carefully inspect the paintwork to make sure that it is as advertised and has been taken care of, and if there are any protective coatings.
Interior Check
We inspect the entire interior to ensure everything is in order including the entire cabin area, under dash and in the boot or luggage area.
Test Drive
Finally, we take the car out for a quality road test to ensure that it drives like it should and that there are no other issues to be aware of. Once we have completed the test drive and all other steps, we will write out the final report.

If you are looking to purchase a performance or supercar, getting it inspected is well worth your time and money, and could save you years of headache down the road, and potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

Get in contact with us today to arrange your pre-purchase inspection and we’ll let you know what the true condition of the car is!