Car Owners Hub UK - Built by Drivers, for Drivers

As scheduled, I am going to get an A4 service on my 07/2022 E63S, which was last serviced with a B service in February 2025 at 20,000 km. This is twelve months later, at 25,000 km.

This morning, I was informed that not only would I need to change the A oil, but also the spark plugs, gearbox oil, differential oil, and transfercase oil. The total cost would be three thousand euros, even though the vehicle is just four years old and has only 25,000 kilometres on the clock.


Because I'm used to driving BMW M cars with the ZF gearbox, the thought of having to change all of this at such low mileage is surprising. I'm thinking about just getting the oil changed and ignoring the rest.

Are the pricing (not UK ones, I know) reasonable in comparison to what you have been quoted, and does the above seem to be accurate?

The price for the parts alone is ridiculously exorbitant.
I had the ATF, front and rear diff fluids changed in September at an independent Mercedes specialist for a third of that price. I got the car serviced in September.
You might expect a hefty sum when you factor in the dealers' 250 Euro per hour work charge.

To get the ATF, differentials, and plugs done, I would take it to the dealer for the A service and then locate a Star specialist who can update the DSB. A lot less money will be spent.

Disregarding the need to change the oil in the differential and gearbox is a recipe for disaster, since there is a purpose to doing so that goes beyond simply the accumulation of mileage.

Additionally, while BWM claims their automatic gearbox is "sealed for life," ZF suggests changing the oil and filter at approximately 60,000 miles, so to be fair to MB.
Actually, maybe with a hint of cynicism, BMW is more than happy to sell you the refresh kit to accomplish the task they claim isn't necessary .

After 30,000 miles on my 2019 E63, the local dealer last week offered £1950 for an A-service that included ATF, two differentials, and plugs. It provides a ballpark figure, but I have no idea why it included the extras in the price (maybe because they were completed ahead of schedule).
While not all garages provide complimentary coffee and wifi, this one does

After requesting estimates from many vendors, I was astounded when one submitted a written proposal for 1,380 euros—roughly one-third of the first dealer's price. Completely out of control, therefore I've now scheduled an appointment with them.

Disregard the torque converter that came with the ZF gearbox; instead, use the wet clutch. As a result of sharing fluid with the gearbox, the wet clutch often releases a great deal of tiny particles during normal operation. That is why it is advised to change the fluid and filter more frequently.