Hi.

I purchase a BMW 320i(2006) early last year, and I brought the car in for a service when it has done 5000 km, but the dealer told me my car does not need a service until August 2008.

I told him that normally a car get a service done for every 3000 km, he told me that BMWs are designed to be long-service-free- lasting.

Does anyone know anything about this? doesn't the service go by every certain miles/kms, instead of certain amount of time(as the dealer told me).

Thanks.

The dealer is right. The early ones almost never needed any servicing as they get newer and newer is years they get more and more systems. As early as 1984 BMW recommended oil changes every 6000miles and other service work every 12500 miles. And some others every 50,00- and on up to 100,000. Now as to the servicing being need at exact intervals is only dealer/BMW recommended at the time of design and sale. In most cases the original recommendations stay almost the same at first, but over time mechanics find that some things are better off left alone and other things need more attention than the original recommendation.
Its not just BMW all car makes are creating a longer and longer service interval. Its not by design in most cases. Its just that technology demanded by governments and tree hugger lobbyists has make cleaner running engines and longer lubrication life (oils). However the overall quality of most other components (toys like power options and electronic toys) in BMW's is only getting worse and worse every year.

Dude, you bought a Bimmer. Not some Jap-shit!