Cartisan recently received a request for general service for a 2012 MY BMW 320D which had run around 48,000 km. This was the first time the owner of the car had ventured out of the authorized dealer network and chose Cartisan based on a friend’s referral and online reviews.
The car required its 4th year service and was picked up by the Cartisan team to be taken to one of Cartisan network workshops on Sarjapur road. This is how the service was delivered:
Preparation
Cartisan operates on lean principles and stocks only a limited number of fast moving spares and hence every time a confirmed request for a premium vehicle is received, specific parts are sourced within a couple of days. In this case parts were all Hengst branded — filters (engine air filter, oil filter and cabin/AC filter), lubricants from Castrol and Bosch. Spare parts were in place, service team was assigned and workshop for the service identified, an appointment was fixed with the customer to pick up his car for service.
Technology from start to finish
Understandably the car owner was apprehensive in giving his car to a relatively unknown team and we had to ensure customer expectations were met — there was no better way than using technology to showcase technical competence as well as transparent service process.
After an initial external inspection of the vehicle was done, a proprietary OBDII based engine health diagnosis was carried out. All of Cartisan’s service advisors are trained to diagnose engine and battery health issues with this procedure prior to start of a scheduled maintenance service.
The diagnosis indicated the need for complete replacement of coolant and replacement of the air filter (indicated by lower combustion pressure).
The car was also scanned for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and none were found.
Scheduled maintenance at the workshop
Air filter replacement
First step was to change the air-filter. The used air filter was removed from the housing and it was found clogged as the diagnosis had indicated earlier. Before replacing with the new air filter, an air gun was used to remove any dust present inside the air filter housing. A brand new Hengst air filter was installed.
Cabin filter replacement
The used cabin filter was removed from the cabin filter housing, accessible from the engine bay. The housing was cleaned with the help of an air gun blowing high pressure air to get rid of any remaining dust and then the new cabin filter from Hengst was installed into the housing and the housing was screwed shut.
Engine oil and Oil filter replacement
The old oil filter was removed from the engine. The vehicle was then raised up with the help of a lift. From underneath the engine bay, the oil drain nut was removed and the oil was drained out. After the engine oil was drained out the nut was replaced.
Vehicle was then lowered and the oil filter was replaced.
Fresh engine oil (Castrol Titanium Edge 5W40) was poured into the engine and the brand new oil filter from Hengst is fitted.
Fuel Filter Replacement
Whilst the vehicle was raised in the ramp, the fuel filter was replaced. Fuel filter is located under the vehicle along the fuel line leading from the fuel tank in the rear towards the engine in the front. Existing fuel filter was replaced with brand new Hengst Fuel filter
Brakes Cleaning
Wheel nuts were removed from all wheels and one by one, and each wheel was removed, Brake calipers were removed from the brake discs, the brake discs and calipers were sprayed with an air gun to remove any brake dust. The air gun was then used to clean the brake pads which were removed from the calipers. The brakepads, in this case, were new and hence didn’t require replacement.
The brake pads were then fitted back into the brake calipers. This process was carried out for all 4 brake systems (wheels) and the wheels were placed back onto the wheel hub and all wheel bolts are replaced. Wheel bolts were fastened with the help of pneumatic torque wrench.
Coolant replacement
The used coolant in the vehicle was completely drained out and was replaced with 2 litres of fresh coolant from Bosch.
Service interval reset
The onboard computer was then checked for any error codes or warning lights. All systems were found ok as displayed by the on-board computer. The service interval warning lamp was reset for the next service which is after around 12,000 km as indicated by the on-board computer.
The car was then taken out for a drive test by the Cartisan technician to ensure all systems are functioning properly. The checks cover braking system, steering and suspension feedback while driving and all electricals.
Cartisan Service Advisors use Cartisan inspection app with a checklist of 50 parameters of the vehicle, against which condition of the vehicle is recorded. This is also available for the customer to view in the Cartisan Customer app
The car was then foam washed and dropped off at the customer’s location. This general service cost the customer ₹ 23,000/- incl. spares, labour and all taxes, and that’s significant savings compared to “authorized” workshops.
