Dealership is making recommendations, need some advise

[VWEvo]

My father owns a 2003 BMW X5 4.6is. It is now due for its 95 000 km service. This service is costing approx. $1200. We're having it done at the dealership primarily in case we sell it in the future to show that it was maintained at the BMW dealership. They were also recommending that we do a Brake fluid flush and a Power steering fluid flush (cost approx. $175 each). Is this really necessary or is the dealership just making me do useless maintainence.

Please advice,

Volinder

[infamous]

if i was in your dad's position, i would do the services they recommend. yeah, it may be $350 that you could save, but in all reality, after 95000 km, don't you think they might need to be changed? and while they have the vehicle apart to do other major service, wouldn't it be easier to do it then rather than make another appointment and have to go in yet again?

just my 0.02

[VWEvo]

Thanks for the reply, I agree with you, it might be a good time to do it at the service. I just wanted to know if it was necessary.

[mikemechanic]

Brake fluid is hydroscopic which means it absorbs moisture. As it absorbs water it reduces the boiling point and thus causes brake fade. Many people think this is an unneccesary service but it really does help to have it flushed.

Power steering fluid is good to have flushed as well, gets all the metal fillings out of it in order to stop any future problems down the road.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[97'Scort]

I'd do it just because he's putting over 23,000 km's a year on it. Obviously he needs it for work or whatever, so better to do your preventative maintenance when you can rather than have it fail on you.

[VWEvo]

Thanks for all the advice guys, we're gonna definately get it done.