General maintenance is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment in a European vehicle. At Tony's Foreign Cars, we've been performing factory-scheduled maintenance on Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, and other European makes since 1971. Our ASE-certified technicians follow manufacturer service intervals using genuine OEM filters, manufacturer-spec fluids, and factory torque procedures. Whether your vehicle is due for an oil service, a 60,000-mile inspection, or a full Service A/B, we provide the meticulous care that prevents costly repairs down the road.
What's Included
Comprehensive service with attention to every detail
Engine oil and filter change using manufacturer-approved viscosity and OEM filters
Complete multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, steering, fluids, belts, and hoses
Tire rotation, pressure check, and tread depth measurement
Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid level checks and top-offs
Cabin air filter and engine air filter inspection and replacement as needed
Battery, charging system, and starting system test
Wiper blade, light bulb, and exterior lamp inspection
Diagnostic scan for stored fault codes — even when no warning light is on
Common Services We Perform
The specific work we do in this area
Oil and filter service following manufacturer intervals (typically 10,000 miles for modern European vehicles, 7,500 for older models)
Brake fluid flush every 2 years — critical for European vehicles with ABS and electronic brake systems
Coolant service every 3-5 years to prevent water pump and thermostat failures
Transmission fluid service on vehicles with serviceable transmissions
Spark plug replacement at manufacturer intervals to prevent misfires and catalytic damage
Cabin and engine air filter replacement for cabin air quality and engine performance
Signs You Need This Service
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment
Your vehicle is approaching a service interval (miles or time)
Dashboard service reminder or maintenance light is on
It's been over a year since your last comprehensive inspection
You recently purchased a used European vehicle with unknown service history
Seasonal changes — summer heat and winter cold stress fluids and batteries
You're planning a road trip and want a pre-trip inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions our customers ask most
Q.How often should I service my European vehicle?
A.Most modern European vehicles (Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche) recommend service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, we recommend 7,500-mile oil change intervals for turbocharged engines and older vehicles to prevent timing chain and turbo issues. We follow your manufacturer's specific schedule and reset service indicators after every visit.
Q.Do you use genuine OEM parts and fluids?
A.Yes. We use genuine OEM filters and manufacturer-spec fluids (BMW Longlife, Mercedes MB Approval, Porsche-approved, etc.) for all maintenance. This preserves your warranty and ensures the performance and longevity your vehicle was engineered for. We can discuss aftermarket options for budget-conscious situations, but OEM is our default for maintenance.
Q.Can you service my vehicle under warranty?
A.Absolutely. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, independent shops can perform routine maintenance without affecting your factory warranty, as long as we use OEM parts and follow factory procedures. We provide documented service records for warranty compliance. You do not have to return to the dealership for maintenance.
Q.What's included in a multi-point inspection?
A.Our multi-point inspection covers brakes (pad thickness, rotor condition, parking brake), suspension (bushings, ball joints, struts), steering (tie rods, rack), fluids (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering), belts and hoses, battery and charging system, tires (tread, pressure, wear pattern), lights, wipers, and a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes. You receive a written report with photos when needed.
Q.Why is brake fluid service so important on European cars?
A.European vehicles use sophisticated ABS, stability control, and electronic brake systems that are sensitive to moisture-contaminated brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, which lowers the boiling point and causes internal corrosion in expensive ABS modules. We recommend brake fluid flush every 2 years regardless of mileage — it's the cheapest insurance against a multi-thousand-dollar ABS failure.
Q.Do you offer loaner vehicles or shuttle service?
A.We offer local shuttle service within the Wilmington area and can arrange rental vehicles through our partner agencies for longer service visits. For major services, we'll discuss timing upfront so you can plan accordingly. Our goal is to make service as convenient as possible.
Serving the Cape Fear Region
Conveniently located in Wilmington, NC — trusted by European vehicle owners throughout coastal North Carolina.