Quick dealership question

Coupe_Dave · Post by **Coupe_Dave** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 9:17 am

Morning all,

I was just wondering if ANYONE uses their local main BMW dealership to service their car ??

mmm-five · Post by **mmm-five** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 10:49 am

Can't give you a full picture as everyone would need to answer...but I only used mine whilst I was under warranty...and yes I know you don't legally need to, but the goodwill factor comes into play when you have a 'maybe' answer from BMW Warranty and want the dealer to argue tour case (e.g. my engine, and my diff).

After 100k miles (in my case) everything was done at specialists/independents.

However due to very poor local BMW dealers, the 320D has only been to the dealers for warranty/recall work...and that's despite my local specialist charging almost the same for the servicing (within 10%).

deltasierra · Post by **deltasierra** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:34 am

Independants are not as cheap as they used to be because they have overheads too and have to pay for access to electronic information and software. However you will probably get a more experienced technician because they have done a lot more years than your average dealer tech.

darich · Post by **darich** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 1:04 pm

I have a 16year old E86.....I'd never even contemplate taking it to a main dealer.

I also have a 2017 Audi Q5. But I also refuse to take that to main dealer and use trusted/recommended indy garages.

That's the beauty of forums and facebook groups.....you can find the trustworthy places near to you and stick with them.

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 1:09 pm

Only ever used them once. Ocean in Plymouth. Expensive and the car came back dirtier than it went in.

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 1:57 pm

I used an independent for the first time with the new Z, but did regret it as they didn't keep to the quote and worked out way more expensive than the main dealer would have been.

mmm-five · Post by **mmm-five** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:33 pm

pvr wrote: ↑Tue Oct 24, 2023 1:57 pm I used an independent for the first time with the new Z, but did regret it as they didn't keep to the quote and worked out way more expensive than the main dealer would have been.

That sounds like exactly what my local dealer(s) used to do.

"Oh sorry sir, we quoted for a non-M, and you have an M."...despite them asking for the reg and VIN to verify...and then have the cheek to try to charge for unauthorised work (e.g. for the M5 I asked then to replace a timing chain tensioner as the diaphragm was leaking...and 2 weeks later they tried to bill me £1000 for "oil leak investigation work" as they'd decided to check out all the gaskets for leaks.

A couple of times they've even had their chamois-monkey 'clean' my recently detailed and pristine paintwork despite the workshop notes telling them not to

At least they offered to get their bodyshop to 'mop' it to remove the scratches

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:44 pm

Besides the Golf, the Z is the oldest car I have. For the others, I "need" the dealer for the warranty or goodwill aspect.

It will just be a case of finding a good indy for the Z, the one local-ish to me in Turners Hill is certainly not on that list for me.

Scubaregs · Post by **Scubaregs** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 7:27 pm

Have service inclusive on the G29, so yes.
Plus I work for a BMW dealership get a discount and can drive to work to get my servicing done whilst I'm at work.

Umfaan · Post by **Umfaan** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 7:45 pm

Best to find a recommended local Indy...I been using same guy for 14 yrs

deltasierra · Post by **deltasierra** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 8:08 pm

Personally I always use main dealer for warranty services and for recent cars, extended warranty or maintenence contracts. The E85 is a fun car that I DIY because the risk is low, repairing a major breakdown would be more than most cars are worth whoever gets paid to repair it. So it’s got to be the best advice I can get off the forum and roll my sleeves up.

Deepseaskateboard · Post by **Deepseaskateboard** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 8:53 pm

I always have mine serviced and MOTd at a main dealer. Car has full bmw history. 2012 Z

Coupe_Dave · Post by **Coupe_Dave** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 5:23 pm

I asked as the last time I took my car to dealership I had an old E46 and they did advise me as it was an older car i got a cheaper hourly rate that was still extorniate and that is when I found my indy and i just wondered if anything had changed or anything would make me go back to a main dealer, but it appears not.

I have now found another indy nearer to my home, a bit more expense for hourly rate but the work so far has been spot on

B21 · Post by **B21** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 7:03 pm

In simple terms the decision points are age and warranty..

If it’s less than 3 years old or has a BMW warranty then main dealer…

3 to 7 years ..maybe BMW dealer or BMW authorised service centre

Over 7 years old..decent Indy

Nanu · Post by **Nanu** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 7:47 pm

Yes when it was under warranty but no now.

Do use an approved BMW gagrage though

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com