Inspection 2 service

[keithcollins500]

My E46 M3 is soon coming up for an inspection 2 service.
How much should it be from a franchised dealer?
Has anyone had a good experience with an independent specialist?
(And what is the likely price difference?).
I am based in Watford so any close recommendations appreciated.
Cheers Keith

[Huliganov]

Around £700 upwards I believe

[spen-123]

yes i have i take mine to a specialists and they seem to know a bit more about m3s than the dealers do if you are from near york i can reccomend two very good specialists?????

[keithcollins500]

I have just a chat with Scotthall watford (main dealer) they want to charge £1372!
For an inspection 2 service (E46 M3).
Has anyone had a main dealer service cheaper?
Can anyone recommend an independant specialist?
(50 mile radious of london).
Cheers keith

[andye30m3]

Munich legends are south of London

I would have though their stamp in a service book is a good as any main dealer and I expect the service will cost a fair bit less.

[largerandrock]

i should be able to get it for £1000 main dealer Luton! let me know

[dan101smith]

There's A1 near Stevenage who I think have a decent reputation. Do you car about a dealer stamp in the book? Also, Bexley Motor Works (in Bexleyheath) are well regarded.

[keithcollins500]

What is the average price for an independant garage inspection 2 service?
Cheers Keith

[dan101smith]

There was a thread that covered this recently - I think £600ish was about right for an Inspection 2.

[belleair302]

Keith whatever you do DON'T go to your local main dealer.

Locally you have a top choice of specialists two with a 20 minute drive.

Give Gary @ Autobahn Services a shout. He is in Rickmansworth and although a tad unusual really knows his stuff, has years of Alpina a M experience.

Also drop Phil Crouch a line at CPC. Currently in Marlow but soon to be moving to Chorleywood. Tel [phone].

Both of these guys will do an outstanding job and have a great reputation across the specialist market. Their work is hugely respected and both come with great references.

[maddernj]

I was quoted £500 + VAT for my E39 M5 from Bexely Motor Works if that helps...

[Frik]

belleair302 said:

Also drop Phil Crouch a line at CPC. Currently in Marlow but soon to be moving to Chorleywood. Tel [phone].

I'll second Mr Crouch too.

This man knows his onions. Good bloke too.

Highly recommended.

[Deutscher]

Personally, I would stick to a main dealer.

For my last inspection I rang around my four nearest main dealers and used the lowest price to beat down the one closest to me.

I think you'll find main dealers will negotiate – especially in the current climate.

[Frik]

Deutscher said:

Personally, I would stick to a main dealer.

Just out of curiosity, why do you say this?

[Deutscher]

A few years ago on another BMW (not the M3) I had a rad blow due to a faulty thermostat. Lots of collateral damage.

Although the car was over five years old and not under warranty, BMW covered the cost of everything once I'd proved that the thermostat had been replaced less than a year earlier at a main dealer.

I have other similar goodwill experiences.

[M3John]

keithcollins500 said:

I have just a chat with Scotthall watford (main dealer) they want to charge £1372!
For an inspection 2 service (E46 M3).
Has anyone had a main dealer service cheaper?
Can anyone recommend an independant specialist?
(50 mile radious of london).
Cheers keith

Give Highams Park Motot Co. a try sir on 0208-523-3443. Good set of blokes there that actually know what they're doing and pricing is to painful either.

M3J.

Edited by M3John on Wednesday 22 October 17:56

[< FORZA WEST]

keithcollins500 said:

My E46 M3 is soon coming up for an inspection 2 service.
How much should it be from a franchised dealer?
Has anyone had a good experience with an independent specialist?
(And what is the likely price difference?).
I am based in Watford so any close recommendations appreciated.
Cheers Keith

We charge 400 squid using BMW parts,Castrol oils etc.....The tappets are checked but if they need adjustment then that is an additional cost(depends on amount of shims required).

That should give you an idea of whats charged outside the con zone

[john_p]

I've no doubt that specialists do just as good (if not better) job than any main dealer, and the price is realistic rather than the joke main dealer prices.. such a shame the general attitude of the buying public is that a car like this needs "FBMWSH".

[Neil.D]

john_p said:

I've no doubt that specialists do just as good (if not better) job than any main dealer, and the price is realistic rather than the joke main dealer prices.. such a shame the general attitude of the buying public is that a car like this needs "FBMWSH".

Being serviced by a MD then specialist it will.

[belleair302]

Paying more than £650 inc VAT from a main dealer would be a total rip-off and there are many dealerships who pushed will match this price, even those around the M25.

The above price includes labour, parts, oil and VAT.