Outside of Manufacturers Warranty
Discussion
A while back, and I mean probably years ago, there was a thread about a BMW that had been serviced outside the main dealer network and it suffered a serious problem, engine failure I think. As far as I recall even though the vehicle was in warranty because it had been serviced by an independent mechanic and not by a dealer service centre, BMW warranty tried to wriggle out of responsibility.
Does anyone remember that thread? And could they point me towards it?
Many thanks in anticipation.
PS I have a similar issue but with a different manufacturer.
Does anyone remember that thread? And could they point me towards it?
Many thanks in anticipation.
PS I have a similar issue but with a different manufacturer.
Quote Google:
....that means they can’t refuse to honour a new car warranty simply because a car has been serviced elsewhere. It’s all part of an agreement called the European Union Block Exemption legislation, which has been active for many years and which, even though the UK has now left the EU, still stands.
However, manufacturers do have the right to set a servicing schedule for their vehicles, which must be adhered to. So, if you do choose to turn your back on the main dealer and go instead to an independent engineer or mechanic, make sure you have your service book stamped, ensure you keep records of any work you have had done and insist that approved parts and lubricants are used in any repairs, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
“Nothing much has changed in respect of the Block Exemption regulations, even though the UK has now left the EU,” says a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). “And to be honest, we don’t see anything changing in that respect for the foreseeable future.
“It’s important that you follow the manufacturer guidelines concerning service intervals, such as one year or 10,000 miles, and you must use the approved parts. But otherwise, you can’t be forced to use a dealer’s workshop for your car’s service.”
....that means they can’t refuse to honour a new car warranty simply because a car has been serviced elsewhere. It’s all part of an agreement called the European Union Block Exemption legislation, which has been active for many years and which, even though the UK has now left the EU, still stands.
However, manufacturers do have the right to set a servicing schedule for their vehicles, which must be adhered to. So, if you do choose to turn your back on the main dealer and go instead to an independent engineer or mechanic, make sure you have your service book stamped, ensure you keep records of any work you have had done and insist that approved parts and lubricants are used in any repairs, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
“Nothing much has changed in respect of the Block Exemption regulations, even though the UK has now left the EU,” says a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). “And to be honest, we don’t see anything changing in that respect for the foreseeable future.
“It’s important that you follow the manufacturer guidelines concerning service intervals, such as one year or 10,000 miles, and you must use the approved parts. But otherwise, you can’t be forced to use a dealer’s workshop for your car’s service.”
Lee540 said:
Quote Google:
....that means they can’t refuse to honour a new car warranty simply because a car has been serviced elsewhere. It’s all part of an agreement called the European Union Block Exemption legislation, which has been active for many years and which, even though the UK has now left the EU, still stands.
However, manufacturers do have the right to set a servicing schedule for their vehicles, which must be adhered to. So, if you do choose to turn your back on the main dealer and go instead to an independent engineer or mechanic, make sure you have your service book stamped, ensure you keep records of any work you have had done and insist that approved parts and lubricants are used in any repairs, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
“Nothing much has changed in respect of the Block Exemption regulations, even though the UK has now left the EU,” says a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). “And to be honest, we don’t see anything changing in that respect for the foreseeable future.
“It’s important that you follow the manufacturer guidelines concerning service intervals, such as one year or 10,000 miles, and you must use the approved parts. But otherwise, you can’t be forced to use a dealer’s workshop for your car’s service.”
Spot on Lee.....that means they can’t refuse to honour a new car warranty simply because a car has been serviced elsewhere. It’s all part of an agreement called the European Union Block Exemption legislation, which has been active for many years and which, even though the UK has now left the EU, still stands.
However, manufacturers do have the right to set a servicing schedule for their vehicles, which must be adhered to. So, if you do choose to turn your back on the main dealer and go instead to an independent engineer or mechanic, make sure you have your service book stamped, ensure you keep records of any work you have had done and insist that approved parts and lubricants are used in any repairs, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
“Nothing much has changed in respect of the Block Exemption regulations, even though the UK has now left the EU,” says a spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). “And to be honest, we don’t see anything changing in that respect for the foreseeable future.
“It’s important that you follow the manufacturer guidelines concerning service intervals, such as one year or 10,000 miles, and you must use the approved parts. But otherwise, you can’t be forced to use a dealer’s workshop for your car’s service.”
Problem is manufacturers will try every trick in the book to wriggle out, especially with an expensive claim like a BMW engine.
Make sure every T is crossed in the service book, evidence of genuine parts used, correct grade of oil, all invoices from a recognised VAT registered Indi`. The buggers will go through the lot with a fine toothcomb.
BigFatWombat said:
A while back, and I mean probably years ago, there was a thread about a BMW that had been serviced outside the main dealer network and it suffered a serious problem, engine failure I think. As far as I recall even though the vehicle was in warranty because it had been serviced by an independent mechanic and not by a dealer service centre, BMW warranty tried to wriggle out of responsibility.
Does anyone remember that thread? And could they point me towards it?
Many thanks in anticipation.
PS I have a similar issue but with a different manufacturer.
Just to be clear, you are you talking about new car manufacturer's warranty - as in you buy a new car with a 3 year warranty, and yours is in this period. Rather than it being after that first 3 year period and now with an extended warranty but still provided by the marque?Does anyone remember that thread? And could they point me towards it?
Many thanks in anticipation.
PS I have a similar issue but with a different manufacturer.
I only ask because I'm sure I saw someone ask a manufacturers' warranty question here a while ago and it turned out to be the latter scenario.
The key difference is that a manufacturers warranty is "imposed" on you when you buy the car, so its terms have to be reasonable, etc, hence the Block Exemption rules relating to indie servicing, etc.
With an extended warranty - all bets are off. You agree to the terms & conditions when you (willingly) sign up for it. If you don't like the fact you can't do XYZ, then don't do XYZ, or don't take out the policy.
I remember getting an extended warranty for a Porsche. On the face of it it appeared to be provided by Porsche themselves (same brand guidelines, font, etc on the literature) but when you delved deeper you could see that it was provided by a third party. The terms mandated, among other things, that the car had to have "N1" (Porsche spec) marked tyres. I remember having a bit of a mild argument with my local OPC because I wanted to fit some Michelins which had been proven to be night and day better than the available N1 tyres of the time. Ultimately I got nowhere, they said it is what it is - which of course it was.
With an extended warranty - all bets are off. You agree to the terms & conditions when you (willingly) sign up for it. If you don't like the fact you can't do XYZ, then don't do XYZ, or don't take out the policy.
I remember getting an extended warranty for a Porsche. On the face of it it appeared to be provided by Porsche themselves (same brand guidelines, font, etc on the literature) but when you delved deeper you could see that it was provided by a third party. The terms mandated, among other things, that the car had to have "N1" (Porsche spec) marked tyres. I remember having a bit of a mild argument with my local OPC because I wanted to fit some Michelins which had been proven to be night and day better than the available N1 tyres of the time. Ultimately I got nowhere, they said it is what it is - which of course it was.
Durzel said:
The key difference is that a manufacturers warranty is "imposed" on you when you buy the car, so its terms have to be reasonable, etc, hence the Block Exemption rules relating to indie servicing, etc.
The same issue with leased cars. Leasing company will typically require main dealer servicing as part of the contract.This is my understanding, from many years spent in dealer aftersales, to maintain new car warranty cover outside the dealer network.
Parts used must be either genuine or OE equivalent. Pattern parts can be used as long as they are certified OE quality.
Garage must be bona fide. VAT registered is the main test and proper detailed computer invoices.
Service schedule by time/mileage must be followed, using the correct checklist of jobs done.
Oil used must be the correct spec.
Even with all of this be prepared for a fight. No manufacturer, certainly none that I was involved with, looked favorably on claims made by people who took business elsewhere.
Parts used must be either genuine or OE equivalent. Pattern parts can be used as long as they are certified OE quality.
Garage must be bona fide. VAT registered is the main test and proper detailed computer invoices.
Service schedule by time/mileage must be followed, using the correct checklist of jobs done.
Oil used must be the correct spec.
Even with all of this be prepared for a fight. No manufacturer, certainly none that I was involved with, looked favorably on claims made by people who took business elsewhere.
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