Independant BMW M servicing in Scotland?

[Col 666]

Just found out how much it is for an inspection 1 service on my Z4M......£700+
Are there any independants about that could do it cheaper? The other problem is the car is under the BMW used car warranty and I dont want something going wrong and them refusing to fix it without official servicing.
Any ideas?

Cheers.

[groak]

Hart Motors in Dalmuir/Clydebank. Used to use them for my M3. First class.

[erdnase]

Ronnie Weaver in Cathcart gets a good name - used them myself a few times and been very happy.

[Rog B]

I'd be pretty wary, I imagine any non-dealer servicing would invalidate your warranty so it's definately worth checking it out first. Which dealers did you try, I know Grassicks in Perth are very competetive, but you've got to take into account fuel and time if it's not local. Amazes me the cost of servicing other "M" cars, i got a quote for the next inspection 2 on m5 M5 (E39) it was £380, and that was the first place I called, but for an M3 it's double the price becasue it's more "labour intensive" apparently.

[a11y_m]

Rog B said:

I'd be pretty wary, I imagine any non-dealer servicing would invalidate your warranty so it's definately worth checking it out first. Which dealers did you try, I know Grassicks in Perth are very competetive, but you've got to take into account fuel and time if it's not local. Amazes me the cost of servicing other "M" cars, i got a quote for the next inspection 2 on m5 M5 (E39) it was £380, and that was the first place I called, but for an M3 it's double the price becasue it's more "labour intensive" apparently.

Nope, don't know the ins and outs but EU legislation means ANY registered garage can service a car without affecting the manufacturer's warranty, as long as they use the correct/official parts.

Can't remember what part of the country you're in Col, but there's a place near Ibrox stadium that's a BMW specialist. Not used them myself but one or two folk on z4-forum have and were happy: http://www.bmwcarspecialists.com/

[anonymous-user]

a11y_m said:

but there's a place near Ibrox stadium that's a BMW specialist. Not used them myself but one or two folk on z4-forum have and were happy: http://www.bmwcarspecialists.com/

They're BMW and Merc specialists, I used them on my E Class for disks and pads, well priced and really friendly professional guys.

[Rog B]

a11y_m said:

As long as they use the correct/official parts.

Precisely, are they?
I'm not upto speed on legislation but I fail to see how they can do it properly without the proper training/tools/procedures, below is the M3 Insp 2 check sheet, I'm not trying to be Anal, but if it's not done properly then it SHOULD affect the warranty IMO.

Check transmission for leaks.

Check rear axle for leaks.

Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.

Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.

Check condition, positioning, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.

Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.

Check overall thickness of rear disc brake pads using special tool. Record results. If replacement is necessary*:
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads. Record results.

Remove and install front disc brake pads, check overall thickness.
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.

Check brake and clutch system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.

Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.

Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.

Check all tire pressures (including spare - except M3, M5, Z8 and Alpina). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*

Replace M-Mobility System sealant cartridge every 3 years.

Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).


<b>Engine Compartment</b>

Read out diagnostic system.

Check and adjust valves.

Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Note: Coolant must be replaced every 4 years (time interval begins from vehicle's production date).

Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.

Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*

Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.

Check air conditioner operation.

Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.

Reset Service Indicator.


<b>Body/Electrical Equipment</b>

Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*

Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license-plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage compartment lights.

Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.

Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.

Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.

Check wipers and washer system(s);wiper blades, washer jet positions.

Check condition and function of safety belts.

Recharge or replace batteries for remote controls in all vehicle master keys.

Check central locking/double lock.

Check operation of all latches.

Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.

Check rear view mirrors.

Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Activate automatic roll-over protection system (if equipped) via diagnostic link.
Note:First remove hardtop/lower top (325Cic and 330Cic only).


<b>Final Inspection</b>

[a11y_m]

Rog B said:

a11y_m said:

As long as they use the correct/official parts.

Precisely, are they?
I'm not upto speed on legislation but I fail to see how they can do it properly without the proper training/tools/procedures, below is the M3 Insp 2 check sheet, I'm not trying to be Anal, but if it's not done properly then it SHOULD affect the warranty IMO

You've hit the nail on the head there: of course if it ain't done properly then it should affect the warranty, but "specialists" are called specialists for a reason. Well, decent ones at least.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but BMW aren't the only people who can specialise in servicing BMW cars - it isn't rocket science after all...

[Rog B]

Agreed, I wouldn't let any old Joe Bloggs "quick fit fitter" near any car I had.

[deadslow]

groak said:

Hart Motors in Dalmuir/Clydebank. Used to use them for my M3. First class.

Get my vote also. Very good people.

[deadslow]

erdnase said:

Ronnie Weaver in Cathcart gets a good name - used them myself a few times and been very happy.

Get my vote also. I heard Ronnie has retired, but his sidekick continues the business. Very knowledgeable lads.

[deadslow]

For an M car I'd actually put George Morrison Motors (0141 643 1768) in Rutherglen at the top of my list. Looked after my M5 for many years, though don't actually remember him being all that cheap . But very thorough.

[anonymous-user]

Rog B said:

a11y_m said:

As long as they use the correct/official parts.

Precisely, are they?
I'm not upto speed on legislation but I fail to see how they can do it properly without the proper training/tools/procedures, below is the M3 Insp 2 check sheet, I'm not trying to be Anal, but if it's not done properly then it SHOULD affect the warranty IMO.

True, but a specialist I've used was head technician at a main dealer (as many specialists were), and has the relevant diagnostic equipment and receives tech updates from the manufacturer - I fail to see how with these training/tools/procedures the work wouldn't be up to standard, and as they run their own business and are affected directly in their own pocket if they get a bad reputation, I trust them to do a better job that someone who's just a number under pressure at a main dealer to have a quick turnover to pay for the big sparkly glass windows and rubbish coffee!

[anonymous-user]

Rog B said:

lots of stuff from a BMW service sheet..

You've proved it's actually easy to find out what work should be carried out at a relevant service, you can find the same info on MB website for Mercs, so in theory if you have the skills and tools it's not difficult to ensure all of the required work is identified and undertaken at a service.

[Col 666]

Cheers for the help guys, I'm in Perth and Grassicks is only a 10 min walk from my door but will have a phone around.
There is a lot of work carried out but still think £700's a bit steep, maybe I'm just being a tight arse!

[Broomsticklady]

Probably too far for you if you're in Perth but the D partner of JD Motors in Insch is a BMW time served mechanic if that helps?

[garymorgan]

Not suitable for Col666, but those near the central belt I would highly reccommend.

BM Motors
71 Station Rd
Law Village

01698 375146

I have been going to him for about 13/14 years and the service is second to none.

I have an E30 M3 Sport Evo and would not let anyone else near it. A lot of the guys and girls in the BMWCC Scotland use him also.

Well worth a shout.

[M5Dave]

If the car is still covered by a BMW Approved Used Car warranty, then it will need to be serviced by a BMW dealer, it's in the terms and conditions of the warranty, and getting it serviced anywhere else will invalidate it.

The EU legislation that allows any VAT registered garage to carry out servicing only applies to new car warranties.

[Rog B]

I see your point, and totally agree, taking care which garage to choose is definately the way forward, my point was mainly directed at the OP who stated that "any registerd garage" could technically do the work, that is different from a specialist.

[Col 666]

Got it booked into Grassicks for next week, they quoted £705 pounds but after seeing my sad face they dropped it to £580 which I thought was very good of them!
John Clarks in Dundee where I bought the car in March wouldnt budge from £700, so I'll not be going back there again!