2012 E92 M3 SERVICING
Discussion
Due a small service shortly, and would normally go to a Bmw dealer for the stamps, but haven't been massively impressed last couple of times, and always concerned something will get damaged, although that could happen at an indy as well. Probably been done to death, but what's thought's on this. I like to keep my car well maintained, like most people on here, does it really affect value that much taking it to a well renowned indy vs a dealer?
I'm the same with my Cayman 987, 15yrs old, 24k miles and never seen a wet road. The only place I'll use is an independent , Reason Porsche.
They put rubber pads (supplied by me) between the ramp pad and the jacking points on the car, seat cover and paper mats ect and have a worshop akin to an operating theatre! The car leaves in the condition it goes in. Places like this I've found are rare..
They put rubber pads (supplied by me) between the ramp pad and the jacking points on the car, seat cover and paper mats ect and have a worshop akin to an operating theatre! The car leaves in the condition it goes in. Places like this I've found are rare..
A good specialist carrying out servicing and repairs would be more appealing to me than a main dealer. They have had to earn their reputation.
I've had far too many bad experiences with BMW and Mercedes garages. The standard of their workmanship and knowledge has been poor on too many occasions.
I've had far too many bad experiences with BMW and Mercedes garages. The standard of their workmanship and knowledge has been poor on too many occasions.
Agree with what’s been said - specialist all the way. I have a 2012 M3 too which has full BMW history up to when I bought it in 2021 - I took it to EverythingM3s for rod bearings (can’t recommend Darragh enough by the way) and it will likely go back there for major services. For oil and brake fluid recently I took it to a local race and classic Indy 5 mins down the road. Both outfits employee proper mechanics and spend their time looking after specialist cars -I am far more confident in their expertise than the generalists at the dealer, particularly given most E9x M3s have dropped out of the network, I bet they don’t see many.
There are good BMW main dealers, Cotswold, Rybrook Warwick and Harry Fairbairn to name a couple but they are few and far between. Most of the rest range from OK to avoid at all costs.
Going to a well known specialist will not affect the value of your car at all. In my experience, well-known specialists are far superior to main dealers for servicing and maintenance and are pretty much always cheaper too.
Edit to say, this is especially true for older M cars. You need someone who knows what they are doing.
Going to a well known specialist will not affect the value of your car at all. In my experience, well-known specialists are far superior to main dealers for servicing and maintenance and are pretty much always cheaper too.
Edit to say, this is especially true for older M cars. You need someone who knows what they are doing.
i always use Vertu BMW York for my servicing and have had nothing but fantastic service from them.
I have used a couple of Mini Specialist for our JCW, and on both occasions i have been really unhappy. For example, following a clutch change, the wheel arch liner was not reattached properly resulting in the tyre rubbed a hole through it and headlight leveling sensor not connected which was ripped to shreads after touching the half shaft etc...
Ultimately, there are good and bad specialists and its the same with main dealers.
Unless they were really highly renowned, everythingM, Redish, Munich Legends and so on, i would be put off.
I have used a couple of Mini Specialist for our JCW, and on both occasions i have been really unhappy. For example, following a clutch change, the wheel arch liner was not reattached properly resulting in the tyre rubbed a hole through it and headlight leveling sensor not connected which was ripped to shreads after touching the half shaft etc...
Ultimately, there are good and bad specialists and its the same with main dealers.
Unless they were really highly renowned, everythingM, Redish, Munich Legends and so on, i would be put off.
There are lots of good specialists around who are much better/easier to deal with and offer a better service which is usually not £200+ p/h. The trick is to fine one who you like, trust and has the ability and knowledge to look after your car without just thinking about KPI's and aftersales.
I just don't think that full main dealer stamps are worth much on a 10 year old car. If someone is so hellbent on buying a car with them, then so be it.
My E92 M3 came out of the dealers new and never went back ... the first owner used an indy near him for the full 12 years he owned it.
I just don't think that full main dealer stamps are worth much on a 10 year old car. If someone is so hellbent on buying a car with them, then so be it.
My E92 M3 came out of the dealers new and never went back ... the first owner used an indy near him for the full 12 years he owned it.
Now my BMWs are teenagers I've been using a local Indy for years.
Luckily after 15 years at Sytner Ross set up RBM Hampshire in Hook three years ago and I only live about 15 miles away!
I haven't taken either of my cars anywhere else since he opened and have found his prices and quality of work excellent. There is a group of E9* M3 owners who have set up a group buy with him for replacement rod bearing shells.
Luckily after 15 years at Sytner Ross set up RBM Hampshire in Hook three years ago and I only live about 15 miles away!
I haven't taken either of my cars anywhere else since he opened and have found his prices and quality of work excellent. There is a group of E9* M3 owners who have set up a group buy with him for replacement rod bearing shells.
I no longer use the BMW dealer in York. Very patchy service, depending very much on who you came into contact with or worked on the car, a 2013 E92 M3.
I very much doubt a main dealer sees many of these cars now the youngest of them is 10 years old.
I use a local specialist now, consistent high level of service, not that much cheaper than the BMW dealer but I have more consistent confidence in the specialist. They know their older M3s and their foibles.
A non main dealer service wouldn't put me off buying a 10 year old plus E92 M3, as long it was a recognisable specialist.
I very much doubt a main dealer sees many of these cars now the youngest of them is 10 years old.
I use a local specialist now, consistent high level of service, not that much cheaper than the BMW dealer but I have more consistent confidence in the specialist. They know their older M3s and their foibles.
A non main dealer service wouldn't put me off buying a 10 year old plus E92 M3, as long it was a recognisable specialist.
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