E46 M3 Insp 1 main dealer
Discussion
From my limited experience of main dealers I'd suggest taking it to a decent independent if you know of one.
For example, I bought an e46 328ci nearly new in terms of age 11 years ago with 100% BMW history (that was checked out too as genuine visits as well) and found things like inside of wheels had not been greased etc as per service schedule. That kind of thing. So when it came to a puncture/new tyres time we needed Geoff Capes to get the wheels off. The guys at tyre place said it is common this is missed out.
Earlier this year had an e46 M3 (great car) that needed to go into BMW for diagnostic work (long, tedious story with wing mirrors being broken by a body shop) and they were useless (the main dealer that is). Useless in every way-from booking the job in, to the work they did, to the conclusion they arrived at. Very good at generating a massive quote though.
My perception is it is just 'lads' on whatever an hour who don't care as it is just a job, which of course it is.
I continued taking my car to the independent outfit that the previous owner had taken it to, as I could ask him about things and he'd show me things that needed attention further down the line (drive belts for example).
Could also hang about and watch what they did and the (correct) oil being used etc when oil service was due.
I've no confidence in main dealers (well the one I know of) and if they can get away with not checking and/or adjusting valve clearances at Inspection2 service then they won't. They could write any rubbish down as a 'before and after' job.
I'd much rather buy a car (or sell one) if I'd been to a decent independent. However, that is based on my experience, and not everyone will be the same of course.
The independent is in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, just off the M11 if anyone interested.
For example, I bought an e46 328ci nearly new in terms of age 11 years ago with 100% BMW history (that was checked out too as genuine visits as well) and found things like inside of wheels had not been greased etc as per service schedule. That kind of thing. So when it came to a puncture/new tyres time we needed Geoff Capes to get the wheels off. The guys at tyre place said it is common this is missed out.
Earlier this year had an e46 M3 (great car) that needed to go into BMW for diagnostic work (long, tedious story with wing mirrors being broken by a body shop) and they were useless (the main dealer that is). Useless in every way-from booking the job in, to the work they did, to the conclusion they arrived at. Very good at generating a massive quote though.
My perception is it is just 'lads' on whatever an hour who don't care as it is just a job, which of course it is.
I continued taking my car to the independent outfit that the previous owner had taken it to, as I could ask him about things and he'd show me things that needed attention further down the line (drive belts for example).
Could also hang about and watch what they did and the (correct) oil being used etc when oil service was due.
I've no confidence in main dealers (well the one I know of) and if they can get away with not checking and/or adjusting valve clearances at Inspection2 service then they won't. They could write any rubbish down as a 'before and after' job.
I'd much rather buy a car (or sell one) if I'd been to a decent independent. However, that is based on my experience, and not everyone will be the same of course.
The independent is in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, just off the M11 if anyone interested.
Thats a silly amount of money for a one....I use Forzawest who are a BMW independent...would not trust my car to anyone else....I would find a good specialist in your area.......especially as its an older car and not under warrenty...I take it it isn't under warrenty that is.
Edited by Andyt25 on Saturday 11th May 12:57
It's not under the extended warranty no, I was of the mind that keeping the BMW SH fully stamped would be handy come next year as I intend to get the subframe fully checked over as its an 04 plate and that will be its 10th anniversary & last chance to get it done via good will from BMW should there be a problem.
I do have an excellent specialist near to me, Autotechnik in Lutterworth, and I wouldn't begrudge giving them the work at all if it doesn't cost me down the line.
Ps, thanks for the replies so far, I would be especially picky with any dealer that undertook the work.
I do have an excellent specialist near to me, Autotechnik in Lutterworth, and I wouldn't begrudge giving them the work at all if it doesn't cost me down the line.
Ps, thanks for the replies so far, I would be especially picky with any dealer that undertook the work.
Nedzilla said:
Why do you want to keep up main dealer history on a car that old,you are just throwing money away.Find a good independent specialist and save yourself a heap of money,you wont get any more for it when you come to sell it.
Totally agree. A good specialist is worth their weight in gold.georgejoshington said:
Given the location of the indie, is it safe to assume that the useless main dealer you're referring to isn't a million miles away from there? Perhaps in a nearby new town?
Er, no, but I see what you are saying.I bought the car from the previous owner in Cambridge, which is 40 mins away from me south-east along the a14. My 'local' one has been in the county town for many years. Town being the clue. Hope that helps!
Duxford is only a bit further for me to get to, and made complete sense to me to go there.
Glad I did, and would go again.
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