Tracing a service history through BMW?

[1275GT]

Hi Chaps,

I have recently bought a 740i on a W plate and am keen to try and trace a bit more of it's history. Do BMW have one national system for all dealers that everything would be stored on? I believe it was most recently looked after by Westerly BMW and before that Snows in Portsmouth.

Any help appreciated!

[mmm-five]

You could call the BMW Vehicle Check on 0906 209 0001 (note: calls are charged at £1 per minute), or ask your local/friendly dealer to have a look on their computer system for the same.

Although there may be some kind soul on here who'll offer to check for you.

[1275GT]

A quid a minute! Might have to hope my local dealer is friendly then.

Unless as mmm five says, any kind souls can help on this one?

[dooosuk]

When phoning the £1/min line the call only lasts around 4mins on the few occaisions I've rang. They give you the date/mileage/dealership where work was carried out and then you can ring the individual dealerships for specific information at local rates.

[Bogracer]

Brought an e34 535i (restoration trials and tribulations on a post) and just spoke to my BMW local main agent, also DVLA MOT check is quite revealing online, tells you where the car was MOTed and as most people get there cars serviced at the same place you find the independent history too. Sleuthing!

[mmm-five]

Bogracer said:

Brought an e34 535i (restoration trials and tribulations on a post) and just spoke to my BMW local main agent, also DVLA MOT check is quite revealing online, tells you where the car was MOTed and as most people get there cars serviced at the same place you find the independent history too. Sleuthing!

I'd assumed most people didn't get servicing & MOT done at the same place, as you're just asking for them to find 'extra' work to do.

I've never done it myself, and have even had experience on an e34 M5—which was under extended warranty at the time, hence the dealer visit—where the dealer Inspection 1 picked up "heavily worn rear suspension bushes", "rear tyres worn below limit", and "worn brake disks" - only to pass an MOT a month later with the same components on...after having checked the tyres, discs & pads myself, and my indy checking all suspension bushes.