M4 Comp Running in service - how difficult/expensive??

[anonymous-user]

My M4 Comp is nearing 1100 miles and will shortly be due a 'Running-in Service'. I have 3 dealers a workable distance from me.

I tried to call my closest, in Bishops Stortford, first, and found myself in a never-ending telephone loop betwixt main reception and group customer services, despite following the automated system directly to BMW Service when I first called. Three times that happened, and I'm still awaiting a call back.

I then called the supplying dealer (different group) in Enfield, and endured what is possibly the worst automated answering system I've ever had the misfortune to encounter. I got caught in another, similar loop, twice, finally ending up with someone in admin - where they could tell me when I could book it in, but not how much it would cost. They seem surprised that I didn't want to book without knowing how much it would be. I'm still awaiting a call back.

I then called a dealer in Stevenage (different group again), couldn't get through to Service, but did eventually get to main reception, who took a message. An hour later, I got a call back and was advised of slot availability and pricing, and the car was booked in.

I was quoted £319, which seems awfully steep for a running in service - does anyone know what is involved in that, as the service receptionist didn't have a clue?

And why was it so difficult to talk with someone in service at three locations, never mind a someone who understands the service they are selling at even the most basic of levels?

Bloody frustrating.

[naturalaspiration]

You didn't the Service Pack?

[trickywoo]

Really poor service all round.

I don't know for a fact but I'd be very surprised if anything other than oil and filter were changed.

There are probably lots of check items too but whether anyone ever does them or they make any difference is another matter.

Having said that I think the price you have been quoted is about right from a main dealer and to maintain the warranty its your best option should anything bad happen.

[trickywoo]

naturalaspiration said:

You didn't the Service Pack?

If he doesn't plan to keep it more than 3 years its only just about break even.

[anonymous-user]

trickywoo said:

If he doesn't plan to keep it more than 3 years its only just about break even.

2 years is the norm for me, so no, I didn't. Still waiting for those return calls!

[Superlightdaa]

Just paid (last Tuesday) £279.20 at Cooper BMW Sunderland. Excellent service. Its basically an engine oil and Diff oil change, got the receipt in the boot so can check exactly if needed.

[Elliot2000]

Used to be the case, and assume still is, if running in service is done correctly - power level is then increased. It’s limited before running in service, not by much though. It’s worth double checking it’s been done as it’s spmething that’s above the normal service data reset and a lot of techs don’t bother or don’t know.

£300 doesn’t sound too bad compared to the older cars that cost a hell of a lot more, but I don’t think gearbox oil is changed anymore and I’m not sure about diff oil either

[anonymous-user]

So £319 sounds about right them given respective locations, I guess. I'm actually up in Sunderland this coming Thursday at NMUK, but on train/in hire car unfortunately!

[anonymous-user]

Elliot2000 said:

Used to be the case, and assume still is, if running in service is done correctly - power level is then increased. It’s limited before running in service, not by much though. It’s worth double checking it’s been done as it’s spmething that’s above the normal service data reset and a lot of techs don’t bother or don’t know.

£300 doesn’t sound too bad compared to the older cars that cost a hell of a lot more, but I don’t think gearbox oil is changed anymore and I’m not sure about diff oil either

My salesman did say it would be faster and more economical post-service, when we spoke following my collection. I thought he was bull-stting!

[Eddieslofart]

Mine was £300 at Sytner Harold Wood.

Booked online, in and out. Video sent of diff and engine oil being drained.

[Mark83]

Where did you go and how much did you pay in the end?

I'll need to book mine in soon.

[anonymous-user]

Specialist Cars in Stevenage - they have a huge Service Dept which is separate to the showroom - great service, very quick, efficient, and was just over £300 in the end.

[Mark83]

had ham said:

Specialist Cars in Stevenage - they have a huge Service Dept which is separate to the showroom - great service, very quick, efficient, and was just over £300 in the end.

Yeah, I used them with my old M3.

Good to hear and they're the best for me logistically.

[Wills2]

had ham said:

Elliot2000 said:

Used to be the case, and assume still is, if running in service is done correctly - power level is then increased. It’s limited before running in service, not by much though. It’s worth double checking it’s been done as it’s spmething that’s above the normal service data reset and a lot of techs don’t bother or don’t know.

£300 doesn’t sound too bad compared to the older cars that cost a hell of a lot more, but I don’t think gearbox oil is changed anymore and I’m not sure about diff oil either

My salesman did say it would be faster and more economical post-service, when we spoke following my collection. I thought he was bull-stting!

He was, the RIS does not increase power at all, as for mileage well most cars improve as the miles go on and they loosen up but nothing to do with the RIS.

[Kudos]

That’s good value. Just been quoted £490 for an X3M competition

[anonymous-user]

I assume more expensive due to 4wd drivetrain oil change?

[Wills2]

They just change the engine and differential oil not sure the additional drive shaft makes any difference, mine was £440 vs £280 for the last one on an F80 M3 I just think they have put the price up.