Main dealer or independent?

[JimexPL]

My Z4 is now due it's first service whilst in my ownership. It's getting on a bit (03/53, 80,000 miles), but has full BMW service history and only one previous owner.

I intend on selling the car at some point next year, and want to know if people would be bothered about the next stamp being from a non franchise garage.
I know a small independent outfit that I trust with my other cars that I know could carry out the work and use genuine parts for about half the main dealer costs.

What are your thoughts?

[sparkythecat]

Which service is due between now and your anticipated sale date?

[ben]

I always say go for an Indipendant but I took my Z4 to the Stealers a few months ago for the Oil Service. As I was going to sell it I figured it won't hurt the pocket too much to keep the FBMWSH. If I do keep it till the Inspection 2 that is next - I will 100% go to a good Independant Garage.

[jamoor]

If you're selling it soon, dealer, do lots of haggling and it should be a similar price to an indy.

[JimexPL]

sparkythecat said:

Which service is due between now and your anticipated sale date?

Inspection is due now. I might keep it for another 6 months/9,000 miles - Can't work out what to replace it with just yet.

My criteria is convertible/targa, 28-30mpg on the motorway, manual, rwd and a decent amount of power.
At the moment I can only think of a Z4M or a C6 Corvette fitting the bill and I'm about 5k short of the M and 10k short of the Vette, so any opportunity to save the pennies without hurting my future sale needs to be taken!