bmw main dealer or independant garage

[m3dan]

i have just been quoted £750 for an inspection 1 on my e46 m3 smg2, this is at the main dealer obviously and i was a bit suprised as i thought it was the inspection 2 that was the expensive one.The car has full bmw history and i have always used bmw main dealer since i have had the car, which is 6 months.The car is a 2003 model it has no warranty and i would ideally like to continue the fbmwsh but would you pay £750 against £250 at a reputable independant?
I used the independant garage when i had my e36 m3 evo and they always seemed very good and they werequite reasonable on the costs also.
i am sure this one has been done a few times but i dont know whether to use the independant as i am wondering if it will affect the resale?
when i was looking for the car i personally would not have bought the car if it didnt have fbmwsh.
the car is fully loaded with 19,s

[belleair302]

There comes a point where specialists will do more for your car than a main dealer. Its not only cost but attention to detail....and people today realise that the 'right' specialist will do more for your car than a main dealer. Choose wisely.....keep the bills and invoices for inspection, save money and sleep well at night knowing your car is being looked after by a specialist who carse, not a mechanic / pc operator who don't know you from the next mug!

[Vixpy1]

You will pay around 500 at an indy for the same service, its expensive because the valve clearances have to be checked

[m3dan]

the indy says they will check if the valve clearances need doing and if not they wont bother, that will save me £85 + vat. thats the type of thing you dont hear at the dealer.
do they always need doing or is he right?

[taffyracer]

I'd agree with the above and go independent, its out of warranty so a good service history with all the reeceipts with a decent independent is just as good as a dealers if the car is in A1 condition come resale, condition is more important than having the dealer stamp IMO

[Mustard]

But if you go Indy you'll lose any 'goodwill' claims for when your rear coil springs snap...... they will very shortly! and bang goes that £200 you just saved!

Me.... I'd say stick to main Dealer for 5yrs/60000miles