Service history querie

[pmac32]

Hi
I am looking at a X5 in a independent dealers who tells me that modern cars don't have a service book which you get stamped, instead they have a print out from the BMW dealers, which he has. Is this correct, all cars I have owned have always had a service book. Car in question is a 2012 X5 30d with very lows miles and three services.

Thanks.

[SebringMan]

If they have iDrive it's stored on that.

Otherwise, call the dealerships in question. They will keep a vague log by the mileage.

Edited by SebringMan on Tuesday 18th July 16:58

[E-bmw]

You have been told wrong, they absolutely do, however BMW UK have a record of when it was worked on by what dealership, and you can then contact them, get a blank service book & get the history replicated as only the dealer in question has a record of what was actually done at which visit, or so I was told by them.

However, don't hold your breath as BMW customer service is diabolical at such things.

The best way to replicate it is to order a blank book, contact BMW GB to get the list above & individually visit every one early in the day to get them to mark it up while you wait, if you do it by post & phone you will wait forever & probably end up doing it at least twice.

My advice would be, if you haven't got the actual book price it accordingly, as it is a right PITA to do.

[Monty Python]

My F30 doesn't have a service book - as stated above the service history is stored in the iDrive.

[bmwmike]

My 2012 f10 has idrive and a service book.

BMW dealers won't have access to non BMW dealer service info.

[Fox-]

SebringMan said:

If they have iDrive it's stored on that.

It really isn't this simple unfortunately.

BMW have now moved to entirely electronic service history and no longer supply a service book - BUT this is a recent change.

My 2015 5 Series has no service book and all history is stored in the iDrive.
My fathers 2013 5 Series has a stamped and supplied service book and only after its most recent service did the history appear in the iDrive.

So it seems the book disappeared about 2-3 years ago and NBT iDrive fitted cars can record the history after a certain firmware version?

A 2012 X5 is going to be an E70 and I'd be absolutely amazed if this had electronic history. As far as I can see it's the latter half of F Series production only.

My understanding is that no BMW has a 'printout instead of a service book' - they have either a book or a digital record in IDrive (Or both!).

Vehicle Information > Service Requirements > Service History is where to find it.

[pmac32]

The dealer has said all the history is on the I drive and there are also recipts for all servicing work carried out on the car, but no service book with stamps in. Always been serviced by BMW main dealer.
I've not had a car newer than the a 52 plate and it didn't sound correct to me. Maybe I'm wrong.

[Monty Python]

pmac32 said:

The dealer has said all the history is on the I drive and there are also recipts for all servicing work carried out on the car, but no service book with stamps in. Always been serviced by BMW main dealer.
I've not had a car newer than the a 52 plate and it didn't sound correct to me. Maybe I'm wrong.

As long as it's got receipts for the work done then the service book is largely irrelevant. A stamp in a book doesn't really prove anything whereas a receipt is traceable.

[E-bmw]

Monty Python said:

As long as it's got receipts for the work done then the service book is largely irrelevant. A stamp in a book doesn't really prove anything whereas a receipt is traceable.

Sorry to sound pedantic but what is better about an invoice exactly?

A book stamp is forgeable, so is an invoice by any 5 year old on a PC.
A book stamp can be traced/proven as can a receipt, both just take a phone call to prove/disprove.

Anyone who doesn't follow up on a paper trail these days is only kidding themselves.

[aeropilot]

Fox- said:

A 2012 X5 is going to be an E70 and I'd be absolutely amazed if this had electronic history. As far as I can see it's the latter half of F Series production only.

Agree with that.

My 2011 E82 135i had a service book, and I-Drive and there was no service history on the I-Drive and I had that from new, and only sold it earlier this year, and it was only ever serviced at BMW.

OP, I suspect indie is trying to pull a fast one to cover up possible holes in the cars service history.....which is why it probably has a 'lost' service book...?

[Monty Python]

E-bmw said:

Sorry to sound pedantic but what is better about an invoice exactly?

A book stamp is forgeable, so is an invoice by any 5 year old on a PC.
A book stamp can be traced/proven as can a receipt, both just take a phone call to prove/disprove.

Anyone who doesn't follow up on a paper trail these days is only kidding themselves.

In invoice is much more useful as it (a) has an invoice number that makes it easier to find and (b) should indicate all the work that was carried out at the time.

What does a stamp in a service book tell you? Take it to the garage and all they have to say is "that's not our stamp" and where are you? How do you prove it's genuine?

It's a lot more difficult to forge an invoice.

[E-bmw]

Monty Python said:

E-bmw said:

Sorry to sound pedantic but what is better about an invoice exactly?

A book stamp is forgeable, so is an invoice by any 5 year old on a PC.
A book stamp can be traced/proven as can a receipt, both just take a phone call to prove/disprove.

Anyone who doesn't follow up on a paper trail these days is only kidding themselves.

In invoice is much more useful as it (a) has an invoice number that makes it easier to find and (b) should indicate all the work that was carried out at the time.

What does a stamp in a service book tell you? Take it to the garage and all they have to say is "that's not our stamp" and where are you? How do you prove it's genuine?

It's a lot more difficult to forge an invoice.

You are completely missing my points, yes an invoice is useful........ If it is genuine.

Any idiot can make up a forged an invoice in about 5 mins in word or similar program.

Both are only any good if they are real, and you need to check as there are so many cars out there with forged histories/invoices.

[Eddieslofart]

pmac32 said:

The dealer has said all the history is on the I drive and there are also recipts for all servicing work carried out on the car, but no service book with stamps in. Always been serviced by BMW main dealer.
I've not had a car newer than the a 52 plate and it didn't sound correct to me. Maybe I'm wrong.

No facility to store on a 2012 X5. I have one...with a service book.