4 year old BMW but not full dealer service

[p1tse]

thoughts?

[pattyg]

Is it an AUC? Mine was and didn't have FBMWSH. No problems with it yet.

[p1tse]

thanks

did yours come with all paper work to support it? where were the non bmw dealer, other dealer, or indy specialists?

[LC23]

As long as you have the back up paperwork to show the work that has been done at the service then I can't see any problem in this; especially if it is a well thought of BMW indy.

[mmm-five]

There's nothing to force you to go to a dealer for servicing, so why should you 'waste' upto £100/hour extra by taking it to a dealer (who won't necessarily do any better a job) rather than taking it to a recommended indy/specialist?

The problem occurs when it comes to resale, as despite most petrolheads claiming they'd prefer indy/specialist FSH as the dealers are 'rip-off merchants', they still moan when a car doesn't have full dealer SH?

You can't win

[Mattt]

Thought you can't buy as an AUC without FBMWSH, or add the extended warranty?

[mmm-five]

Mattt said:

Thought you can't buy as an AUC without FBMWSH, or add the extended warranty?

That's what they'd like you to think, but there are plenty without FBMWSH on the AUC scheme, and as long as it's been serviced according to the schedule then you can get a BMW Insured Warranty on it when your AUC one expires - although you then have to keep it in the BMW franchise network to maintain the coverage.

[va1o]

As long as it has a service history that has been performed as according to the schedule I wouldn't be too worried if the car itself is good and priced well. Personally prefer to have it done at a main dealer though.

[p1tse]

thanks

my thoughts exactly. hope it has paper work to back it up

[p1tse]

had a bit more info

it's had 4 services
BMW 16k oil and filter
BMW 26k oil and filter
non dealer oil and filter 44k
non dealer oil, front brakes, filter brake fluid 57k

this is on an e60 diesel computer based service. however the non dealer as done by family garage using BMW parts apparently has no paper work, thoughts? now at 63k

[Blue Oval84]

Just go for it, my AUC Z4 was service at Kwik Fit before I bought it!! :O

Doesn't seem to be any worse for it, I don't intend re-commencing the dealer servicing now so she goes to an indy specialist.

[PJ S]

p1tse said:

had a bit more info

it's had 4 services
BMW 16k oil and filter
BMW 26k oil and filter
non dealer oil and filter 44k
non dealer oil, front brakes, filter brake fluid 57k

this is on an e60 diesel computer based service. however the non dealer as done by family garage using BMW parts apparently has no paper work, thoughts? now at 63k

If they can show a number of receipts for what they've spent on keeping the car serviced, then you're worrying too much for nothing. If they can't, then pass on it or use that to negotiate harder on the price.
As much as you're buying a car, you're also buying confidence the current owner hasn't tried to run it on a very tight budget, and stretching things out so less are done over the same timeframe.

[p1tse]

not worrying on it, but i guess i'm just a bit particular on having paper work

not as much as an issue as all stamped up and plan to keep it for a bit longer than my usual 2 years and hopefully build up service history there

i'm assuming they can't provide paper work for non dealer, as done by family small run garage, and maybe not had labour put through the books etc.

i've asked if they could provide either evidence of parts brought or possible to get the family run business to draw up some sort of paper work, however i'm getting not a bad price (but being a private buy on a tough market i think other good offers could be had), but this does seem a good car, so hopefully something works out

[gizlaroc]

I wasn't going to say anything on this thread as I know the seller.
The car was bought by my mate, his family owns a Ford dealership and associated garage.

The car is a 60k mile 535d sport touring in silver grey, its a 2007 lci model with xenons, nav prof, black leather, lane detection, Bluetooth and a few other options.

He does not have to pay for servicing, he simply drives in and gets them to do what is needed when it is needed.
He obviously doesn't get an invoice for the work carried out either, as it is not invoiced.

I know he bought all the bits from BMW Kings Lynn for the services though, he gets a good discount being another car dealership. However, he should have kept all the receipts for oil, filters etc. etc.
Having said that I never have for mine, but then I get mine done at a main dealer, but the last time I got my Merc Serviced I went Indy, and did keep all the paperwork for the parts from Merc Norwich.

It is a tricky one for me as I know the car and I know John who is selling it, so I would be very confident buying it, but when you don't know it it you always think 'what if?'.


Price wise, he has a trade in of £16000 on September 1st, he has said he can have it for £16500 if he wants it, I don't think John is fussed either way, and he will have to hire a car or use one the company cars for a month if he sells it early.
Other option is stick it on the forecourt at £18500 and hope that he doesn't get a trade in!


Why don't you take a day out and go and see it? I know it is a pain and a bit of a treck but I think it would put your mind at ease if you drove it.

[p1tse]

hi
thanks. was going to drop you a PM.

but all is clear and just wanted to check against the what if.

Thanks for helping, very much appreciated

[gizlaroc]

I completely understand mate.
I would be thinking exactly the same thing, and it is a large chuck of money to buy if not right.

Servicing outside of the dealer network came up on the Merc forum the other day, and I was quite amazed at how many people on there thought it a complete waste of time, even on new cars. I don't think I am quite at the stage where I would service a sub 3 year old at an indy, but definitely once out of the initial 3 years I will from now on.

[martin mrt]

I wasn't too sure but after reading Gizarlocs posts my mind has been set at ease, it's ALOT of car for the money I would go for it if I were you

[8Tech]

I also own my own garage and naturally get all the labour at cost and parts at a decent discount but I still issue myself an invoice with no prices on it as a documented record of what the car has had done and when.

I also photocopy all the parts invoices and keep them with the service history. Doesny actually PROVE its been done but as the chassis number is used usually as the vehicle reference on the invoices it helps.

This then reminds me when stuff is done and also gives me documented evidence should there be any warranty issues with the parts.

I can simply fire the tech if he messes up. He he.

[p1tse]

i would have more reservation if it wasn't a recommended car from a car enthusiast. I will be travelling 400-500 mile round trip for it, so need to ensure all is ok.

i first thought it was done at a ford dealer, but it's done within the family smaller division unit and with no paper work, but hopefully they can provide a copy of the parts brought from local BMW dealer.

non dealer is fine by me, as I don't plan to take it to dealer unless they have a massive price reduction and special offer going on. I'll be choosing a specialist indy.

it would be best to have some sort of paper work for each service though.

trains booked!

[gizlaroc]

p1tse said:

i would have more reservation if it wasn't a recommended car from a car enthusiast. I will be travelling 400-500 mile round trip for it, so need to ensure all is ok.

i first thought it was done at a ford dealer, but it's done within the family smaller division unit and with no paper work, but hopefully they can provide a copy of the parts brought from local BMW dealer.

non dealer is fine by me, as I don't plan to take it to dealer unless they have a massive price reduction and special offer going on. I'll be choosing a specialist indy.

it would be best to have some sort of paper work for each service though.

trains booked!

What I may do in the future with my cars is get the small oil service done at a main dealer, so every other service, BMW charged me £120 for an oil change last time, and this would put a stamp in the book but would also put the car back on the BMW system, so when it comes to selling mileage etc. can be verified.