Discussion
For my V8 M3 I have used both Stewarts Road and Nine Elms. After a bad experience with Nine Elms, I switched to Stewarts Road which were marginally better (updated my DCT software notably).
I then switched to BMW Chigwell as there was one of their employees on the BMW forum (M3 post) was getting for members more competitive pricing and a careful service... They are indeed much more competitive than the London ones.. and they can come and pick up the car from Central London if booked in advance. They have been ok so far.
In general with BMW service though I find them ok on the surface, nice reception, coffee, booking, questions, marketing follow-up. But often forget to check things you asked them to, cannot solve issues because they cannot apply any standard approved procedure to it, refuse to address problems as they are not listed on the known issues warranty covers... etc etc
I think guys like BMW Birds (specialist but very established) just know their job better. They get to the point, deal with it and solve it. They are not cheap (not much more than the dealer anyways) but they just work for you.. not for BMW. So they are not worried about telling you something is wrong and will be attended to in fear of "admitting liability". Specialists are just better. This obsession with "full BMW service history" is idiotic.. but we need to abide by it because one day we all sell our car don't we.
I then switched to BMW Chigwell as there was one of their employees on the BMW forum (M3 post) was getting for members more competitive pricing and a careful service... They are indeed much more competitive than the London ones.. and they can come and pick up the car from Central London if booked in advance. They have been ok so far.
In general with BMW service though I find them ok on the surface, nice reception, coffee, booking, questions, marketing follow-up. But often forget to check things you asked them to, cannot solve issues because they cannot apply any standard approved procedure to it, refuse to address problems as they are not listed on the known issues warranty covers... etc etc
I think guys like BMW Birds (specialist but very established) just know their job better. They get to the point, deal with it and solve it. They are not cheap (not much more than the dealer anyways) but they just work for you.. not for BMW. So they are not worried about telling you something is wrong and will be attended to in fear of "admitting liability". Specialists are just better. This obsession with "full BMW service history" is idiotic.. but we need to abide by it because one day we all sell our car don't we.
About the oil. Be prepared to be charged approximately 50% mark-up on the same EXACT oil you will find at halfords.
The V8 takes approximately 12l from memory.. so it's taking the p1ss a little.. isn't it ?
The V8 takes approximately 12l from memory.. so it's taking the p1ss a little.. isn't it ?
thepony said:
Have anyone used BMW Park Lane before and are they any good as I have a BMW Oil Service booked with them soon :-) ?
Thanks very much :-)
Thanks very much :-)
I purchased a used car from them - they were awful. A terrible, terrible experience. Awful bull$hit, communication, delays, car prep, etc. When I complained nobody cared.
BMW better hope this OBD port, clone key, alarm problems, vehicle theft thing doesn't become a mainstream debate - they won't have customer service / goodwill to fall back on. (Just as Mercedes's reliability/build problems in the last decade must have cost them dear)...
BMW better hope this OBD port, clone key, alarm problems, vehicle theft thing doesn't become a mainstream debate - they won't have customer service / goodwill to fall back on. (Just as Mercedes's reliability/build problems in the last decade must have cost them dear)...
rosino said:
About the oil. Be prepared to be charged approximately 50% mark-up on the same EXACT oil you will find at halfords.
The V8 takes approximately 12l from memory.. so it's taking the p1ss a little.. isn't it ?
The V8 takes 8.25 litres, if they putting in 12 litres id hate to think what else they they are doing wrong.The V8 takes approximately 12l from memory.. so it's taking the p1ss a little.. isn't it ?
thepony said:
Have anyone used BMW Park Lane before and are they any good as I have a BMW Oil Service booked with them soon :-) ?
Thanks very much :-)
Thanks very much :-)
To the OP, best to find a decent Indy garage to carry out the work, why pay for load of marketing/branding plosh that is BMW Park Lane its only a name and yes the do get serviced Battersea, South London not Central London
Dont believe the hype....WORD!
Edited by SPORTSTER on Thursday 30th August 16:51
Hi thanks for everyone input.
I used BMW Park Lane Service at Battersea. I am very pleased with them they did everything I asked, kept me up to date, good customer service, polite, friendly and everything was good.
Very cramped parking though because of the Olympics so more BMWs than usual. Some interesting cars there too .... 8 Series, 1970s BMW, Police Cars, E92 M3s, the new M5 ....
I used BMW Park Lane Service at Battersea. I am very pleased with them they did everything I asked, kept me up to date, good customer service, polite, friendly and everything was good.
Very cramped parking though because of the Olympics so more BMWs than usual. Some interesting cars there too .... 8 Series, 1970s BMW, Police Cars, E92 M3s, the new M5 ....
SPORTSTER said:
The V8 takes 8.25 litres, if they putting in 12 litres id hate to think what else they they are doing
To be honest that is probably me overestimating lubrication need of our beloved V8. That said the mark-up remains, and yes I can bring my oil but does it mean they need to rip you off if you don't?Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff