Time to use an Indy?

[silver16v]

Hi Guys,

my 535d will be 5yrs old this September. Until now it has always been serviced by my local dealership, and I have paid handsomely for the privilege of a BMW stamp in the book.

Lately though Im thinking that I will keep it for a while yet, so why pay exhorbitant labour rates when a good independent should be able to provide a similar service?

So, can anybody recommend a good independent who will have the right equipment to service my car? I live near Chiswick, work in Harrow.

Also, I guess I will need to stop usning BMW warranty, anybody used WD or warrantywise?

TIA, B

[Neil.D]

Firstly, you dont invalidate your warranty by using an 'indy'. Presumably you mean BMW specialist?

I would put money on a specialist finding things a dealrship has missed/skimpped on the first time you take it in.

[silver16v]

ok, didnt realise warranty was unaffected. I take your point about specialists, I was thinking of going to someone like Birds in Iver,
or Phil Crouch. Can anybody recommend some others around West London/Middx?

[LocoBlade]

I'd check about the warranty as being 5 years old presumably you've taken BMW extended warranty, in which case I believe they can and DO stipulate that you need to get it serviced by a dealer.

Basically the law says that warranties that come with cars from new can't stipulate dealer only, but presumably the law doesnt apply if you choose to buy an extended warranty because you're willingly signing up to the contract and agreeing to whatever clauses in that contract.

Edited by LocoBlade on Thursday 24th June 20:27

[Vixpy1]

silver16v said:

ok, didnt realise warranty was unaffected. I take your point about specialists, I was thinking of going to someone like Birds in Iver,
or Phil Crouch. Can anybody recommend some others around West London/Middx?

Take it to Phil

[silver16v]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

so, who would you guys recommend for an aftermarket warranty? WD, Warrantywise, Tesco?

[Matt UK]

silver16v said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

so, who would you guys recommend for an aftermarket warranty? WD, Warrantywise, Tesco?

Personally I wouldn't. I save the premium in an isa and use it to cover expenses as they come in.

Yes, it is a risk, but the warranty companies have a huge databank of running costs and will make sure that the premiums they charge you include a margin for themselves (obviously).