BMW service center vs private BMW specialists

yxalitis · 10-19-2012, 12:38 AM

Well, I disagree with the majority here, I use BMW dealers for my car.
I had my rear brakes done by a non -BMW mechanic, $900
I had the next car's done by BMW, $830 Yes, the discs had to be replaced in both instances.
I also have access to a free courtesy car, my car is always cleaned, washer topped up, car is always ready on time, and if it isn't, well, I have another, new BMW to drive.
I have found BMW service centres to be extremely courteous, efficient, and not at all overpriced.
I get a nice cappuccino, get to look at beautiful new cars, chat to the dealers about upcoming events (have wangled invites to car launches, and a half-price session at Phillip island in an M3).
Finally, having your book stamped with only BMW Centre stamps IS something 2nd hand buyers look for when deciding between cars. I know I did. Sure, YOU may trust your mechanic, but I don't know diddly squat about him, and I trust BMW to not use non-genuine parts.

John_01 · 10-19-2012, 01:34 AM

Unfortunately my local BMW dealer is a apprentice mechanic training center. They seem to break as many things as they fix. When things have gone wrong it took 4 days to get the car back.

The biggest mistake I found when getting work done the by the dealer is not insisting on a courtesy car. If you aren't using one of their cars your work goes to bottom priority and probably the least experienced mechanic too. I stopped using the dealer and get both my cars serviced by a BMW specialist mechanic.

For me its not about saving money, its about having an experienced professional perform quality work, rather than the young guys doing their apprenticeship at the dealer.

davidturnedge · 10-20-2012, 05:53 AM

One thing's for sure: the coffee and clean after service is better at BMW dealers... but i my experience the staff did an inferior job for more money when compared with my regular service centre.

f3rnando · 11-11-2012, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWGTR

Melbourne guys:

Euro Prestige Motors.
63 Sharps Rd, Tullamarine.
(03)9330 2816
Ask for the boss Rick: 0421375307.

I've had some repairs/servicing done by Rick, very good guy and fairly priced.
Will stamp your books too. (Does all Euro cars)

Hi
Has anyone dealed with BMW R US - Edwardes St Reservoir VIC?
how good are they? thanks

keungleung · 11-13-2012, 08:57 AM

similar question - I'm on the hunt for a used 335i or 135i at the moment

Am I better off getting it inspected at BMW, using StateRoads inspection which I've done in the past and found quite decent cause they do check paint and compression etc, or getting one of these Euro specialist workshops (can people recommend me some workshops in the different states).

yxalitis · 11-13-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keungleung

similar question - I'm on the hunt for a used 335i or 135i at the moment

Am I better off getting it inspected at BMW, using StateRoads inspection which I've done in the past and found quite decent cause they do check paint and compression etc, or getting one of these Euro specialist workshops (can people recommend me some workshops in the different states).

My experience, don't buy a used BMW from anyone except BMW.
From various "prestige" used car lots, you really have NO IDEA what you are buying.
Remember all those floods in Queensland? More then a few written-off cars are repaired, and shipped interstate for selling in yards like that.
Yes, you can lookup the car's status., but Queensland make you pay for the search...bastards!

I just don't think it's worth the risk, and let's be honest, the prices aren't THAT different!

jmm027 · 11-27-2012, 06:33 PM

I think even if i was buying from BMW i still would have paid, the $3.90 the Queensland Government charges to check. When your spending 40k on a car whats a couple of bucks?

BMJ · 11-27-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

Regardless, get your car serviced more frequently than the books require.

Especially if tuned - old oil will ruin your car, 10,000km should be about the max, 5-7k if you want to play it safe

totally agree,

BMJ · 11-27-2012, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_01

Unfortunately my local BMW dealer is a apprentice mechanic training center. They seem to break as many things as they fix.

I hear u

My car was taken to BMW Brighton for the injector campaign, had two changed very happy at no cost... but my car came back with a broken wiring loom... no one checked and it flopped and banged around in the bay for 6 weeks till i found it... was a little pissed about that.

MFKN3 · 12-13-2012, 11:52 PM

Brisbane Prestige & Performance.

They have been really good, I'm sitting in their waiting room at the moment getting the race kit off. F&ck the dealers and their $1200 services, what a scam.

MFKN3 · 12-13-2012, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keungleung

similar question - I'm on the hunt for a used 335i or 135i at the moment

Am I better off getting it inspected at BMW, using StateRoads inspection which I've done in the past and found quite decent cause they do check paint and compression etc, or getting one of these Euro specialist workshops (can people recommend me some workshops in the different states).

My opinion is if you want a decent inspection, get a euro specialist. I know 2 people now who purchased 100 point 'premium' inspection bmw's from dealers who got home to find problems which should have been picked up. One car had to be towed back to the dealership.

miro67 · 02-13-2013, 11:33 PM

Just thought I would add a recent experience for those looking for Sydney based independent BMW service, and this looked like the thread.

Our 3 series wagon started making a clank noise from underneath. A few hours surfing the web had me pretty convinced what it was. I then hunted around the forums for a non dealership recommendation in my area of Sydney. Two popped up.

1. BMWise Artarmon -took the car in, discussed the problem with the mechanic (not the owner). Got a call that afternoon saying the problem was the differential and it needed to be replaced for $3k. I then told the owner that in fact it was not the diff, rather a related and relatively well known problem -even gave him a parts list for the repair. He insisted that BMW told him that you can't work on the diff, it can only be replaced. To which i again advised it was not the diff. Needless to say I took the car away, having paid $120 for his time (which he would not budge on) to tell me what the problem was -even though he was compeltely incorrect. This guy is supposed to be a BMW expert, what a joke -maybe ok for an oil change but otherwise don't bother.

2. Then rang Peter Mabey Car Care and spoke to Greg. Explained the issue, to which he said yep know what it is, but drop the car in and I will double check. Did this a few days later, probably 30 seconds after jumping in the car he confirmed the issue. Fixed in a day for $700, exactly as expected from my prior internet searching. Great experience all round, good communication, good workshop, highly recommended (albeit not cheap).

Hope this helps people in Sydney north area.

QLD · 02-14-2013, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yxalitis

I have found BMW service centres to be not at all overpriced.

I was feeling a bit flat... thanks for the laugh.

davidturnedge · 02-14-2013, 04:10 PM

+1 Greg @ Peter Mabey in Crows Nest

davidturnedge · 02-14-2013, 04:13 PM

Parts are the killer. Spoke to BMW Sydney parts the other day and the guy whinged endlessly about the high prices for the parts he quoted me. He said "they" don't understand that a $150 OEM part in Australia is a $40 OEM part from a European or US web site.

Makes me wonder why more indie service shops don't bulk order commonly used parts thereby giving them further advantage over the licensed BMW shops.

pavo335 · 02-14-2013, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidturnedge

Parts are the killer. Spoke to BMW Sydney parts the other day and the guy whinged endlessly about the high prices for the parts he quoted me. He said "they" don't understand that a $150 OEM part in Australia is a $40 OEM part from a European or US web site.

Makes me wonder why more indie service shops don't bulk order commonly used parts thereby giving them further advantage over the licensed BMW shops.

well there is a local 3rd party supplier that is 'close' to international prices 'for the common items' so they dont NEED to buy of BMW.

davidturnedge · 02-15-2013, 01:33 AM

Where is the local 3rd party supplier that is close to International prices?

I've just ordered a few things from Pelican Parts (saving about $300) but I'd be happier to buy locally and support an Australian business.

pavo335 · 02-16-2013, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidturnedge

Where is the local 3rd party supplier that is close to International prices?

I've just ordered a few things from Pelican Parts (saving about $300) but I'd be happier to buy locally and support an Australian business.

Who better than bmr?

cjt_ · 02-19-2013, 05:01 PM

For Melbourne guys:

BM Tech in Niddrie have the my last two and they've been pretty good.

Zoo Tv · 03-12-2013, 09:45 PM

Hi all,

Need a bit of advice here on servicing. Bought a 2nd hand 2009 E90 335 with 12 month warranty (prem selection or what not) and have had the car back a few times already.

* Replaced key fob for new as it stopped operating comfort access
* Adaptive headlight failure - now that was annoying. $262 to 'diagnose' and tell me the headlight globes were about to fail, were over heating and causing the sensor to detect an adaptive failure. Upon getting the car back - threw error again. Took it back, another $216 to update to latest software. Rant rant rant - not under warranty....... (North Shore BMW Sydney).

Now - latest error. "Engine fault - Reduced Power" chestnut. Now here's my dilemma. I'd like to maintain the log books as serviced at BMW as I took out a 4 year lease and am mindful that when I go to sell the car, log books may be important to a buyer and make it easier to sell.

However.....I have researched the common causes for this error on a 335 and it appears to be either a vacuum leak, loose harness/water in harness, spark plug or coil pack. I have little appetite for paying to fix this issue and not have it covered under warranty, however - I want to maintain the log book.

Suggestions?

kaitan · 03-12-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoo Tv

Hi all,

Need a bit of advice here on servicing. Bought a 2nd hand 2009 E90 335 with 12 month warranty (prem selection or what not) and have had the car back a few times already.

* Replaced key fob for new as it stopped operating comfort access
* Adaptive headlight failure - now that was annoying. $262 to 'diagnose' and tell me the headlight globes were about to fail, were over heating and causing the sensor to detect an adaptive failure. Upon getting the car back - threw error again. Took it back, another $216 to update to latest software. Rant rant rant - not under warranty....... (North Shore BMW Sydney).

Now - latest error. "Engine fault - Reduced Power" chestnut. Now here's my dilemma. I'd like to maintain the log books as serviced at BMW as I took out a 4 year lease and am mindful that when I go to sell the car, log books may be important to a buyer and make it easier to sell.

However.....I have researched the common causes for this error on a 335 and it appears to be either a vacuum leak, loose harness/water in harness, spark plug or coil pack. I have little appetite for paying to fix this issue and not have it covered under warranty, however - I want to maintain the log book.

Suggestions?

Hi sorry to hear that you've got the car with a few hiccups. Do you live locally around north shore bmw ?

With the engine fault, most likely it has a hpfp problem...our it can be the coils. Have bmw checked out whether the car has done the coil recall or not. Since yours is 2010 model means u have n55 so most likely it's the coils rather than the hpfp. Pm me if you need help. I live locally.

John_01 · 03-12-2013, 10:27 PM

Hi Zoo, I'd expect the engine fault issue should be covered under warranty, so wouldn't it make sense to try North Shore BMW for this issue? Give them the understanding that you have had enough of their BS already. ($261 for a software udate to fix a fault with the car that already cost you $. I'd be

)

10-19-2012, 12:38 AM	#23
yxalitis Banned 9 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2008 325i E90 Executive Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (1)	Well, I disagree with the majority here, I use BMW dealers for my car. I had my rear brakes done by a non -BMW mechanic, $900 I had the next car's done by BMW, $830 Yes, the discs had to be replaced in both instances. I also have access to a free courtesy car, my car is always cleaned, washer topped up, car is always ready on time, and if it isn't, well, I have another, new BMW to drive. I have found BMW service centres to be extremely courteous, efficient, and not at all overpriced. I get a nice cappuccino, get to look at beautiful new cars, chat to the dealers about upcoming events (have wangled invites to car launches, and a half-price session at Phillip island in an M3). Finally, having your book stamped with only BMW Centre stamps IS something 2nd hand buyers look for when deciding between cars. I know I did. Sure, YOU may trust your mechanic, but I don't know diddly squat about him, and I trust BMW to not use non-genuine parts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-19-2012, 01:34 AM	#24
John_01 Colonel 232 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Unfortunately my local BMW dealer is a apprentice mechanic training center. They seem to break as many things as they fix. When things have gone wrong it took 4 days to get the car back. The biggest mistake I found when getting work done the by the dealer is not insisting on a courtesy car. If you aren't using one of their cars your work goes to bottom priority and probably the least experienced mechanic too. I stopped using the dealer and get both my cars serviced by a BMW specialist mechanic. For me its not about saving money, its about having an experienced professional perform quality work, rather than the young guys doing their apprenticeship at the dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-20-2012, 05:53 AM	#25
davidturnedge Private 5 Rep 95 Posts Drives: E90 320i Silver 6MT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	One thing's for sure: the coffee and clean after service is better at BMW dealers... but i my experience the staff did an inferior job for more money when compared with my regular service centre.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2012, 08:57 AM	#27
keungleung Private 2 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 08 335i msport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	similar question - I'm on the hunt for a used 335i or 135i at the moment Am I better off getting it inspected at BMW, using StateRoads inspection which I've done in the past and found quite decent cause they do check paint and compression etc, or getting one of these Euro specialist workshops (can people recommend me some workshops in the different states).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-27-2012, 06:33 PM	#29
jmm027 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 320d Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: QLD iTrader: (0)	I think even if i was buying from BMW i still would have paid, the $3.90 the Queensland Government charges to check. When your spending 40k on a car whats a couple of bucks?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2012, 11:52 PM	#32
MFKN3 Colonel 127 Rep 2,224 Posts Drives: supercharged 4.4L stroker E92 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (2)	Brisbane Prestige & Performance. They have been really good, I'm sitting in their waiting room at the moment getting the race kit off. F&ck the dealers and their $1200 services, what a scam.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2013, 11:33 PM	#34
miro67 Private First Class 15 Rep 166 Posts Drives: e93 335i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: sydney iTrader: (0)	Just thought I would add a recent experience for those looking for Sydney based independent BMW service, and this looked like the thread. Our 3 series wagon started making a clank noise from underneath. A few hours surfing the web had me pretty convinced what it was. I then hunted around the forums for a non dealership recommendation in my area of Sydney. Two popped up. 1. BMWise Artarmon -took the car in, discussed the problem with the mechanic (not the owner). Got a call that afternoon saying the problem was the differential and it needed to be replaced for $3k. I then told the owner that in fact it was not the diff, rather a related and relatively well known problem -even gave him a parts list for the repair. He insisted that BMW told him that you can't work on the diff, it can only be replaced. To which i again advised it was not the diff. Needless to say I took the car away, having paid $120 for his time (which he would not budge on) to tell me what the problem was -even though he was compeltely incorrect. This guy is supposed to be a BMW expert, what a joke -maybe ok for an oil change but otherwise don't bother. 2. Then rang Peter Mabey Car Care and spoke to Greg. Explained the issue, to which he said yep know what it is, but drop the car in and I will double check. Did this a few days later, probably 30 seconds after jumping in the car he confirmed the issue. Fixed in a day for $700, exactly as expected from my prior internet searching. Great experience all round, good communication, good workshop, highly recommended (albeit not cheap). Hope this helps people in Sydney north area.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2013, 04:10 PM	#36
davidturnedge Private 5 Rep 95 Posts Drives: E90 320i Silver 6MT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	+1 Greg @ Peter Mabey in Crows Nest
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-14-2013, 04:13 PM	#37
davidturnedge Private 5 Rep 95 Posts Drives: E90 320i Silver 6MT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Parts are the killer. Spoke to BMW Sydney parts the other day and the guy whinged endlessly about the high prices for the parts he quoted me. He said "they" don't understand that a $150 OEM part in Australia is a $40 OEM part from a European or US web site. Makes me wonder why more indie service shops don't bulk order commonly used parts thereby giving them further advantage over the licensed BMW shops.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-15-2013, 01:33 AM	#39
davidturnedge Private 5 Rep 95 Posts Drives: E90 320i Silver 6MT Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Where is the local 3rd party supplier that is close to International prices? I've just ordered a few things from Pelican Parts (saving about $300) but I'd be happier to buy locally and support an Australian business.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2013, 05:01 PM	#41
cjt_ New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	For Melbourne guys: BM Tech in Niddrie have the my last two and they've been pretty good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2013, 09:45 PM	#42
Zoo Tv Washed Weekly 8 Rep 155 Posts Drives: MTA Subway Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Hi all, Need a bit of advice here on servicing. Bought a 2nd hand 2009 E90 335 with 12 month warranty (prem selection or what not) and have had the car back a few times already. * Replaced key fob for new as it stopped operating comfort access * Adaptive headlight failure - now that was annoying. $262 to 'diagnose' and tell me the headlight globes were about to fail, were over heating and causing the sensor to detect an adaptive failure. Upon getting the car back - threw error again. Took it back, another $216 to update to latest software. Rant rant rant - not under warranty....... (North Shore BMW Sydney). Now - latest error. "Engine fault - Reduced Power" chestnut. Now here's my dilemma. I'd like to maintain the log books as serviced at BMW as I took out a 4 year lease and am mindful that when I go to sell the car, log books may be important to a buyer and make it easier to sell. However.....I have researched the common causes for this error on a 335 and it appears to be either a vacuum leak, loose harness/water in harness, spark plug or coil pack. I have little appetite for paying to fix this issue and not have it covered under warranty, however - I want to maintain the log book. Suggestions?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2013, 10:27 PM	#44
John_01 Colonel 232 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Hi Zoo, I'd expect the engine fault issue should be covered under warranty, so wouldn't it make sense to try North Shore BMW for this issue? Give them the understanding that you have had enough of their BS already. ($261 for a software udate to fix a fault with the car that already cost you $. I'd be )
	Appreciate 0 Quote