Main dealer or independant?

[weedavey]

Suggestions please. I was going to let an independant BMW specialist local to me take care of it. JMW Technic they are two brothers one of which held high technician staus come the end of his time at ocean bmw.

I would like to know where others have taken their cars and have been happy with service. I read that Murketts have been putting smiles on faces but what a fair trek from cornwall...

[_Nathan_]

If you have a warranty then you have no choice, BMW main dealer only for the servicing. You can still use specialists for jobs that don't need stamps though, personally I'd stick to the guys that are known for CSL work, Thorney, Simpsons, BMSport and Geoff Steel are the ones that readily spring to mind.

[glendog74]

I have only used Ocean Plymouth for an MOT so far. No knowledge of Ocean Falmouth except for the fact that their service prices rank amongst the most expensive (they obviously feel that they have the market cornered down there...). Ring around come service time - you will be amazed at how much they vary for something like an Insp I or II - we're talking £££s!

Up until now Westerly Yeovil have serviced mine and done a few warranty jobs whilst i lived there for a year or so. They were pretty good other than washing the car just after i had had it detailed and had expressly asked them not to... I only get the main dealers to do the servicing as my car is still under warranty. :whistle:

Other than that, Simpson Motorsport have done the majority of aftermarket performance tuning work on the car - top boys! :thumbs:

[weedavey]

Ok, cheers for those boys. Any more for any more?
No warranty at present, was going to save a contingency for any such works. got over 8000 miles to go til next service which by looking at the book is ins II.

[Dan]

Ok, cheers for those boys. Any more for any more?
No warranty at present, was going to save a contingency for any such works. got over 8000 miles to go til next service which by looking at the book is ins II.

That's my way of thinking at the moment mate, I used Brystone BMW in Southampton the other day for a service and couple of other bits on the M3 and they were superb, good service, done very quickly, nice guys and most of all far far cheaper than anyone else and because the job didn't take them as long as they thought they charged me less at the end of it! :thumbs: :smokin:

[weedavey]

That's my way of thinking at the moment mate, I used Brystone BMW in Southampton the other day for a service and couple of other bits on the M3 and they were superb, good service, done very quickly, nice guys and most of all far far cheaper than anyone else and because the job didn't take them as long as they thought they charged me less at the end of it! :thumbs: :smokin:

Well that sounds like what you want doesnt it. I mean; cheap price, its bmw so maintains the booklet visually, you were happy with them and what they did and it was cheaper than the price that you were happy with to begin with! Looks like a traveling is the order when servicing.

Cheers.

[Dan]

Well that sounds like what you want doesnt it. I mean; cheap price, its bmw so maintains the booklet visually, you were happy with them and what they did and it was cheaper than the price that you were happy with to begin with! Looks like a traveling is the order when servicing.

Cheers.

Yep, recommended from me mate, turned it around in double quick time and were about £40 cheaper than what they quoted me, can't complain really!

Oh, and they gave me a little BMW oil bottle holder with the left over oil for top ups for the boot that sticks on with velcro! :bigcry: :smokin: :hahaha:

[weedavey]

I think they are worthy of a call when it comes time. Cheers for info bud.:thumbs:

[Dan]

No worries mate, I'll dig the number out and drop it over on a PM for you :)

[weedavey]

No worries mate, I'll dig the number out and drop it over on a PM for you :)

:beer:

[danp]

Well that sounds like what you want doesnt it. I mean; cheap price, its bmw so maintains the booklet visually, you were happy with them and what they did and it was cheaper than the price that you were happy with to begin with! Looks like a traveling is the order when servicing.

Cheers.

Brystone are not a BMW main dealer - so not technically keeping up a full BMW history, but yep they are good (like many indies, Richard is ex-BMW), I have been there a few times.

Tricky deciding whether to keep the full BMW history going and I'd agree that a good indy probably is likely to know more than your average main dealer, and is likely to be better value.

But:

- some people won't touch a car without full BMW history (not saying I agree with this!)
- if you have the warranty (or indeed want to start up a lapsed warranty) it is better to have it all stamped up by BMW
- BMW are more likely to give you some goodwill on any issues if it's kept going

With the 4+ and 6+ schemes the labour rates are more competitive, so I'm likely to stick with my local dealer for now, they've been fine for the routine stuff, but would tend to go elsewhere for other bits.

[weedavey]

Brystone are not a BMW main dealer - so not technically keeping up a full BMW history, but yep they are good (like many indies, Richard is ex-BMW), I have been there a few times.

Tricky deciding whether to keep the full BMW history going and I'd agree that a good indy probably is likely to know more than your average main dealer, and is likely to be better value.

But:

- some people won't touch a car without full BMW history (not saying I agree with this!)
- if you have the warranty (or indeed want to start up a lapsed warranty) it is better to have it all stamped up by BMW
- BMW are more likely to give you some goodwill on any issues if it's kept going

With the 4+ and 6+ schemes the labour rates are more competitive, so I'm likely to stick with my local dealer for now, they've been fine for the routine stuff, but would tend to go elsewhere for other bits.

Ahh.. didnt realise this. I am one of the advocates of full manufac history.

[_Nathan_]

- if you have the warranty (or indeed want to start up a lapsed warranty) it is better to have it all stamped up by BMW

Not just better, it is a requirement. To my knowledge you can't get a BMW warranty without a full dealer history.

[Dan]

I hear what people are saying about main dealers but what about the inflated costs for the same job then!?

I for one won't pay over the odds for labour, my local dealer is £80 + VAT an hour which is a complete f**king rip off!! I don't really care what someone thinks of my service book, if I sell the car I'll take £1500 quid off the price and be safe in the knowledge that I've saved a fortune in the past on labour costs!

My Dad has a very reputable garage and has ran it himself for 30+years now, I don't tend to let anyone else work on my cars and whether it be a CSL, Ferrari or a Saxo that's the way it's gonne stay! lol

[Dan]

With the 4+ and 6+ schemes the labour rates are more competitive, so I'm likely to stick with my local dealer for now, they've been fine for the routine stuff, but would tend to go elsewhere for other bits.

Dan, what does 4+ and 6+ schemes mean mate?

[_Nathan_]

Discount @ BMW dealers for cars older than 4 years and cars older than 6 years.

I know of a guy who got a substantial payment towards a new engine under good will on a 9 year old M Coupe with full history, all of a sudden the extra labour cost seemed a good investment, as with all these things it is a case of how risk averse you are and you pay your money and make your choice. There is no right or wrong, just take everything in to account.

[danp]

Discount @ BMW dealers for cars older than 4 years and cars older than 6 years.

I know of a guy who got a substantial payment towards a new engine under good will on a 9 year old M Coupe with full history, all of a sudden the extra labour cost seemed a good investment, as with all these things it is a case of how risk averse you are and you pay your money and make your choice. There is no right or wrong, just take everything in to account.

Yep, just looked at bill and was 40% off labour and 10% off parts at my last service (6+). Not sure if it's the same everywhere.

I had similar on my Z3MC at about 5 years old, and even an E36 Evo with about 100k on it and some indy servicing .. so they can be good like this!

[Dan]

Yep, just looked at bill and was 40% off labour and 10% off parts at my last service (6+). Not sure if it's the same everywhere.

I had similar on my Z3MC at about 5 years old, and even an E36 Evo with about 100k on it and some indy servicing .. so they can be good like this!

Is BMW Customer Services that arrange these 4+ & 6+ schemes then Dan?

I totally agree Nathan, it's just trying to weigh everything up, I've been quoted £1200 per annum with a £0 Excess for BMW Warranty, it's whether or not you'd spend that year in year out in repairs? Also would that have been one of these schemes Dan mentions with a discount?

Cheers for the replies, informative thread :thumbs:

[_Nathan_]

From experience you have to ask for the reduced 4+ or 6+ price, the dealers don't volunteer it!

[danp]

Is BMW Customer Services that arrange these 4+ & 6+ schemes then Dan?

I totally agree Nathan, it's just trying to weigh everything up, I've been quoted £1200 per annum with a £0 Excess for BMW Warranty, it's whether or not you'd spend that year in year out in repairs? Also would that have been one of these schemes Dan mentions with a discount?

Cheers for the replies, informative thread :thumbs:

4+ and 6+ are just down to the dealer, I think it's up to them if they run the scheme. If not find a dealer that does (or ask your local one to match the price!).

Depends on lots of factors (mileage per year, what you use the car for, appetite for risk etc) but for me £1200 p.a. is too much, if I start up a warranty would go for the mid range one with 250XS at about £600.

I don't mind paying for bits and pieces as they crop up, but even tho' the CSL seems pretty robust I guess would be nice to have cover if something big let go (e.g engine/SMG) .. but if it did I'd be quite confident of some goodwill anyhow from experience with BMW.

[danp]

PS How long is a BMW AW? (labour rate on the bill). 5 mins?

Will work out the hourly rate with discount.

[mattCSLnut]

From experience you have to ask for the reduced 4+ or 6+ price, the dealers don't volunteer it!

Murketts BMW Main Dealer in Huntington are one of a very few that do the "6 + program" and by now most CSL will qualify :thumbs:. I recently had a NEW Alternator Voltage regulator fitted by them and the total bill dropped from £225 to about £170 :thumbs: Don't be shy to always ask :hahaha:

[mattCSLnut]

Is BMW Customer Services that arrange these 4+ & 6+ schemes then Dan?

I totally agree Nathan, it's just trying to weigh everything up, I've been quoted £1200 per annum with a £0 Excess for BMW Warranty, it's whether or not you'd spend that year in year out in repairs? Also would that have been one of these schemes Dan mentions with a discount?

Cheers for the replies, informative thread :thumbs:


U can get a "Drive Train" only BMW Warranty cover for less. This will obviously be limited to the main drive train components but then again they are the most expensive items on a CSL that are beyond most wallets, if something goes BANG. There is also a "Named Components" policy which isn't far off the top of the line "Comprehensive" policy that covers almost everything :thumbs:.

[weedavey]

All good info. The 4 and 6 schemes are volunteered info at ocean falmouth on there fixed price service shedule. Yet another "BIG UP" for murketts.

[Dan]

U can get a "Drive Train" only BMW Warranty cover for less. This will obviously be limited to the main drive train components but then again they are the most expensive items on a CSL that are beyond most wallets, if something goes BANG. There is also a "Named Components" policy which isn't far off the top of the line "Comprehensive" policy that covers almost everything :thumbs:.

I was reading on m3cutters.com what the levels of cover were, the middle of the range one looked good which seems to be the Named Components, I don't mind a slghtly higher excess to be honest!

I'll try and find it and post up the info for you to see what you and others think ;)

[mattCSLnut]

All good info. The 4 and 6 schemes are volunteered info at ocean falmouth on there fixed price service shedule. Yet another "BIG UP" for murketts.

Yep... once you've experienced the Murketts way, everyone else seems substandard + they always have another CSL there, whenever I pop in. Andy Pressland is a very pleasant chap and an M3 enthusiast, currently owns a MINT "UK speck" E30 M3 as a weekend toy :thumbs:

[Dan]

Where are Murketts then Matt? Miles from me I bet!!

Here is the info I found, what do people think?

§ Comprehensive – our highest level of protection, covering the majority of your BMW’s factory-fitted components (does not include wear and tear items)
§ Named Component – mechanical and electrical breakdown cover for a specific range of factory fitted parts
§ Driveline – our basic warranty, covering the main engine, transmission and drive-train elements

Comprehensive Component Cover

Under 60,000 Miles Incl Emergency Service
£0 Excess £1179
£100 Excess £1029
£250 Excess £840

Named Component Cover

Under 60,000 Miles Incl Emergency Service
£0 Excess £981
£100 Excess £861
£250 Excess £710

Driveline Cover

Under 60,000 Miles Incl Emergency Service
£0 Excess £753
£100 Excess £668
£250 Excess £560

Terms and Conditions:


You will need to confirm that the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with BMW’s recommendations and has not been modified in any way.
The service and MOT on the car is up to date.
The cover will not cover any faults that existed at the time of purchase or prior to the policy start date.
If you do decide to take out the cover it will not commence until a month after the date of purchase. This is for the warranty and the breakdown cover.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Dan_b/Miscellaneous/warranty.jpg

What do people reckon on prices?

[mattCSLnut]

Where are Murketts then Matt? Miles from me I bet!!

Here is the info I found, what do people think?

§ Comprehensive – our highest level of protection, covering the majority of your BMW’s factory-fitted components (does not include wear and tear items)
§ Named Component – mechanical and electrical breakdown cover for a specific range of factory fitted parts
§ Driveline – our basic warranty, covering the main engine, transmission and drive-train elements

Comprehensive Component Cover

Under 60,000 Miles Incl Emergency Service
£0 Excess £1179
£100 Excess £1029
£250 Excess £840

Named Component Cover

Under 60,000 Miles Incl Emergency Service
£0 Excess £981
£100 Excess £861
£250 Excess £710

Driveline Cover

Under 60,000 Miles Incl Emergency Service
£0 Excess £753
£100 Excess £668
£250 Excess £560

Terms and Conditions:


You will need to confirm that the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with BMW’s recommendations and has not been modified in any way.
The service and MOT on the car is up to date.
The cover will not cover any faults that existed at the time of purchase or prior to the policy start date.
If you do decide to take out the cover it will not commence until a month after the date of purchase. This is for the warranty and the breakdown cover.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/Dan_b/Miscellaneous/warranty.jpg

What do people reckon on prices?

Huntington, Cambridgeshire, Google Murketts BMW to get full info . They are so good at looking after CSLs, many people make the pilgrimage, from far a field :thumbs:. I don't mind the 40 mile round trip my self despite "Elms BMW" Main Steeler being just down the road from me in Cambridge. I wouldn't let then touch a £50 eBay special 316i E30 :whistle: let alone my CSL.

[Lee13]

I took out the all component 0 excess Dan. A warranty is an isurance policy at the end of the day so it's no good thinking will I spend £1200 in any one year on the car. I would look at it like can you afford £20k if an engine lets go, or a gearbox/diff etc etc. I spoke to Mark at the ring earlier this year and his car had just had a new engine under warranty at a cost of £21,000 big ones now I know it could have been fixed at an independant for a lot less but nowhere near £1200!! I had a new airbox flap with motor in the first month of ownership at a cost of £550+ labour and a new battery last month at around £150 and it's not even covered. I think you will find a lot of the guys on here have the full cover and believe it's worth every penny. Your choice and only my opinion of course my friend:thumbs:

[danp]

We don't have most (well some) of the additional stuff in the Comprehensive compared to Named!

As I mentioned I'd go for the Named, but no breakdown as I have it, 250 XS - £600ish...to cover the big bucks items.

Edit - says it has to have been serviced according to BMW's recommendations, not necessarily BMW? (I thought they forced you to use BMW to qualify for this warranty tho', maybe not)

[Dan]

Appreciate your comments Lee and can totally see what your driving at there mate, I do think that it only needs one large problem and that could be it, savings account gets raped! lol

[_Nathan_]

Murketts are great, used to make the 4 hour round trip to drop off and again to pick p. Andy is a great guy.

PS. Take stuff on M3Cutters with a pinch of salt, their admin written (or more accurately stolen from a US website) FAQ says you have to hold the traction control button like a normal 3 series to turn it off, god knows what other nonsense they post up.

[Bounce]

I was reading on m3cutters.com what the levels of cover were, the middle of the range one looked good which seems to be the Named Components, I don't mind a slghtly higher excess to be honest!

I'll try and find it and post up the info for you to see what you and others think ;)If you go to the bmw warranty web page it tells you what is covered for all three levels.:thumbs:

[Dan]

Murketts are great, used to make the 4 hour round trip to drop off and again to pick p. Andy is a great guy.

PS. Take stuff on M3Cutters with a pinch of salt, their admin written (or more accurately stolen from a US website) FAQ says you have to hold the traction control button like a normal 3 series to turn it off, god knows what other nonsense they post up.

Yeah no worries mate I only copied and pasted anyway so hopefully fresh info from someone on there :)

[weedavey]

I reckon if i was going for the warranty it'd be daft no to go for all component with the highest excess. Not a huge deal of money between premiums to be honest so may as well have the lot covered for a few extra quid.

But as mentioned before these are bmw's here and aside from oddball probs and the shocking subframe defect weve heard about we should be confident in our motors. As said its all about individual preference on wether or not to have these insurances.

[DuncanR]

Edit - says it has to have been serviced according to BMW's recommendations, not necessarily BMW? (I thought they forced you to use BMW to qualify for this warranty tho', maybe not)

Sadly Dan its has to be serviced by quote"an Authorised BMW Dealer or BMW Service Authorised workshop using only genuine BMW parts", as per item 1. in the Warranty Terms and Conditions, its not enough for someone else to do work to BMW's recommendations.
I have the full warranty on mine, and half of the OEM stuff has been pulled out ! I may have a problem should anything major let go, seeing as how its caged etc. as reading item 6. of the same T's & C's it also says that "The BMW Warranty will not cover :an insured vehicle used for courier or private hire services,track days,:whistle:,off road use,competitions or racing of any kind"... begs the question why design an M car in the first place then !

[Dan]

begs the question why design an M car in the first place then !

Because BMW get the dollar signs in their eyes! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :bigcry: :bigcry:

A joke really as you say mate!