Inspection 1: Main dealer or independent?

[roberte30]

Hi,

My CSL has done approx. 67k miles and has main dealer history, apart from one Inspection 1 which was done by an independent BMW specialist.

It's time for another Inspection 1 and I'm unsure where to take it. I've spoken to a main dealer and a couple of independents. All have given me confidence that they'll do a comprehensive job - e.g. they've all stated that they need the car overnight so they can check the valve clearances.

I've had the following quotes:

• Lloyd Colne (Main Dealer): £624
• B&M Care in Pudsey: £420
• Bavarian Motor Warehouse in Huddersfield: £430

So, is the extra money for a main dealer stamp worth it? If not, any thoughts on the best independent to use? Bavarian Motor Warehouse have been recommended by a friend and impressed me when I spoke to them.

Rob

[Bounce]

I always use a main dealer for my servicing (Elms Cambridge)because of the BMW warranty,but there are some good independents about,Darren wood BMW has a good name as an independent and I don't think he is that far from you.

[s.mac]

Ive sent you a pm Rob

[Bounce]

Originally Posted by s.mac

Ive sent you a pm Rob

You haven't sent me one for ages

[Neil M]

Originally Posted by Bounce

I always use a main dealer for my servicing (Elms Cambridge)because of the BMW warranty,but there are some good independents about,Darren wood BMW has a good name as an independent and I don't think he is that far from you.

If you have a warranty then it's a main Dealer job, if not as Bounce stated:
http://www.cslregister.com/forum/sho...ht=Darren+Wood

They've done all the servicing and parts replacement on my daily for the past 4 years - good bunch of lads, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and competitive.
Oil services on the CSL for myself and 'Mickaldo' wouldn't go anywhere else.

PS: Bounce's geography leaves a bit to be desired, but if your willing to travel a bit, you'd be in very capable hands.

[0836whimper]

And the irony is that my local very main dealer, selling Alpinas etc - the ones ensuring the warranty is valid - didn't bother to figure out how to read the oil level on a CSL and just assumed it was the same as an M3…
Will be taking it elsewhere next time, even if it's miles away.

[Neil M]

Quote 'mickaldo'

"Wouldn't take my car anywhere else now, Daz and Mike are top guys and Daz is more anal than me. Mike`s brother sorted all the warranty work for me aswell as he is one of the best techs at Blue Bell, Wilmslow always used to ask for him to work on my car."

So it's not just me that thinks they are these are the people to use. Don't know about; 'Curly', 'northernjim' or 's.mac'?

[3wheels3]

For main dealer work Blue Bell Wilmslow

[s.mac]

I got a price of £579.00 if you supply your own oil. The service manager wasnt in to get a better price but I will ask tomorrow. I thought it sound high at that, but I would need to check my old receipts

[_Nathan_]

Pretty sure warranty was changed to allow non main dealer servicing...