Oil Service Costs - £800?!!

[Street]

The last car I traded in to Sytner had some none main dealer stamps which I pointed out. The reaction was that they couldn't care less as long as genuine BMW approved parts were used, which they were.

I wouldn't touch Vertu Sunderland anyway but that's for other reasons.

Well that side tracked me. They were the biggest jokers going under Cooper, I had two terrible experiences with Sales and Service.
It feels like things have changed under Vertu though or is your experience more recent?

[raymond.harper]

It is nice to have main dealer-only servicing, but it does not really matter who did the servicing as long as it was done on schedule. The MOT history is also a good indicator of the level of care lavished on a car.

[Zedebee]

Especially when I would happily do it myself.

You have to ask yourself the question, “will it devalue the car by £500 by doing an oil service myself”. Even in the rarified strata of M ownership, I doubt it.

[Simon 3.2M]

Especially when I would happily do it myself.

You have to ask yourself the question, “will it devalue the car by £500 by doing an oil service myself”. Even in the rarified strata of M ownership, I doubt it.

Totally agree. As an ex aircraft mechanic I’m happy to service my cars myself. I don’t believe a BMW tech can do a better or different job to me! I always use genuine parts and I take pictures when I do any work so it’s documented. I get the main dealer stamp but I’d rather spend the £500 saved by self servicing on the car! If you are not inclined to do it yourself then I’d go reputable Indy of BMW.

[abar121]

Back in 2021, I got a quote of £600 from Sytner BMW in London for an oil service.

So I took to the BMW dealer in Milton Keynes, done for £200 including a brake fluid change. I supplied the oil.

[Pondrew]

The more I listen to you guys the more comfortable I feel about breaking the main dealer cycle.

For me it only sounds good to the seller. "full BMWSH".
"Full SH" looks just as good on paper and in the flesh!
The ONLY thing I could see with a 'full BMWSH' is that it gives the impression of 'no expense spared' type of vibe. Which obviously it is as they charge at least two appendages each time (and do it with a straight face).

I have a thing about tyres. I will not buy a car without 'brand name' tyres on. I don't give two hoots about make of tyres on a road car, but for me it is a sign that the seller has 'done the right thing', ie 'no expense spared' which shows commitment and inspires confidence.

[Wassup]

What about Mr Vanos in Darlington? I've heard great things about these guys and also had dealings with Steve with vanos units. Got to be worth a call...

[srhutch]

I’ve just had prices for inspection 2 and brake fluid change from RBM and BMR Performance. One was £940 and the other £870. These are both highly rated Indy’s. You’d be a fool to pay a stealer that for an oil service.

[B21]

What about Mr Vanos in Darlington? I've heard great things about these guys and also had dealings with Steve with vanos units. Got to be worth a call...

I’m awaiting my car bsvk them for a report..

Workshops look great and they are pretty much 100% focus on BMWs..about £80 an hour labour rate..

There scheduling algorithms need revising…well at least for larger jobs..

[TomK]

I'm up for the first service of my MC. Following the cycle 'Oil > Insp 1 > Oil > Insp 2' I'm ready for an oil service.
However online the price is £664 and phoning Vertu Sunderland it was £800+ (I dont remember exactly as I was frowning too much)

The car has full BMW main dealer servcie history and I'd love to keep it that way but is that price normal??

Their online quotation system doesn't work for our age of cars any more, you need to call them.
Out of interest I just enquired at bmw Cotswold and an oil service is £209. Inspection 1 = £1094. Inspection 2 = £1346

[hopz121]

Especially when I would happily do it myself.

You have to ask yourself the question, “will it devalue the car by £500 by doing an oil service myself”. Even in the rarified strata of M ownership, I doubt it.

I actually think having a car around this age with full (BMW) main dealer history would devalue it for me!

These cars are getting on a bit now and the younger staff just don’t know the product! Seen quite a few horror stories from main dealers these days using the wrong oil in these cars and just overall poor workmanship! Some wouldn’t even know where to start on an inspection 1/2 service!

Each to their own I guess but I’d much rather see a reputable specialist stamp any day of the week.

If you are dead set on the main dealer stamp, maybe call around a few and see what prices they are, the online system isn’t overly good for older cars.

[tomscott]

BMW used to do a classic rate for oder M cars but you have to ask for it they won't just give you it.

My last service as Batemans (which is now Lloyds) on my old M coupe im sure I payed about £650 for an inspection 1 which I was happy to pay but it was probably 2014.

I get all my stuff done at Darren Wood Manchester and they are fab, prices are really good and the expertise is amazing. Every time I go they walk me round and under the car, I had the spark plugs done last time and they kept them all to show me when I picked the car up.

They are so busy its hard to get booked in and when the car park is full of M cars and Alpinas you know its a good place to go.

Problem with BMW is they charge you master mechanic rates and put the juniors on it. These cars are probably not very common at BMW garages now so I would think the hourly rate might be more as it may take more time as its not a run of the mill job.

[tomscott]

What about Mr Vanos in Darlington? I've heard great things about these guys and also had dealings with Steve with vanos units. Got to be worth a call...

I’m awaiting my car bsvk them for a report..

Workshops look great and they are pretty much 100% focus on BMWs..about £80 an hour labour rate..

There scheduling algorithms need revising…well at least for larger jobs..

He posted a pic of your car in the garage on his social. I thought I recognise that one!

[B21]

What about Mr Vanos in Darlington? I've heard great things about these guys and also had dealings with Steve with vanos units. Got to be worth a call...

I’m awaiting my car bsvk them for a report..

Workshops look great and they are pretty much 100% focus on BMWs..about £80 an hour labour rate..

There scheduling algorithms need revising…well at least for larger jobs..

He posted a pic of your car in the garage on his social. I thought I recognise that one!

Which social media is that ?

[Nanu]

The last car I traded in to Sytner had some none main dealer stamps which I pointed out. The reaction was that they couldn't care less as long as genuine BMW approved parts were used, which they were.

I wouldn't touch Vertu Sunderland anyway but that's for other reasons.

Well that side tracked me. They were the biggest jokers going under Cooper, I had two terrible experiences with Sales and Service.
It feels like things have changed under Vertu though or is your experience more recent?

About a year ago when I sold my VO 35is. They said it was worth £16K off a new G29 but were actually quoting for a 35i and said they couldn't find a price for the 35is even though it was in front of them. Also said they were not very sought after. Sold it for £20.5K without dealer even seeing it and they sold it 4 days later for a cool £5.5k profit. Told Vertu and they didn't believe me until I showed them the proof.

There loss I think. Now will use Lloyds in Newcastle for the final check while under guarantee and MOT as they couldn't be more helpful then Local Indy from then on.