BMW Service - what exactly is due?

R

robbee

Member
Hi Folks,

The on-board computer on my 2009 35i is showing that a service is due, and says visual check, engine oil and brake fluid. I went to the BMW garage in Kentish Town to get a printout and it says in addition that the air filter, spark plugs and microfilter also need changing, though this does not appear on the computer. They want £750 for this service.

My question is what exactly is the visual check, and is this different to the main inspection I or II, or is it this the main service?

Also,I thought our Z'ds had iridium plugs that are good for 30,000+ miles. Mine has only done 11,750 miles, and was serviced by the dealer 2 years ago when I purchased it from the approved dealer.

The service requirements and cost seem really high for such low mileage. Are they pulling the wool over my eyes? I'm thinking of taking it to another BMW dealer in Stevenage "specialist cars" - Anyone have experience with them?

Thanks for any help.

robbee
 
its the age rather than the mileage that bumps up the cost most items are mileage dependent but there are always bits need to be done every 2/3 years irrespective of mileage
 
£750 that's stupid money. Why are you taking it to a mean dealer? There must be a service plan somewhere available on the Internet.I have a 5 year service plan, after that I will buy mean dealer parts and get a local garage to service it.
 
Even with all those additionals the price is way too high. When you say the items do not appear on the computer do you mean your cars onboard computer or the one at their service centre when they plug your key in to check? If they mean it doesn't appear on theirs they can get stuffed (scam).

I had all of the above done via my service pack at bmw sytner and they told me the cost would have been approx £550.
 
...the extras appear on the printout from the dealers after reading the key. They dont appear on the in-car display!
 
BMW moved away from fixed servicing of insp 1 and 2 for the E89. Makes it harder to know what is required.
 
The visual check is a £90 inspection. Check hoses gaitors etc etc. They will give you a checklist if you ask. Mine was done recently. They fitted a new fuel filler cap since mine was cracked. - no charge.

They also certainly updated software since it runs so much better/sharper since it came back.
 
robbee said:
...the extras appear on the printout from the dealers after reading the key. They dont appear on the in-car display!
Click to expand...

This is normal in that case as the display just does brakes / oil / visual and service.

The price is ridiculous though, you'd get it cheaper even at another bmw main dealer I am sure of it.
 
Transmat said:
robbee said:
...the extras appear on the printout from the dealers after reading the key. They dont appear on the in-car display!
Click to expand...

This is normal in that case as the display just does brakes / oil / visual and service.

The price is ridiculous though, you'd get it cheaper even at another bmw main dealer I am sure of it.
Click to expand...


How do you find an honest dealer - its disgraceful of them
 
Alot of ££s but then an M service is slightly more so 6 to 700 wouldn't be far off the mark. Joys of owning performance cars huh :)

Tim.
 
Update,

So I called another BMW dealer (Specialist Cars in Stevenage) and they quoted for exactly they same service £100 cheaper. So went ahead, and was even more surprised that the final bill was even less by a further £70. They did the security update too and updated software to clear the yellow electronic brake light. Excellent result from them!

On a downside for me they found my rear near side 296 alloy cracked and said it was not covered by the warranty. I am chasing with BMW customer services direct. Will post about this in a separate topic.

Thanks for the all the advise along the way.

robbee
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom