bmwaddict said:
Beedub said:
more to the point for the people in the know, i actually think full bmwSH is nothing to point me towards a car, all thats happened is you've paid more for most likely a lovely standard of work. If i came across 2 cars one had full bmw sh and one had full sh at a well known indie, id choose the well known indie all day long.
Couldn't agree more.
Yup and I agree with all of the above. The problem is, your
average driver / owner is mostly clueless about their cars. The very fact we're here defines us as enthusiasts. So we'll know someone or can be pointed at someone reputable who knows a great deal more than we do. Then again we're enthusiasts and comes as part and parcel of why we frequent forums, go to meets etc.
The bad news is those
average owners or prospective owners wouldn't know a decent indie from a complete rip off merchant.
That's where a main dealer service history comes in, yup it might be worthless to some but when they take your key to a dealer, they get a warm fluffy glow from big bills and a sign of regular (costly) maintenance.
Funny story, my best mate (no, really he is!) got a 320D at around the same time we got our 330i, he barely drives it and literally 6 minutes into ownership decided to take it out of the main dealer for servicing etc (save a few bob etc) he's barely 80k in and now has all manner of issues and wants to get rid.
In contrast we always stuck main dealer (got preventative maintenance done plus regular servicing) a decade and 160k later we get our 1st break down. Alternator died, apart from that we have no issues with it but we are going to replace it.
If you know a great Indie than awesome! If not, in my experience, main dealer might be a bit more expensive but I've had no issues.
My only caveat is if you look at getting something a bit leggy, get it independently checked.
Lessons learned and all that. I'd highly recommend Autobahn if you need work done in the Midlands from an Indie.
Cheers
T1b