Service Question

S

soche

Member
Hi.

My 2003 3.0 is due an MOT (c70k miles, FBMWSH), I've only owned the car 3 or 4 months. At the same time as the MOT I am going to have an Oil Service and Brake Fluid change as it was 2yrs since the brake fluid was done (i have done an intermediate oil change already). I will be having it serviced at Grosvenor Independant BMW Specialist in Reading after hearing of reviews on here. When i booked it in, Peter is suggesting i get a diagnostic test as well, this will include programming of keys (although I already have the night lights / auto lock features programmed). My question is, is it worth getting the diagnostic test done? The test is about £65.

The oil service, brake fluid change and MOT is £257 which is £67-88 cheaper than nearby franchised BMW centres.

Thanks
David

PS I've tried searching for similar questions but couldnt find one.
 
Depends what they mean by 'diagnostic test'.

If they simply mean they'll plug their computer in and check for errors, then it's a 2 minute job and if they find any errors they'll want the business to fix them too.

Find out what the 'diagnostic test' is, and if you don't need any other features programmed (make a list of what you do have in case any of these features are disabled when you get it back) then it might not be worth the extra.

Personally, I'd never had an MOT done at a somewhere that also services vehicles as there's too much temptation to change an 'advise' to a 'fail' to get some work. I'm not saying that this is the case here, but I'd waive a bit of convenience for peace of mind.

BTW, the overall price doesn't seem terrible for the lot, but I'd ask them for a breakdown of the cost for each 'service' so you can better compare the prices.
 
The diagnostic test is a 2 minute plug in to produce a list of minor faults or remarks the computer has retained, e.g. if it has stalled, if it logged any other errors or possible problems. If a warning light didnt come on the dash it means it wasnt a major fault but the test is designed to identify potentnial problems. It probably is to identify new work for the garage but equally in can provide peace of mind. I think they throw in the key programming to make up the cost of it.

Ive always done MOTs at service centres, often after a full service so they should have identified stuff in the service before the MOT. First time at this garage too so hopefully they will be trustworthy.
 
my oil and brake fluid change (i supplied oil). came to £252 (with supplied oil) at a BMW dealer. So your basically getting a free MOT by going to an indy. Is it not worth another £50 or so to keep the full BMWSH??

£112 - oil service
£65 - oil
£75 - brake fluid
£54 - mot

Total: £306
 
peddy said:
Is it not worth another £50 or so to keep the full BMWSH??
Click to expand...

Its a good question. For my 3y old Leon, I definitely keep dealer servicing but for a 7y old car, where a lot of the value is gone I dont think its so important. I will still have a stamp saying BMW Specialist which I believe is as good as saying BMW Dealer and if i buy a car that is over 5y old I would be happy with it so long as the servicing is documented in full. If the stamp didnt say BMW then I would avoid them. For anyone buying a car I think they would understand this...hopefully!
 
i think after a car is more than 5 years, there is no benefit in dealer stamp, you certainly don't get your money back when you sell it on
 
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