Main Dealer Vs Independent Garage

[Dan R]

Hi - I have recently bought my first BMW, a 2011 318i which I absolutely love. Best car I have ever owned without a doubt, but I am currently pondering what to do about servicing it. 

I have been using an independent garage for years who have always been great with me but my local BMW main dealers have given me a really good quote on a service and MOT plan for the next two years which normally I wouldn't bother with but with it being a BMW,  I am thinking about it, especially as the recent experience I had with the Main Dealer was brilliant.

Anyone got any thoughts about this, pros and cons to it, experience of main dealers etc?

Any thoughts and opinions welcome here..... .

[Greydog]

Morning Dan

In terms of understanding your car, having the right tools and diagnostic equipment obviously the Main Dealer will always be ahead of an Independent Garage, however there is a Register of BMW Specialists across the UK that may be worth exploring as well many have dealer level equipment all are ex BMW tech's

The big difference will be in cost, the Main Dealer will have much higher overheads which of course leads to higher hourly rates my local Main Dealer is just over £200/phr my local BMW Specialist £70/phr my local Independent Garage £60/phr neither have large show rooms to support or high numbers of staff though.  If you have a good deal with your local Main Dealer use it while it's competitive I have in the past also used the Indy costs as a stick to beat them with. 

For me my BMW Specialist wins hands down all ways friendly always helpful and willing to share knowledge and cost is reasonable.

Good Luck enjoy your BMW

Dave

[SuzukiBoy2]

I took mine to a local guy. Not a specialist but he does own an M3. I have the software and tools to establish any fault, he would then just fix. Last Service + MOT was £279.00 but I supplied the Mobil superstuff.