Deep Singh

Hi.

My current shape M5 is now over 3 years old and is due a service. I can't see me selling it in the immediate future so will be at least 4 years old by the time I do. It has 35k miles on the clock.

Should I take it to the main dealer or independent, would the latter effect the resale value?

Thanks

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I have found in the past as long as the service is traceable then its ok, In a perfect world it would be main dealer, However if you taken it to a good independent you will probably save more money on service cost then you would lose through not having main dealer history.

sti-04!!

Main dealer for me deep, at least you have comeback if something goes wrong.

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

Main dealers have let me down badly with poor workmanship twice. When challenged their attitude was well if you don't like it, go elsewhere. Since going independant, I've had no problems. Enthusiastic staff with passion for the brand. As far as come back goes, when a faulty oil filter blew the oil seals on my Golf GTI, the dealer denied any responsibility, putting the blame on the manufacturer of the oil filter. Took a month to resolve..............

Simon K

BMW / Independant, surely it must come down to who does the best job. If my local dealer did a good good, then I wouldnt mind paying the money, but as it doesnt, I dont and use an independant.

Also, depends on the service type, I or II. If its a general oil service, then indy, but if you need updates for the SMG3, or other checks, then dealer it is.

SBK

paulg1979

iTrader: (1)

The only trouble with independent is when coming to sell it will be much harder. I know independent probably do a better job but when ever I'm looking at buying a car I always flick past the one ones without a manufacturers service. Especially an M5

Coffin Dodger

If it's a well known independent specialist, like Powerstation, API, etc. are in the Scooby community, then I'd far rather see a string of service stamps from there than a main dealer. However that's okay for those in the know, most used car buyers don't have a clue in that respect.

Based on my own experiences with both BMW and Subaru main dealers over the years if I were keeping a car for a long time after the warranty period then I would always use a specialist. The BMW main dealers I used were shockingly bad, I took my car away from there after a service with a brake pad missing It was returned to them on the back of a low loader for them to fit an entire new set of front discs and pads at there cost. They changed a clutch shortly after I'd bought it, did that okay, but every time I took it back for a service they'd say the clutch was about to go and I should consider getting it done. The service advisor went a bit red in the face when I pointed out they only changed it less than a year ago and that it felt fine to me. Still on the same clutch when I sold it five years later. Always needed pads / discs according to them also but on making my own inspection they were fine.

As for Subaru, tried two different main dealers before going independent. Both totally useless. Tried to solve a slight overboost / fuel cut problem I was having by blocking off the bleed pipe from the boost solenoid completely. Overboost to no boost

G00ner

I used a decent indy near me for my new Legacy right from day one (Subaru dealers are the worst I've ever dealt with), no issues at all, only took it back to the main dealer for warranty work.

50,000 miles later I decided to chop it in and the main dealer extracted their revenge by telling me they couldn't buy it due to not having main dealer history, I had the same story from all the Subaru main dealers and had to sell it privately in the end.

I know main dealers are hopeless and expensive, but it cost me at least £2k on my px price.

Lee247

As soon as Subaru wanted a ridiculous amount of money for warranty, I let it slide and found myself a fantastic independant. Touch wood, have never had a pick of bother and he is very reasonable on price too

Devildog

Main dealer for two reasons, Deep.

1)

When or if something very expensive goes wrong just out of warranty, there is a signifiant chance that BMW will contribute to repair costs.

If you don't have main dealer history, you can forget any help.

2)

Someone buying a 4 year old M5 wll want to see that history. (for reason 1, if nothing else). Be that a dealer or a private purchaser.

Deep Singh

All very valid points, but Devildogs first point is a very good one. I have heard of Porsche/BMW etc paying for the large part of a blown engine just out of warranty if it has an official stamp, no chance if its indie.

I think it will have to be dealer, even if they are over priced

G00ner

I've got a rep that I deal with who had an e46 M3 and an X5, both reliability disasters.

Both have had £15k+ in warranty claims, and although both warranties have expired, BMW have always made a very large contribution to the repair costs due to both having main dealer history. As DD says, kiss that goodbye if you use an independant.

Out of interest, has the warranty expired? and how much to extend for 12 months?

Deep Singh

Warranty expired in October mate, didn't get the extended 12 months as I think its close on £3k for a M car. I may live to regret that though...

G00ner

Well the rep had a chance to extend his warranties and declined, but still got in the region of 60% contributions each time, may have even been a little more.

I think that's what you pay extra for with a main dealer history. (except those Subaru stnuc)