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stevesingo 
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 03-January-2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 795
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 Posted: 15-February-2005 at 03:50 |
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The point I am making is that just because you are being treat like a king doesn't nessacerly mean your car is. Like I said in my earlier post, the average punter doesn't know or even care what happens to the car when it is handed over so long as the dealership floor and glass is clean, the car comes back clean and it has a BMW stamp in the book because they are paranoid about the future value of the car, they are happy. Company users care even less! We are fortunate on this forum in the fact that there is a lot of collective knowlede available and above all we care about out cars. Therefore we can make an informed judgement on where we take our pride and joy. The avrage punter to whome a car is at best a status symbol and at worst an object of similar worth to white goods in the kitchen sees the shiny dealership and smooth talking staff and it is a no-brainer. It gives them confidence and sometimes a false confidence.
You are lucky that you have found a good dealer and if you are happy with the service then that is fine. I myself have witnessed enough horror stories from both sides of the counter to be "sold" on the "dealer is better" thinking.
The latest legislation from the EU states that a car DOES NOT have to have a dealer history for the warrenty to be valid. The servicing has to be carried out to manufacturer specifications useing original parts. This will hopefully bring an end to the dealer monopoly and hopfully bring an increase in service standards fol all.
Steve
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Phil-C
Really Senior Member II
Ex E30 M3 owner...
Joined: 06-May-2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 707
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Posted: 15-February-2005 at 03:40 |
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This could and will go round in circles.
When I have taken my E30 into a main dealer (where my brother's fiance works on the service desk) I get very good service. However that doesn't stop them looking at my car like it's a strange thing in the workshop (I can wander around with a degree of freedom) whether its admiration or "I've not seen one of them in a while..."
They do misdiagnose things, use too thin oil and botch valve clearances. But 'I' as a person get good service as does EVERYBODY whom I have seen in there.
Coasting, this is in no way a dig, but weren't you at all concerned that your car came out dirtier than when it went in? 'roadtesting?'
I am also sure that everyone knows someone with firsthand horror stories from the other side of the service counter whether they are 'roadtesting' a turbo technics sierra aged 18 or using a customers car as a courtesy car.
The question was (I think) should I use a main dealer if I want to keep the value of my car at X?
And the answer is, if that is your primary concern then yes. There will always be people that think that a car with FMDSH is the best assurance of quality you can get. However with a niche car that is out of the current and recent model run. I would be inclined to question that.
I do have first hand experience of both MD and S and as an example when I was looking for a car I was more impressed by ML stamps in the book and the service and checklist notes than any MD stamp.
Pure and simple ML know more about E30 M3's than an MD. How can they not?
But that again is not the question.
Will using a better garage to service my car that does not have it's franchise from BMW get me a few quid less when I sell it?
Answer (2) You have a mint Sport EVO, don't sell it, look after it.
All opinion etc.
Phil
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Coasting
Really Senior Member II
www.TOTALTORQUE.net
Joined: 05-February-2005
Location: Not with the two-faced bloke.
Status: Offline
Points: 2125
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Posted: 15-February-2005 at 03:25 |
 stevesingo wrote:
This is my point exactly! It is all about keeping YOU happy not your car. |
I still disagree! The cars were kept in tip top shape too.
Anything that they were taken in for was duly done.
They always came out feeling noticeably tighter, safer, faster and better.
Besides which, what is wrong with a manufacturer keeping its customers happy? Are they really to be criticised for that?
Just because they are keeping the customer happy on the phone or in the manner of service they receive doesn't mean that they're cutting corners technically with the work they do on the car.
Do you seriously think new buyers are so naive as to put up with technical inadequacies? In many respects they are more likely to complain about items not being right than the owners of older cars who may accept certain deficiencies through wear and tear.
I just think the statement that the customer care is all bull is just far too generic and unfair.
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stevesingo
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 03-January-2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 795
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 22:30 |
Coasting wrote:
The Customer Service "bull". Sorry, I completely disagree.
Dealers get financial targets on this. BMW are reviewed on it by independent motoring groups too. It is of course tailored to keep you interested in the next new BMW, but it is decades since BMW realised that servicing was a major part of their income, so why ruin it through nothing but "bull"? I have never experienced this bull and would point to the following experiences after BMW GB customer care calls:
1 - told them car wasn't ready at time stated and was 30 minutes later than expected; RESPONSE: received a written apology from dealership service manager and told that next time they'd arrange collection and drop-off to save me the hassle - which they duly did.
2 - car was dirtier after valet at dealership than when I had taken it in; RESPONSE: A free BMW umbrella directly from BMW GB. Odd, but it was a pleasant surprise!
3 - dealership forgot to attend to a rattle I had pointed out in advance of a service; RESPONSE: Went back in as arranged - and received a £40 credit to my Switch card for the inconvenience.
So, sorry, I just can't agree.
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This is my point exactly! It is all about keeping YOU happy not your car.
Steve
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Coasting
Really Senior Member II
www.TOTALTORQUE.net
Joined: 05-February-2005
Location: Not with the two-faced bloke.
Status: Offline
Points: 2125
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 19:05 |
| As always, do a good job and no-one mentions it, do a bad job and everyone wont stop going on about it. |
A very good point indeed.
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Stone-IslandV8
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 31-January-2003
Location: North Somerset
Status: Offline
Points: 3015
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 17:39 |
Coasting wrote:
The attitude of some people going into dealerships is dreadful.
The perception of a BMW dealership isn't something I have personally ever had an issue with. They are nothing like as 'stand off-ish' or 'new business only' inclined as I have read on here and in many other forums.
I really do think it is a matter of how you approach it.
Someone on here, in another thread, said how they'd gone into a dealership and upset the salesman by telling him how ugly all the new range of cars was and how they'd never buy one.
So, let me ask you this, what did it achieve? Why do it? It's futile!
Why go in if you've no serious intention of buying (or enquiring with a view to future purchase or even as an enthusiast wanting facts and figures and a general chat which they'll happily do)?
But only go to upset a few salesmen or have a laugh?
Surely such people have better things to do with their time - like get a life maybe?!
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This isnt about BMWs its just not particualrly nice people getting their jollies-after 13 years in estate agency I can confirm that sort of thing happens all the time .
As for the anti-dealer attitude these are predomainantly people with older BMs who've been into them for some time so probably have a lot of experience,more than you could get on one thread.
Try looking at dealer discussions on other BM forums-same views are aired be it rightly or wrongly.
I have had BMs since 1997-not the longest of times but have used dealers in Northampton,Bedford,Luton,Milton Keynes,Bristol and Bath and not 1 has given the alround good service you quote and I am not rude,condescending or arrogant to them.
Its not even the service its the mistakes and mess-ups made which I've never had a refund or apology for. Maybe I'm just unlucky with my cars.
Choice examples-
Northampton-their idea of checking the fault codes on the M was to thrash it up and down the dual carriageway 3 times. I saw them!!! I got onto CS manager to have it denied for 30 mins then to be told it was the approved way of testing Ms. During this they managed to rip the trim on drivers seat-their responce-denial, 'like that when it came in Sir'
Bedford-say no more-see earlier reply re 2nd insp 2. Oh and parts selling me something they said would fit when I said it wouldnt then when I took it back saying it wouldnt fit they said they told me it wouldnt when I bought it.
Bath-fitted rear bushes wrong way round.
Bristol-charged for replacement of rear suspension mounts. MOT done 2 months later by same dealer who said I needed 2 new rear suspension mounts as the ones on were so badly worn they'd split.
Milton Keynes-admittedly not me but a mate with an E46 M3.Took it in for inspection.When he went to pick it up he was told it would be brought round. He then saw the car parked over the road in Tescos carpark. Went and complained to CS manager who said it was over there cos they didnt have enough room in their car park. When car came back it had ding in drivers door and kerbmarked rear alloy which wasnt done when it went in. After 2 months wrangling with the dealership he got a refurb job on his alloy paid for.
As always, do a good job and no-one mentions it, do a bad job and everyone wont stop going on about it.
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit
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Rags
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 02-March-2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 943
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 17:30 |
AdznKi wrote:
I personally would rather buy an E30/E36 M3 with servicing done by a good knowledgeable indy who's experienced with these cars such as Bexleys,Moseleys,ML etc than a dealer who is a jack of all trades be it BMW.
ML - Is this Munich Legends in East Sussex?
I got my 2001 E39 M5 from them (40K on the clock), toying with the idea of going back to them for servicing, but not sure!
Any comments?
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yes, that ML
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Rags
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 02-March-2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 943
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 17:29 |
I havent had the chance to read all the above but:
With regards to an e30 m3, I would be very surprised if there were many technicians at bmw dealerships today, that know the s14 like the specialists do.
Fact.
For me, specialist all day long.
ANyway, hasn't the law changed regarding new cars as it stands- you are within your rights to use a specialist instead of a dealer and still validate your warranty?
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AdznKi
Groupie
Joined: 06-February-2005
Location: Central Region
Status: Offline
Points: 94
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 17:14 |
I personally would rather buy an E30/E36 M3 with servicing done by a good knowledgeable indy who's experienced with these cars such as Bexleys,Moseleys,ML etc than a dealer who is a jack of all trades be it BMW.
ML - Is this Munich Legends in East Sussex?
I got my 2001 E39 M5 from them (40K on the clock), toying with the idea of going back to them for servicing, but not sure!
Any comments?
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Adam B
2001 E39 M5 - Titanium Silver
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Coasting
Really Senior Member II
www.TOTALTORQUE.net
Joined: 05-February-2005
Location: Not with the two-faced bloke.
Status: Offline
Points: 2125
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 17:04 |
baur320 wrote:
At the end of the day, its down to how much faith you have in the guy who's sorting your car, be it the receptionist at the dealers or the actual guy who's going to do the job at the independant... |
That's my point - why does it have to be a receptionist at a dealers?
In my experience, ask the questions and you get the answers. Ask to speak to the technicians and it'll happen. Nothing but my own experience of course and some of the comments above are leading me to think that the experience of those with older BMW's does seem to give the impression that BMW dealers aren't too retro-friendly.
If that is the case then I think it is a crying shame.
I would say this though (and I'm not pointing the finger at anyone so don't jump down my throat)...
I have seen an owner of a slightly older BMW (7 years) go into a dealers and give the frosty face and frosty speak to the service reception. They said "C'mon then, how much will you robbing ******* want for discs on a 520i, give me a laugh" - and said in a very abrupt and not remotely humourous voice at all...all because they think they're a dealers so they should be spoken to abruptly and like rip-off merchants that they're bound to be. Service Reception asked if he wanted a price for fitting to which he replied "What do you think?". At this point the Service Manager said that if it was self-fit that he'd get the prices from the Parts Department and come back in a minute. The reaction from the customer was " -edited-, I'll go there myself, no need for the yes sir no sir ****".
WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT????? BLOOD?????
However, I have never done anything but remain courteous, polite, upbeat and friendly with dealers....what goes around really does come around.
The attitude of some people going into dealerships is dreadful.
The perception of a BMW dealership isn't something I have personally ever had an issue with. They are nothing like as 'stand off-ish' or 'new business only' inclined as I have read on here and in many other forums.
I really do think it is a matter of how you approach it.
Someone on here, in another thread, said how they'd gone into a dealership and upset the salesman by telling him how ugly all the new range of cars was and how they'd never buy one.
So, let me ask you this, what did it achieve? Why do it? It's futile!
Why go in if you've no serious intention of buying (or enquiring with a view to future purchase or even as an enthusiast wanting facts and figures and a general chat which they'll happily do)?
But only go to upset a few salesmen or have a laugh?
Surely such people have better things to do with their time - like get a life maybe?!
If you read this thread and many others you'll find there is an awful lot of anti-dealer sentiment on this forum - something I find very surprising indeed.
Is it from those that use a dealer regularly or those best placed to comment?
If it's from those that choose independents all the time....how well placed are they to comment on regular dealer service?
Food for thought, thats all.
I remain completely neutral. I comment on the service I receive from whomever I receive it from. If a dealership ***** me about then I'll let them know about it. If they don't, well I'll defend them based on my experiences as done here.
Edited to remove objectionable language and content, please post within the forum guidelines.
Edited by Rhys
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Stone-IslandV8
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 31-January-2003
Location: North Somerset
Status: Offline
Points: 3015
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 16:40 |
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Coasting-interesting....my Dad runs an E46 318SE and gets reasonable to good service from dealers. I've used 4 dealers on my M3 and got nothing but pain and grief.
Horses for courses.
Gotta say that I did get to talk to the techie who MOT'd the M 2 yrs ago at a dealers but he just kept rabbitting on about the cars non-functioning 2nd fog light (see earlier reply) and the car needing overhall of airconditioning pump belts. Really very nice of him to point this out and price the overhall out to me cos the car hasnt got aircon!!!
TBH though when I get my E46 I'd probably use a dealer.
John
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit
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baur320
Really Senior Member I
Joined: 10-July-2004
Location: Tyneside
Status: Offline
Points: 460
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 16:23 |
I've just bought a 1998 E36 M3 Evo privately. It has only done 36K miles and has a FBMW service history. I asked my local independant (Jon Morgan of Prestige German Cars) to come for the test run. The car was fine and Jon will deal with the servicing and repairs. (Jon was a Master Technician with BMW and has nearly 20 years experience with them before going independant). I have no doubts about his ability, which has been built up over years of regular custom, but I don't know one name at the local dealers.
At the end of the day, its down to how much faith you have in the guy who's sorting your car, be it the receptionist at the dealers or the actual guy who's going to do the job at the independant...
Mick
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Current E30 325i, E36 M3 Evo,
Previous E21 320/4, E9 3.0 CSA, E12 525, E30 320i, E28 528i, E34 535is, E30 318i, E28 525e, E30 325i Touring, E30 Baur 327i
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Coasting
Really Senior Member II
www.TOTALTORQUE.net
Joined: 05-February-2005
Location: Not with the two-faced bloke.
Status: Offline
Points: 2125
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 16:00 |
Ok, to answer in sequence (where have I said this before...?!):
Firstly the age of the car versus dealer or independent. Lets not forget the origins of this thread.
The poster has a FULL BMWSH on a 15 year old car. That is the whole point. Why negate it now? I fully understand what you are all saying but on the face of the facts - why stop the clear benefit of a FSH in his book as it stands? That is where my point began and that is where it remains really. If it was 15 years old and someone had stopping taking it to a dealer 8 years previous - fair enough. But, he has a very rare car - why not keep it that way? No-one can realistically tell me it won't help him get a premium price for his car - because it will!
The Customer Service "bull". Sorry, I completely disagree.
Dealers get financial targets on this. BMW are reviewed on it by independent motoring groups too. It is of course tailored to keep you interested in the next new BMW, but it is decades since BMW realised that servicing was a major part of their income, so why ruin it through nothing but "bull"? I have never experienced this bull and would point to the following experiences after BMW GB customer care calls:
1 - told them car wasn't ready at time stated and was 30 minutes later than expected; RESPONSE: received a written apology from dealership service manager and told that next time they'd arrange collection and drop-off to save me the hassle - which they duly did.
2 - car was dirtier after valet at dealership than when I had taken it in; RESPONSE: A free BMW umbrella directly from BMW GB. Odd, but it was a pleasant surprise!
3 - dealership forgot to attend to a rattle I had pointed out in advance of a service; RESPONSE: Went back in as arranged - and received a £40 credit to my Switch card for the inconvenience.
So, sorry, I just can't agree.
Now, onto this point about not being able to speak to the Technician who serviced or worked on your car. Again - I have never encountered that - in fact I get to speak to him whether I want to or not! Why? Because the servicing technician is always the one who brings my car around to the front of the dealership! Always has been. No, he's not an Interclean valeter - he is one of their two qualified M Technicians.
He tells me what he's done, anything he's spotted that he thinks will need attention on the next service or beforehand and generally has a chat. He's top notch.
If I go in tomorrow with a query - about anything technical - and if I were to ask for him, I guarantee they'd get him. They can't be any more helpful.
The E30 dealer v independent case - of course I'd go the independent route, but you have to admit it was a rather closed question!
To summarise, you have to look at the original question to understand my point.
Yes, I accept I may also get better treatment that most (I live in a real world and yes I know the buttering up treatment when it is happening) - but I also used to have a 318i SE and I have to say the treatment was no different then (it was 4 years old).
Indy's and Dealy's - all have their place - let's all live happily ever after!
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beaker
Newbie
Joined: 03-January-2005
Location: UK
Status: Offline
Points: 28
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 15:49 |
My experience -
Dealer - nice showroom, lots of well presented staff on reception, sloppy service and completely daft front office staff who agree to do something like order a part for you and forget time and time again.
Independent that has been recommeded - good prices, knowledgeable staff and give you sensible chat about the car which often proves to be very helpful.
I think some people are a bit hung up on FBMWSH and it can affect resale value, but the money you save over a few years will more than compensate for the possible reduction in car value, unless your car is very new like has already been mentioned.
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Stone-IslandV8
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 31-January-2003
Location: North Somerset
Status: Offline
Points: 3015
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 15:35 |
Coasting wrote:
I'll just stay out on this limb where I disagree with virtually all of the above! And, not for the sake of controversy.
You can't judge all dealers on singular experience.
Are you all trying to say the independents are 100% trustworthy?
If we're going to make comparisons please lets make them fair and level!
Independents better? Sorry, but they're not.
They have nothing like the standards to meet that BMW dealerships have and if you have had a bad experience then there is only one thing to do - complain. Then, if you don't get full satisfaction, get in touch with BMW GB. Then, if you're still unhappy, get in touch with the Press. You have MUCH more comeback with a dealer than you do with even the most reputable non-dealer garage.
It really is that simple when it comes to meeting expectations. BMW dealers have to. Independents don't. You can say they have their livelihood to think of, yes, but so do dealer groups.
They both have profit margins and they both make mistakes.
To say that Dealers can't be trusted carte blanche and that you should take it to an independant just doesn't add up.
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Coasting,you're contradicting yourself, unless I misread the thread. You're asking for a fiar and level playing field then saying that all dealers are fine cos of BMWGB standards but then saying all indys arent fine. Thats not level or fair.
No-one here is saying all indys are good, they are saying use a good indy with good reputation who is known or recommended as specialists for your make of car.
I know of several indys round here that I wouldnt class as Mpower specialists-some have good reps for E30s,E34s,E28s where others have excellent rep for E36s or E39s. I travel 45 miles to the E36 M specialist I use, past 3 BM dealerships.
As for leaving my car overnight at a dealers?.....isnt that just legalised joyriding?
One question-how do you properly change the cars oil? Then ask how its done at a dealership.
Dont get me wrong,I'm not slating BMW just the ones I've had substandard service and work from.
John
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Gentlemen I may not have a brain but I do have an idea
Past; E39 540T/E46 328CI/ E39 535/ E39 520/ E36 M3/ E36 318iS jet black Mtech/ E46 320d/ E36 318iS diamond black/ E36 318iS blue Mtech kit
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Rob L
Really Senior Member I
Joined: 22-October-2002
Location: South East
Status: Offline
Points: 384
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 12:39 |
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Coasting, I agree with what you are saying about the overall competence
of dealer servicing, that is why I still choose to get my car serviced at
BMW as so far I’ve had no reason to complain. Ok so there have
been small things in the past (no one is perfect and yes they do make
mistakes) but all were easily sorted out so I'm a happy chappy - Just
hope they stay like this! If you get this level of service keep it main dealer
for sure.
As you mentioned if you feel the service is poor you do have the back up
of BMW GB. But if you were to persistently have poor workmanship done
on your car how many times would you go back even with that back up.
I'd certainly give 2 chances but no more, then i'd try an alternative
"definitely have to be highly recommended" dealer and then a highly
recommended Independent - if FBMWSH is not an issue, which is where
this thread began.
If I had an E46 M3 like yours it would have to be main dealer for me and
I'd probably have a car with BMW warranty- just in case... You do have the
added advantage that cars similar to yours are being serviced at BMW
everyday and the techs will be familiar with them, but with an E30 M3
this is all a bit alien to them except that the parts are BMW!
I agree that not all independents are going to be better than a dealer and
its those sorts of places you want to avoid. But there are a lot of people
on here who use Bexleys for example for E30 M3's as they are highly
regarded, work on these older cars all the time and i don't think i've read
one bad bit of press about them.
How about this one:
It's time for a service in your E30 M3, the main dealers and
independent E30 M3 specialists are next door to each other.
* The dealer services how many E30 M3's per year, I just called my local
and they said 4 - yep just 4. They offer a good service, 4+ and you've
never had any major niggles with them but they can't plug in to the cars
diagnostics anymore.
* The independent services 2 or more a week, is cheaper, they really
know these cars inside out and everyone who uses them has major praise
for the place.
So which garage do you use?
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JudgeBaxter
Senior Member I
Joined: 15-January-2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 100
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 12:24 |
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Specialist all day.
They will still put a stamp in the book for you as well.
If, by some remote chance, your car still has the renewable BMW warranty on it, then that is the ONLY circumstance where I would let them touch my car.
If you can identify a BMW main dealer that still has a mechanic that knows anything about E30 M3's (or any E30's for that matter) then you will be doing extremely well.
I'm lucky in that I do actually know one, but I still only phone him directly for a few words of advice as I can't reconcile the £100+ quid an hour labour charges for 1 bloke who knows what he's doing, against paying £40 or so quid an hour to Bexley's/Moseley's/Auto-Integrale etc. for a whole TEAM of people that know what their doing.
What you'll save now, will easily cancel out what you might gain later come re-sale time.
I don't know anyone that would expect a 15+ year old car to still be specialist maintained - perhaps a Ferrari or Porsche, but even the vast majority of those have long since left the dealer networks at that age.
Only the most naive or anal of buyers (IMHO) would expect this, but then they would be unlikely to really appreciate the true value of a car like the Sport Evo, or they would be looking for an out and out concourse car to sit in a garage and look at it.
My 57K miles Evo2 goes to specialists only. I had it valued by Munich Legends when I brought it and as the early history has some gaps, they figured it would be worth 1.5K to 2K less. Your not even talking about having any gaps in the history, just changing who you use.........if your planning on keeping her for a while longer, save some cash now and more importantly, be confident that your car is getting cared for properly by going to the independant specialists.
Just my tuppence worth,
cheers,
dave.
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BMW E34 M5 (3.8)
BMW E30 M3 EvoII
Lancia Integrale EvoII "Perlato" Ltd Ed.
Mk.2 Golf GTI 16V
Mk.1 Scirocco GTI
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PJSM3
Really Senior Member I
Joined: 22-July-2003
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 468
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 11:57 |
And what I don't like is that at BMW it's now difficult to speak to the person who has actually done the servicing or work on the car. Reception doesn't have a clue but has got all the patter about customer service. When you start talking technical the eyes glaze over.
I don't think you can beat experience and realistically most BMW dealerships are not going to be servicing, or expect to be servicing, old cars. This is a generalisation of course and there will be exceptions.
I don't agree that independents don't have to meet expectations. They do , every day, those of the customer, not a PR/Marketing department.
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stevesingo
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 03-January-2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 795
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 11:17 |
Coasting wrote:
Independents better? Sorry, but they're not. They have nothing like the standards to meet |
You’re quite right, there are differences. All dealerships have to meet standards but those standards are very specifically targeted and the owners of 10yr old cars are not the target. Dealer’s customer satisfaction targets are aimed at keeping existing sales customers in the dealer network by doing things like calling them to ask if there car was satisfactory the week following the service. It's all bull. The average Joe punter doesn't know, or if they are are company car user, don't care if their cars anti-freeze or brake fluid has been changed. The customer just gets a "warm feeling" when the phone rings. Dealers concentrate effort to where it can be witnessed by the customer (Gin palace dealerships any one)! The fact of the matter is the service manager will be concentrating his efforts towards perceived service and not what they are actually there for.
Steve
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simoke
Newbie
Joined: 06-December-2004
Status: Offline
Points: 18
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Posted: 14-February-2005 at 11:10 |
Need to put my 2p's worth in. If I were running a 2 year old BM then yes I would use a dealer to protect the residuals, I would guess most people looking to buy a 2/3 year old car would state full dealer history very high up on their wish list. On the other hand, for a 15 year old car I'm not sure dealer history is as important. When I bought my 320is we decieded to get it serviced to make sure all was well. Three of my local dealers actually gave me details of specialists as their staff would not be used to working on this type of car. For me as long as the car was serviced regulary at a reputable specialist it would be more important.
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BMW Full Service History
