BMW Dealer vs Independent Service

jim8888

Hi
I have a BMW 5 Series purchased via our main BMW showroom on a standard finance package. I'd like to take my car for it's next service to a more local, independent "BMW authorised" garage who are nearer my home (and a lot cheaper). I intend to hand the car back in two years when I hit my mileage ceiling, but don't want to find out that not having the car serviced at the original dealership causes any issues.
Has anyone previously had any issues in doing this?

neilmcl

You should check the terms of your finance agreement. I think you''l find that BMWFS will insist that the car is serviced at an authorised dealer.

Car_54

jim8888 wrote: »

Hi
I have a BMW 5 Series purchased via our main BMW showroom on a standard finance package. I'd like to take my car for it's next service to a more local, independent "BMW authorised" garage who are nearer my home (and a lot cheaper). I intend to hand the car back in two years when I hit my mileage ceiling, but don't want to find out that not having the car serviced at the original dealership causes any issues.
Has anyone previously had any issues in doing this?

Are there really "BMW authorised"garages outside the franchise network?

Jackmydad

Personally I'd take it to a main dealer to be serviced.
No argument about it being "authorised" then.
Anything goes wrong, and it's been serviced elsewhere and you could end up with a very large and expensive paperweight.

AdrianC

Jackmydad wrote: »

Personally I'd take it to a main dealer to be serviced.
No argument about it being "authorised" then.
Anything goes wrong, and it's been serviced elsewhere and you could end up with a very large and expensive paperweight.

For the warranty, absolutely.

But when it's a car that's not actually owned by the OP, but by the manufacturer's finance...? Block exemption doesn't apply. Their car, they can stipulate main dealer-only servicing. And they can slap you with a charge on return.

OP - you say you're going to return it when you hit the mileage ceiling... Don't forget that's pro-rata'd over the term. If you think you're going to use the car more than the allowance, why not just finance it for the right mileage...?

jim8888

Thanks for the advice everyone, I think in my heart I know it will have to be the main dealer. That way lies the most peace of mind, if not peace of wallet.