Service at dealer or local shop?

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Andrew · #1 Unread post by **Andrew** » Sun Aug 13, 2006 9:22 am

I'm coming up on my 6K service and I'm trying to decide what my options are for getting it done. I'm an hour and half away from the dealer, and I've heard enough stories about dealers overcharing that I'm a bit hesitant to go up there.

On the flip side, my friend uses a bike shop close by that specializes in high end bikes; mostly Ducatis, but they have a lot of experience with BMWs as well. I'm tempted to just use the local shop, but this being my first BMW I'm not sure if it's important to have authorized BMW mechanics do the work. I know for BMW cars they do a diagnostics test on the onboard computer which I think has to be done at a dealer.

What do yall do? Pros vs cons to each?

CNF2002 · #2 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Sun Aug 13, 2006 9:27 am

Dealer would be more likely to use factory parts rather than aftermarket. Dealer probably will cost you alot more money also!

Gadjet · #3 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Sun Aug 13, 2006 11:53 am

Local shop might not be authorized to do any warranty work if it's needed, in which case you would have to pay for it.

Check with the local shop to make sure that their mechanics are BMW certified, and if not, go to the dealer.

joe momma · #4 Unread post by **joe momma** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 5:26 am

hey Andrew......

if you are talking about regular service and small repairs.....

.....try doing it yourself....

for a number of years,,,i have been doing this on my bikes>>>>>

...when i get a new bike...i buy a parts and service manual from the MANUFACTURER....

read the book...and take on the job yourself

if you are machanically inclined....

you can do this.....

a good practice i excercise is...

make everything as clean as humanly possible

take your time.....if it gets a little frustrating..

...walk away from it >>>>> and do it tomorrow..

i have some good luck over the years..

....lastly....know if you are in over your head..

....then give it up and go to your dealer

GOOD LUCK

Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:40 am

Good advice from joe momma even if highly disjointed. At the same time, make sure some of the work you're doing at home won't invalidate your warranty or mess up your bike's systems (ABS brakes are best left to the pros for instance)