Keeping FBMWSH Or Not

[Zmass]

My M Coupe needs a Insp2 and brake fluid change. I've had it almost 4 years and it's got a full BMWSH. It's never missed anything. It's MY1999.

Now, I'm considering selling. So, should I get another Insp2 at great expense from BMW to maintain the SH at 100% or get it done by a specialist. The car is now coming up for 8 years old so does it matter?
PS it's now out of warranty.

Cheers, Sean

[taffyracer]

Personally I think most dealer servicing is dire and the service just as bad for what they charge, the only reason I go main dealer is to ensure I keep the FBSH as it's less than 3 yrs old, but if I do keep it longer than 3 years then I'll definitely be going independent. On an 8yr old car I would have thought the important thing would be to have a FSH and be in good nick

[blackspider]

An independant will carry out just as good a service as a dealer,in some cases better(obviously not as good as I can ;-) ).Whats more its alot cheaper.
The main thing is that the service book is stamped and it has been carried out by a good firm that can be contacted to check it has been done and one that gives a service sheet of whats been carried out to back it up.
If the car is under 3 years old then for warranty it needs to be dealer.

[kiko]

I wouldn't buy a ZM without BMW service history, not because of the Indies service but it raises doubts about mileage... as the services done by BMW are registered and you can confirm the book's authenticity by the dates and mileage by confrontation.

[Dare2Fail]

kiko said:

I wouldn't buy a ZM without BMW service history, not because of the Indies service but it raises doubts about mileage... as the services done by BMW are registered and you can confirm the book's authenticity by the dates and mileage by confrontation.

Interesting comment, I had never considered this side of it. What's your view of BMW's ability to service vehicles? The reason I ask is that I have found them spectacularly inept and therefore although the mileage would be confirmed I would be worried about the condition of the car.

[Andrew330Ci]

When i started looking for my ZM roadster i made sure it had full BMW history, as it does register the mileage.
I think the extra expense is worth it, its just a reassurance the tappets do get done, although i do know the BMW tech that had done it, so feel ok about spending the money.

#I can understand peoples views of it though, Munich legens seems like a good indepdant dealer though?

[BRoCceRs]

I paid 650 for a ins2 through sytners recently - an indy would cost only a 150 less - is it really worth losing the fbmwsh for such a small amount ?

Also if you are serious about selling theres quite a few buyers on z3mcoupe.com so pop up an ad.

www.z3mcoupe.com/forum2/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=13f896c2ae47ab8edafa8d00733ff72a

[kiko]

Dare2Fail said:

kiko said:

I wouldn't buy a ZM without BMW service history, not because of the Indies service but it raises doubts about mileage... as the services done by BMW are registered and you can confirm the book's authenticity by the dates and mileage by confrontation.

Interesting comment, I had never considered this side of it. What's your view of BMW's ability to service vehicles? The reason I ask is that I have found them spectacularly inept and therefore although the mileage would be confirmed I would be worried about the condition of the car.

BMW is not as good as some indies and certainly more expensive but besides what I said above, they warrant their work, so if a technician messes up they'll repair at their cost (I know some indies do this as well). When I had my M roadster, I used to do scheduled maintainance at the dealer and repairs in an indy and kept the invoices as proof of work done, this is the best of both worlds.

[m3pilot]

I tend to use Munich Legends as there very close to me and although still quite expencive they are still cheaper than BMW, and very nice guys to deal with.

I also find that being an M-power specilist they know the cars inside out.

[toobin]

Sold my Z3M two years ago and would have struggled without full BMW service history, first thing most people asked. I know its not the best priced but its what buyers look for, here endeth my 2pence worth.

[Rags]

I have an MCoupe as well and let me give you an example.

I got quoted for Valve Clearances at BMW = £300

Munich Legends - £75 plus the price of shims.

My MCoupe had so many receipts for work from BMW/Munich Motors for preventative maintenance and servicing, I got bored of reading it.

Since owning the car, I have spent lots on it and will continue to use an Indy unless BMW want to replace my Vanos for free if it were to ever have issues!

[dazren]

Zmass said:

My M Coupe needs a Insp2 and brake fluid change. I've had it almost 4 years and it's got a full BMWSH. It's never missed anything. It's MY1999.

Now, I'm considering selling. So, should I get another Insp2 at great expense from BMW to maintain the SH at 100% or get it done by a specialist. The car is now coming up for 8 years old so does it matter?
PS it's now out of warranty.

Cheers, Sean

If the car has had FBMWSH for this long I'd be inclined to keep it running. If you do go the BMW dealer route make sure you ask for the work to be done under the "4plus" scheme. ie discounted servicing for BMWs over four years old, should help reduce the bill a bit.

Edited by dazren on Tuesday 16th January 13:49

[Egbert Nobacon]

dazren said:

Zmass said:

My M Coupe needs a Insp2 and brake fluid change. I've had it almost 4 years and it's got a full BMWSH. It's never missed anything. It's MY1999.

Now, I'm considering selling. So, should I get another Insp2 at great expense from BMW to maintain the SH at 100% or get it done by a specialist. The car is now coming up for 8 years old so does it matter?
PS it's now out of warranty.

Cheers, Sean

If the car has had FBMWSH for this long I'd be inclined to keep it running. If you do go the BMW dealer route make sure you ask for the work to be done under the "4plus" scheme. ie discounted servicing for BMWs over four years old, should help reduce the bill a bit.

Edited by dazren on Tuesday 16th January 13:49

Why not just get the basic fixed price INSP 2 service done at a BMW dealer and then take it to a specialist for any extra work, fluid changes etc.

You will preserve the BMW history (if thats important)and save on any expensive extras that might arise.

[Drewtastic]

We run a 330d at work, always had the dealers look after the car, this does pay off though as the turbo went taking the manifold and cat with it when the car had run out of warranty. So they did it anyway FOC. Then the clutch went 2 weeks later, the flywheel needed replacing too, the dealer went half's on the parts, and NO CHARGE for the labour. A cheap round when said and done.............

Some dealers do look after you if you show loyalty to them.

As it happens, we are heading toward 80k now and the local specialist had it for the first time, so after lots of miles you may as well take it elsewhere.