Inspection II Price Shocker!
Discussion
Just had a quote from a well known BMW dealer in SE London for the imminent inspection II on my Z4MC... £1150 including the VAT!!! Cotswolds BMW have a set price of £650 inclusive of VAT.
Almost double - are labour rates in London that much higher? I am seriously thinking about getting the car down to CA Automotive or Bexley Motor Works and not bother with main stealers. Do you think it will affect the value come re-sale time? I am keeping it for another 2 years (at least)
Almost double - are labour rates in London that much higher? I am seriously thinking about getting the car down to CA Automotive or Bexley Motor Works and not bother with main stealers. Do you think it will affect the value come re-sale time? I am keeping it for another 2 years (at least)
The 1st thing people and dealers ask for when selling a newish BMW, especially something as difficult to sell on as a Z4M is.....does it have FBMWSH, you will make a saving going to an indy but the downside is harder resale and reduced value, also, if the Indy is does not use OEM products and follow the servicing routing as set by BMW and are not officially recognised then it will impact on your warranty from what I understand. Best bet is top phone around and travel outside of london
taffyracer said:
The 1st thing people and dealers ask for when selling a newish BMW, especially something as difficult to sell on as a Z4M is.....does it have FBMWSH, you will make a saving going to an indy but the downside is harder resale and reduced value, also, if the Indy is does not use OEM products and follow the servicing routing as set by BMW and are not officially recognised then it will impact on your warranty from what I understand. Best bet is top phone around and travel outside of london
I am keeping the car for another 2yrs at least... With the bids at the dealers at laughable levels I am in no hurry to let go of her.. All the specialists that I mentioned are recognised by BMW thus no impact on the warranty...Ask your local dealer to match the price - what have you got to lose? I told my local dealer (Glasgow) that Cotswold BMW was charging £650 for Inspection II and they came back, matched the price and are going to do the car's MOT free of charge! So asking them to price match (and phone call to Cotswold BMW to check the price) saved me well over £250!
drgav2005 said:
Ask your local dealer to match the price - what have you got to lose? I told my local dealer (Glasgow) that Cotswold BMW was charging £650 for Inspection II and they came back, matched the price and are going to do the car's MOT free of charge! So asking them to price match (and phone call to Cotswold BMW to check the price) saved me well over £250!
I did ask Stephen James to price match Cotswolds and all they did was say "No" 
As with regards to inspections - they are milleage based and I have 22.5k miles on the clock...
I always phone round and I'm sure they just randomly price everything depending on what they can get away with... 
At my last service the quotes from main dealers varied from £650 down to £385 - and these dealers were all local'ish to each other: Reading, Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Ascot, etc!
In fact when I quoted the lowest price to the highest price dealer, to see if he could match it, he as good as called me a liar and claimed the parts would cost more than £385...!
So, it's worth phoning all the local'ish dealers and price matching them - also tell them what you're doing so they give you their best price first time.
At my last service the quotes from main dealers varied from £650 down to £385 - and these dealers were all local'ish to each other: Reading, Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Ascot, etc!
In fact when I quoted the lowest price to the highest price dealer, to see if he could match it, he as good as called me a liar and claimed the parts would cost more than £385...!
So, it's worth phoning all the local'ish dealers and price matching them - also tell them what you're doing so they give you their best price first time.
Cheburator mk2 said:
taffyracer said:
The 1st thing people and dealers ask for when selling a newish BMW, especially something as difficult to sell on as a Z4M is.....does it have FBMWSH, you will make a saving going to an indy but the downside is harder resale and reduced value, also, if the Indy is does not use OEM products and follow the servicing routing as set by BMW and are not officially recognised then it will impact on your warranty from what I understand. Best bet is top phone around and travel outside of london
I am keeping the car for another 2yrs at least... With the bids at the dealers at laughable levels I am in no hurry to let go of her.. All the specialists that I mentioned are recognised by BMW thus no impact on the warranty...Edited by taffyracer on Tuesday 26th February 16:27
M3John said:
If the price differance is that much how about booking it into the Costwalds BMW then you and a friend drop it off and pick it up. Give him / her a good drink for their time and petrol then everybody is a winner. 
won't cotsworld do u a courtesy car? with the savings it'd be worth paying surely?Edited by M3John on Tuesday 26th February 21:28
john_r said:
I always phone round and I'm sure they just randomly price everything depending on what they can get away with...
At my last service the quotes from main dealers varied from £650 down to £385 - and these dealers were all local'ish to each other: Reading, Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Ascot, etc!
In fact when I quoted the lowest price to the highest price dealer, to see if he could match it, he as good as called me a liar and claimed the parts would cost more than £385...!
So, it's worth phoning all the local'ish dealers and price matching them - also tell them what you're doing so they give you their best price first time.
John, I am in the TV. How gave you the quote at £385?At my last service the quotes from main dealers varied from £650 down to £385 - and these dealers were all local'ish to each other: Reading, Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Ascot, etc!
In fact when I quoted the lowest price to the highest price dealer, to see if he could match it, he as good as called me a liar and claimed the parts would cost more than £385...!
So, it's worth phoning all the local'ish dealers and price matching them - also tell them what you're doing so they give you their best price first time.
Bruce Lee said:
john_r said:
I always phone round and I'm sure they just randomly price everything depending on what they can get away with...
At my last service the quotes from main dealers varied from £650 down to £385 - and these dealers were all local'ish to each other: Reading, Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Ascot, etc!
In fact when I quoted the lowest price to the highest price dealer, to see if he could match it, he as good as called me a liar and claimed the parts would cost more than £385...!
So, it's worth phoning all the local'ish dealers and price matching them - also tell them what you're doing so they give you their best price first time.
John, I am in the TV. How gave you the quote at £385?At my last service the quotes from main dealers varied from £650 down to £385 - and these dealers were all local'ish to each other: Reading, Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Ascot, etc!
In fact when I quoted the lowest price to the highest price dealer, to see if he could match it, he as good as called me a liar and claimed the parts would cost more than £385...!
So, it's worth phoning all the local'ish dealers and price matching them - also tell them what you're doing so they give you their best price first time.
[quote=< FORZA WEST]I believe there is a mileage limit on our cars but its worth giving us a call at Cotswold on that one...The service is a fair price.
My company will be charging £445 inc
[/quote]
I've had a couple of cars via the body shop a couple of times and on the last one racked over 300 miles. No mileage limits were mentioned. Not sure though on the service department though.
My company will be charging £445 inc
[/quote]
I've had a couple of cars via the body shop a couple of times and on the last one racked over 300 miles. No mileage limits were mentioned. Not sure though on the service department though.
i have worked in the automotive industry at headquarters level (VW gruop) and have a bit of insight on the differencies between indies and auhorised. I do believe on average you are safer with the authorised but it may vary and there are indies who do a good job and have most of the tools. the questions are
Do the indies have
1. the full technical literature CDs for you particular model (probably yes, this stuff is sold on ebay these days)
2. all the technical revisions, notes improved part numbers that come out via bullettins (most likely not)
3. are they using BMW or OEM parts or other cheap/used parts? (who knows)
4. Do they give any warranty for the work they do? (not sure)
5. do they have the BMW diagnostic computer (unlikely but you can see this)
6. does the diagnostic computer use the latest CDs or information (you cannot safely tell)
7. have they got the full range of BMW special tools (highly unlikely)
8. have the mechanics/electricians etc attended all the training courses that BMW HQ provides (maybe some if they recently worked for an authorised dealer otherwise no)
9.have they got the range of spare parts so you don't have to order, come bak again etc etc (dont believe they can have access to parts as quick)
10. add all the perks, courtesy car, valeting, pick up and delivery etc etc services
this is why I think you pay a lot at the dealers and why fBMWsh makes a difference in value - what this value is, of course is debatable
Do the indies have
1. the full technical literature CDs for you particular model (probably yes, this stuff is sold on ebay these days)
2. all the technical revisions, notes improved part numbers that come out via bullettins (most likely not)
3. are they using BMW or OEM parts or other cheap/used parts? (who knows)
4. Do they give any warranty for the work they do? (not sure)
5. do they have the BMW diagnostic computer (unlikely but you can see this)
6. does the diagnostic computer use the latest CDs or information (you cannot safely tell)
7. have they got the full range of BMW special tools (highly unlikely)
8. have the mechanics/electricians etc attended all the training courses that BMW HQ provides (maybe some if they recently worked for an authorised dealer otherwise no)
9.have they got the range of spare parts so you don't have to order, come bak again etc etc (dont believe they can have access to parts as quick)
10. add all the perks, courtesy car, valeting, pick up and delivery etc etc services
this is why I think you pay a lot at the dealers and why fBMWsh makes a difference in value - what this value is, of course is debatable
Aryton4Eva
All I can say is what an arrogant post.
Most good Indi's are ex BMW Techs, will have up to date eqipment etc and will most definatly give you and your car a better service to you than any BMW dealer will ever do.
Indi's realise that they are looking after enthusiasts, not money machines as BMW will view you.
Each to their own, but to pay £5-600 over the odds means you have money to burn!
All I can say is what an arrogant post.
Most good Indi's are ex BMW Techs, will have up to date eqipment etc and will most definatly give you and your car a better service to you than any BMW dealer will ever do.
Indi's realise that they are looking after enthusiasts, not money machines as BMW will view you.
Each to their own, but to pay £5-600 over the odds means you have money to burn!
Ayrton4ever said:
i have worked in the automotive industry at headquarters level (VW gruop) and have a bit of insight on the differencies between indies and auhorised. I do believe on average you are safer with the authorised but it may vary and there are indies who do a good job and have most of the tools. the questions are
Do the indies have
1. the full technical literature CDs for you particular model (probably yes, this stuff is sold on ebay these days)
2. all the technical revisions, notes improved part numbers that come out via bullettins (most likely not)
3. are they using BMW or OEM parts or other cheap/used parts? (who knows)
4. Do they give any warranty for the work they do? (not sure)
5. do they have the BMW diagnostic computer (unlikely but you can see this)
6. does the diagnostic computer use the latest CDs or information (you cannot safely tell)
7. have they got the full range of BMW special tools (highly unlikely)
8. have the mechanics/electricians etc attended all the training courses that BMW HQ provides (maybe some if they recently worked for an authorised dealer otherwise no)
9.have they got the range of spare parts so you don't have to order, come bak again etc etc (dont believe they can have access to parts as quick)
10. add all the perks, courtesy car, valeting, pick up and delivery etc etc services
this is why I think you pay a lot at the dealers and why fBMWsh makes a difference in value - what this value is, of course is debatable
You are so up yourself, mate, it is untrue!!!Do the indies have
1. the full technical literature CDs for you particular model (probably yes, this stuff is sold on ebay these days)
2. all the technical revisions, notes improved part numbers that come out via bullettins (most likely not)
3. are they using BMW or OEM parts or other cheap/used parts? (who knows)
4. Do they give any warranty for the work they do? (not sure)
5. do they have the BMW diagnostic computer (unlikely but you can see this)
6. does the diagnostic computer use the latest CDs or information (you cannot safely tell)
7. have they got the full range of BMW special tools (highly unlikely)
8. have the mechanics/electricians etc attended all the training courses that BMW HQ provides (maybe some if they recently worked for an authorised dealer otherwise no)
9.have they got the range of spare parts so you don't have to order, come bak again etc etc (dont believe they can have access to parts as quick)
10. add all the perks, courtesy car, valeting, pick up and delivery etc etc services
this is why I think you pay a lot at the dealers and why fBMWsh makes a difference in value - what this value is, of course is debatable
A SE London dealer admitted to me that my Z4M Coupe was the first one they have ever seen in the flesh, let alone worked on, when it went in for its first oil service. And you dare to compare them to Bexley's or Thorney who work mostly on M Cars?
Just another example - went over to a well known E London Porsche dealer to collect some parts for the race car. Upon parking, two young apprentices from the service department remarked on how nice my "souped up 968" looked. Needless to say, I service my 928s myself...
P.S. To answer your question - I am an amateur mechanic, but even I have the latest software/parts buletins on my laptop for my BMW and Porsche; and my access to OEM parts, be it from the UK or Germany is only a phonecall away...
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