[HockeyDad77]

I'm interested if folks here take their x3 to a trusted independent mechanic for service or take their car to the BMW dealership?

Also, if choosing to use an independent mechanic what are some things to be aware of before going that route instead of using a dealership?

Thanks.

[kscarrol]

While covered by the warranty/free maintenance period I have used my dealer but that has only involved oil changes. As soon as the free maintenance ends I’ll move to my indy mechanic. Did the same with my precious BMW’s.

If you choose to use your mechanic, at a minimum I suspect you will need to document that all required maintenance has been completed per the BMW schedule, otherwise they could deny warranty claims.

[suby01]

I have been taking my x3 to the dealer for all scheduled maintenance since it was free. On my last visit they have officially voided my warranty due to a tune. So I am going to look for a independent shop.

Things I am looking for is simple do they work on BMWs as one of their few models for service.
I am not going to a service all makes model shop.

[SpeedyATL]

Originally Posted by suby01

I have been taking my x3 to the dealer for all scheduled maintenance since it was free. On my last visit they have officially voided my warranty due to a tune. So I am going to look for a independent shop.

Things I am looking for is simple do they work on BMWs as one of their few models for service.
I am not going to a service all makes model shop.

It's my understanding that they can't "void" your warranty for anything after-market. If the mod causes a problem, they can deny a claim if they can 'prove' that the mod caused the issue. But just because you 'tuned' your car, doesn't mean that if your power window motor fails, it should not be covered...

[OciWan]

I'll take my car to the dealer for all the included maintenance and warranty work.

My friends father has a shop that only deals with Mercedes and BMW. Needless to say I use them.

Bought a 2008 brand new GL450. Took it to my friends shop for the first oil change. They said the car was leaking oil at the bell housing. Took it to the dealer and it was supposedly fixed.

20k oil change same issue. Took it to the dealer and they fixed it again.

30k same issue. Took it back to the dealer and they said there is no leak. They supposedly said they put something in there to find the leak and come back.

40k still leaking. Back to the dealer. They find the leak now and also say I have a blown cylinder.

I ended up lemon lawing the car and MB bought it back.

Point of my story is I'm not sure if this problem would have been found or disclosed to me if I had only taken the car to the dealer for service.

[suby01]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

It's my understanding that they can't "void" your warranty for anything after-market. If the mod causes a problem, they can deny a claim if they can 'prove' that the mod caused the issue. But just because you 'tuned' your car, doesn't mean that if your power window motor fails, it should not be covered...

Yes youre correct.
I meant drivetrain warranty. And since here we're talking about maintenance I will no longer go to BMW for oil changes and other scheduled maintenance.
If something other than drivetrain breaks. Im sure I will check with BMW first.
But maintenance will be by BMW shops from now on and unfortunately my money out of pocket.

[gphin]

Originally Posted by HockeyDad77

I'm interested if folks here take their x3 to a trusted independent mechanic for service or take their car to the BMW dealership?

Also, if choosing to use an independent mechanic what are some things to be aware of before going that route instead of using a dealership?

Thanks.

Same....use dealer while in warranty and go to an indy when out. Been using same local indy for over 20 years. We had five cars in family at one time and kept him busy. Things to look for: is owner on premises and involved in the work, how long owned shop, how many employees on job 5+ years, reviews on Yelp, etc., experience working on BMWs, look at overall physical condition of business...how he keeps the place, type of vehicles in the lot waiting to be serviced. Use friends, neighbors for recommendations. Good luck.

[spangle1980]

As above is my 2cents - i.e. make sure the warranty is still valid if you have one. Sometimes an indy will cause issues with claims.

Another factor is resale - if you're thinking to sell at some point some folks, certainly in UK, deem "Dealer full service history" as much more valuable, not fully realising an indy could actually be better in some cases :-)

At least make sure they have the tools to update the iDrive history.

[Jason73]

My dealer usually runs oil change specials for $99. Most independents in the area charge around $150. Unsure of what oil independents would be using, aren't convined they are using European specification type.

[MediaMan]

Originally Posted by spangle1980

As above is my 2cents - i.e. make sure the warranty is still valid if you have one. Sometimes an indy will cause issues with claims.

Another factor is resale - if you're thinking to sell at some point some folks, certainly in UK, deem "Dealer full service history" as much more valuable, not fully realising an indy could actually be better in some cases :-)

At least make sure they have the tools to update the iDrive history.

The value of a dealer SH is something many look for in the UK when buying, and my X3 is 5.5 years old and I'll continue with dealer for the foreseeable future.

There is a BMW/Mini specialist 12 miles away (same distance as dealer, and they do update the on-board service history) but is inconveniently located (no McDonalds or Costa nearby) and on a recent quote for new rear pads, the dealer was just £20 more, so didn't see the point of a change.

I am also of the view, rightly or wrongly, with a FDSH, if there was to be a borderline warranty claim, the decision might go in your favour on loyalty.

[Artdnj]

I don’t know how much cheaper my independent is but they only use BMW parts and care of the vehicle is paramount. Up sell is barely there if at all but doing things correct are at the forefront.

[keithguido]

Last oil change on our 2018 X3 30 was less expensive at dealer than local indy shop.

[davfer86]

there is a promo for 3 years of oil change for $200 at the dealer after you passed 60K miles

[Artdnj]

Originally Posted by keithguido

Last oil change on our 2018 X3 30 was less expensive at dealer than local indy shop.

Dealer oil change is cheaper at 99.99 than my Indy too.