BMW Service history

[dillonmo]

Good Evening All.

I recently spotted an E92 M3 at a BMW dealership and thought my search was at an end. Vehicle was advertised as having a full franchise history with all the necessary maintenance done. Upon investigating the service history, I found that the printout provided only listed motorplan services. Was assured by the dealer that the vehicle was maintained within the BMW network, but only the dealer that serviced the vehicle will have the records. Found it strange that BMW wouldn’t have a central database to keep these records. So I contacted BMW SA and enquired if they would be able to assist the dealership in question in sourcing the out of plan service records (provided it was within the BM network). This was their response:

“We are unfortunately only able to assist with Motorplan related service records. All out of Motorplan service records can only be obtained from the servicing dealer as BMW SA does not have a central database for all dealers.”

Is this really the case with BMW? Do other manufacturers operate in a similar manner ( Audi, Merc, etc)?

 

[evnmopwr]

Wow. thats strange.

I remember when i bought my touring, it had no books with it. so i called Tygervally bmw and they told me the Motorplan service history for the car was at SMG Durban and Partial out of motorplan history was at Auric auto in claremont.

So i ordered a new service book from SMG in Durban, they Happily stamped the Motorplan stamps, which they serviced, for me and posted the book to me.
Then i went to Auric and they stamped whatever services was done by them Out of Plan. So how did Tygervally know about both? not sure unless they connected somehow

 

[AlexYannoulatos]

That is correct. Any dealer can check all services and repairs, but only when the vehicle was still under plan and nothing thereafter. The newer BMW & MINI's from around 2015+ if i am not mistaken keep service history on the idrive which helps keep record when service books get lost etc. That's if the technician remembers to load the service after they carry it out.

 

[dillonmo]

I called BM SA today and they confirmed this is in fact the case which I find very surprising. Even more surprising is the dealer with the M3 I am interested in, cannot source the service history but claim it exists. Apparently the sales manager knows the car has a full service history (just can’t prove it on paper). according to him, collectors of these cars aren’t really concerned about service history. They just look at the car to make sure it is good nick and well maintained. 🤯

 

[GravityLee]

I called BM SA today and they confirmed this is in fact the case which I find very surprising. Even more surprising is the dealer with the M3 I am interested in, cannot source the service history but claim it exists. Apparently the sales manager knows the car has a full service history (just can’t prove it on paper). according to him, collectors of these cars aren’t really concerned about service history. They just look at the car to make sure it is good nick and well maintained.

Ah yes. Only to have that story be completely the opposite come trade in time.

 

[MR_Y]

Wow. This is 2021 and BMW SA acts like its the 90s. They probably post a fax too...

 

[Gordvisr]

Not sure why but, i am driving a 2009 , 125i, all services done in and out of motor plan was found from my key, Services/repairs done before i bought it was somewhere in Boskburg if I recall correctly and I obtained all of this from the Vaal. Next service time i will check if it still recorded on key which i believe is true.