Dealer Service vs Independent

[///M3FAN]

Hi All

Been trying to decide on the right approach to take here. Have a 2013 F30 320d and got an extended service plan as part of the deal, can be serviced at dealer or an RMI approved service centre.
I know most places look at FSH with Dealers as the be all but lately it seems dealer service centres have been getting a poor reputation for not really identifying or fault finding, and will only do what the computer tells them to do or what is listed on the service schedule.
It seems the independents are more thorough and will normally take the time over and above servicing to highlight or make you aware of other issues, known or unknown to you.

Would like to hear the rests thoughts on this, vehicle is due for 60k service by end join and deciding between going to BMW Tygervalley or an Independent like RossTechAuto

 

[TurboLlew]

Independents will also take the time to highlight and make you aware of things that will make them more money... or those that will use you (and your wallet) to learn about a particular car.

There are great independent workshops (which cost the same or more than the dealers) and those that are very dodge. If a good dealership (with one of the better reputations) is able to work with your service plan, and the service plan covers the (quite expensive) default diagnostic charge, go with the dealership IMHO. Maybe one of the others can give a review on Tygervalley? In either case choose wisely.

Unfortunately the motor industry is one where even average results are celebrated because the customer experience and quality of work is so poor.

 

[Jive_E46]

Lucky man with an extended service plan!
From my experience, BMW just wants to get the job done ASAP, they have no regard for customer retention let alone satisfaction. There’s no connection between the shop front and what happens at the back. You have to demand to know what the mech did most times. Sometimes I even question if the BMW mechs are qualified to perform high level technical work as the South African way has usually been to learn by doing.
Anyways, the most rewarding part of motor plan is seeing the final job invoice(usually R10k +) and realise you don’t have to pay a single penny. Although at the rate these cars depreciate at I’d expect them to pay the bills for 10 year/200000KM.

For the best possible service I’d say go to an established independent mechanic.


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[FILV]

This is a tough one.
On one hand i when its time to sell my vehicle, i know people love to see "Full franchise history'
But at the same time, when i go to BMW, i never actually know if that mechanic actually did swap out the new fuel filter or not for example.

Where as if i buy oem parts myself and take it to a mechanic, i actually sit there for the 30 to one hour and watch them drain the oil, change filters etc.

I guess the sweet spot is actually fining a trusted workshop.
My self i trust 3 workshops. one is large TuneTech, who are pricey, but now with my current vehicle i see are worth every penny.
Then i trust Darkartz performance, which is small work force, but Yosh is hands on and looks at every little detail himself, and gives all the old parts back.
For minor work i actually support the small indy down the road from me. I just buy Oem parts and let him do the work. The pros is i get to see the old oil and filters etc. Then i always have a file with every single receipt, and ordered by date.

 

[Tinuva]

I don't know RossTechAuto so can't comment. I do know Garage808 which is also in Cape Town (seeing you pointed out Cape Town shops), and they I trust any day. As for BMW Tygervalley...I have heard stories from more than one source and well I guess I trust them only when I go an buy parts. My other option if I wanted a dealership, I would use SMG Cape Town. It does help that I have been in their workshop and had a tour while there was an E46 M3 where they doing a complete overhaul so I have confidence in them at least. Also their prices are really good once you get Club discount.