[st_files]

I have a 5yo BMW with 62k miles on the clock with a full BMW service history.

I am wondering whether or not it would be worth continuing paying the hugely inflated BMW service charges (for example, just to replace the 8 spark plugs I was quoted £280 by my local BMW dealer as opposed to £125 by a reputable local independent garage - BMERC). Assuming its serviced regularly and looked after, an independent garage can do a better job than some main dealers.

I guess I'll sell it in a year or two, do you think it would make a big difference to the asking price then?

 

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I have a 5yo BMW with 62k miles on the clock with a full BMW service history.

I am wondering whether or not it would be worth continuing paying the hugely inflated BMW service charges (for example, just to replace the 8 spark plus I was quoted £280 by my local BMW dealer as opposed to £125 by a reputable local independent garage - BMERC). Assuming its serviced regularly and looked after, an independent garage can do a better job than some main dealers.

I guess I'll sell it in a year or two, do you think it would make a big difference to the asking price then?

In terms of value probably marginal. I sold my wife's car, 7 years old full dealer service history. Dealer was impressed but said the difference at that age was marginal, he was far more interested in the huge file of receipts that accompanied it, which would have been there whether it was main dealer or independently serviced. (I say huge because it was a Vauxhall, say no more)

But, I think that if yours was there for sale with receipts versus a similar model with patchy history then yours would be the more deirable for a prospective purchaser.

I would go independent and keep the receipts for history.

 

[Joe9087]

I agree, I think that perhaps for the first 3 years or so or the first 40k miles a dealer history would always be attractive to other buyers, after that as long as its serviced and has service history, I can't see why it would put people off not being done at a BMW dealer.

 

[st_files]

Thats what I thought. I would be getting it serviced at a reputable indy (BMerc in North London)

I think its a no brainer, but just wanted to get the opinions of BMW buyers/owners

 

[mellybmw]

When I purchased mine the bloke told me it had FSH done at BMW..
When I looked there were only a few at BMW and a few at private garages..
I wasnt too fussed as it has some BMW service.

As long as it has service history. You wont get any less.

 

[DSEDEAN]

mine cam with just BMW FSH from BMW was a bonus but coulden't care tbh as long as the car tip top n i just got it serviced at a private garage in dec. n i'm lucky as i'm second owner and it's 1997 E36 and got it for 650 quid he liked my wife lol from 1,500-650 (lucky is I)

 

[DSK]

Good independants are the better in general but you must ensure that services are carried out according to the service schedule.

As Mark mentioned, keep all the invoices/receipts along with the stamped book. This will ensure that the value remains strong.

 

[Slacker-ray]

Good independants are the better in general but you must ensure that services are carried out according to the service schedule.

As Mark mentioned, keep all the invoices/receipts along with the stamped book. This will ensure that the value remains strong.

I agree with DSK, Some cars that have been looked after by good specialists can be more desirable and even have their value notched up.

For example, a few years back I had an Escort RS Cosworth, which had full dealer history up until it was 3 years old- and from then on it was looked after by Severn Valley (Cosworth specialists)- it was for that reason alone which nudged me to buy it as oppose to other example- any RS boffin will know what I'm on about. When I came to sell it, this fact helped me shift it in record time- even though these things do sell like cup cakes.

Then the Golf Rallye which I bought, when that was imported over to the UK by the original owner, it was looked after for by Jabba Sport (VAG Forced induction specialists) for years............that is what decided it for me.

Sometimes certain cars are best with history from specialists- why? 'cause the dealers don't come across them very much and don't really know jack about them.

But as for every day road going cars........for me, same would apply- just as long its not been serviced by a chimp with a hammer in a back street lock-up.