[BrennanF30]

This is my first car that the service history has been stored on the cars computer system rather than a physical service book.

I prefer not to take the car to the dealer for servicing for two reasons; one, I don't want a spotty teenage apprentice working on my car; and two, it costs a silly amount of money for this.

So how do you guys get around this? Can a BMW Indy input services into the iDrive system? Or do you guys buy a paper service book from BMW and just continue your services in that?

[stu14t]

It can be done with ISTA+ Rheingold and I would assume reputable Indi's would have it.

[robbiep]

You can buy a paper service book from BMW dealer. They will require some proof of ownership to provide, I believe.
However, do bear in mind that, even though your warranty won't be affected by going outside the dealer network for servicing, any 'goodwill' on failures outside warranty will be non-existent.
You'll also need to have meticulous records of all work done in case of a warranty claim.

All depends on how long you're intending keeping the car, of course ...

[BrennanF30]

Thanks for the info guys. My car is already out of warranty

[CazuaLLUK]

Originally Posted by stu14t

It can be done with ISTA+ Rheingold and I would assume reputable Indi's would have it.

Yeah the guy I use for most of my stuff has this.

I have my end of warranty check in March, and big service for me is due in about 1500 miles.

Not sure what to do yet, prob's be an indy though as BMW want £540!

Might buy a book though.

[simon the pieman]

Originally Posted by BrennanF30

This is my first car that the service history has been stored on the cars computer system rather than a physical service book.

I prefer not to take the car to the dealer for servicing for two reasons; one, I don't want a spotty teenage apprentice working on my car; and two, it costs a silly amount of money for this.

So how do you guys get around this? Can a BMW Indy input services into the iDrive system? Or do you guys buy a paper service book from BMW and just continue your services in that?

Just to throw this in there. What makes you think your not going to get a spotty teenage apprentice at an Indy garage.
More likely you would and they've all got to start somewhere.
Although yes the labour charges are significantly different.

[Andrewthefirst]

BrennanF30 I'd be interested in hearing where you end up going and what you think. I don't live too far from you.

I'm out of warranty now also, and have a 2nd service coming up in spring. I'd be ingested in escaping main dealer prices also. I'll keep this car until she's 6 most likely.

[BrennanF30]

Originally Posted by Andrewthefirst

BrennanF30 I'd be interested in hearing where you end up going and what you think. I don't live too far from you.

I'm out of warranty now also, and have a 2nd service coming up in spring. I'd be ingested in escaping main dealer prices also. I'll keep this car until she's 6 most likely.

I'll do some digging and see what I can find bud

[F30Andy]

You can reset service indicators in an F30 by doing the following procedure:

1. Ignition on but engine not running
2. Hold down trip reset until menu shows you service items
3. Reset as required

In my eyes, someone doing this using only OEM parts and keeping all paperwork is as good as a full service history.

Not sure how warranty will be effected, but gives you an idea that there are still second hand car buyers out there that know just because you have not taken it to the dealers to get it done does not mean it has not been done.

[Cookies]

Originally Posted by Andrewthefirst

BrennanF30 I'd be interested in hearing where you end up going and what you think. I don't live too far from you.

I'm out of warranty now also, and have a 2nd service coming up in spring. I'd be ingested in escaping main dealer prices also. I'll keep this car until she's 6 most likely.

Have a look at Auto Technic on Montgomery Road in Belfast. The owner is ex Prentice Service Manager and really knows his way around BMWs of all ages. Decent guy too.

[BrennanF30]

Guys I'm going with this chap, ex Bavarian technician and ex BMW Sydney technician.

There's not one part of a BMW that he doesn't know inside out.