[kaishang]

I just got a letter in the post from the BMW stealer where I bought the car inviting me to spend £39.95 on a 15 point checkup, even though the car isn't due for its first scheduled service until 2012 or 17,000 miles.

They check things like brake pad wear, coolant level, tyre wear etc etc.

I'm thinking not necessary - if it isn't time for a manufacturer scheduled service, it doesn't need looking at. But I'm open to contrary opinions.

[DavS1]

I wouldn't bother tbh, just sounds like another way to steal cash from you.

[225_AB]

check youself and spend the 40 quid on something else

[Dr Dave]

Aye, do it yourself and spend the £40 on booze.

[simples]

that 15 point check really means spending that much time counting the money u have given them. worse thing i've heard for ages !

[HighlandPete]

I know we knock these, "winter", "car's health", "safety", or whatever they call them checks, but there is a valid reason. I had a discussion with my garage about this. The guy spelled out the key reason. Due to the CBS regime some BMW driver's are not visiting a garage for up to 2-years. Fine on the surface, but some just don't do anything in the way of checking their cars, yes I mean nothing. So to that kind of customer, this kind of service is really necessary.

My own situation, the garage said I don't need it, as they know I do all the usual checks and more.

"Money making" we can see it that way, "safety" for some users, definitely. Some folks don't even look at the condition of their tyres, never lift the bonnet, (they pop to the garage when the oil light comes on for a top up), who's going to do a few checks, if they don't see the garage for up to two years?

I worked in the trade years back, I've seen the kind of customers who definitely need this kind of service.

I've also read in the trade press that the industry is concerned that the long service intervals are leaving some users vulnerable, not only to safety issues, but possible premature faults and failures.

HighlandPete