A while back, I was so frustrated with service from BMW dealers. Members of this bboard recommended that I check out some independent shops in my area. Since I live in NYC, Motor Works West (Independent Dinan Dealer) in Wyckoff, NJ and Bimmer's Only in Bedford, NY were suggested to me.
Today, I had to take my car in for a quick NYS Inspection. I am due for an Inspection 1, Coolant Flush and Brake Flush so I asked BMW Manhattan what they typically charge. I was quoted $2000 from them.
To my surprise, Motor Works West quoted me a fraction of the cost, $320.
I know MWW is good as they specifically specialize in 540's, M3's and M5's and they did confirm that they perform everything on the BMW checklist and use OE BMW fluids, etc.
Can I ask you guys, is this price variance possible???? Am I missing something? Should I look out for certain things when taking my car to an independent shop for Inspection 1, etc.?
A while back, I was so frustrated with service from BMW dealers. Members of this bboard recommended that I check out some independent shops in my area. Since I live in NYC, Motor Works West (Independent Dinan Dealer) in Wyckoff, NJ and Bimmer's Only in Bedford, NY were suggested to me.
Today, I had to take my car in for a quick NYS Inspection. I am due for an Inspection 1, Coolant Flush and Brake Flush so I asked BMW Manhattan what they typically charge. I was quoted $2000 from them.
To my surprise, Motor Works West quoted me a fraction of the cost, $320.
I know MWW is good as they specifically specialize in 540's, M3's and M5's and they did confirm that they perform everything on the BMW checklist and use OE BMW fluids, etc.
Can I ask you guys, is this price variance possible???? Am I missing something? Should I look out for certain things when taking my car to an independent shop for Inspection 1, etc.?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Hiro
$2000 for Inspection 1 is absolutely preposterous! I would even report this to BMW NA - what a scam! Insoection II which requires a lot more done is well les than $1000 at any $tealership.
Best bet is to go to an independent shop. I can recommend you one, but itis in Edison, NJ. They are open on Saturday's however if that helps. Have had all my service and mods done there, I wouldn't trust anyone any better.
As far as dealerships, I have been very happy with JMK. A couple of Boardmembers work there as well, so you will get good and professional treatment.
I was quoted $2,400 from the finance guy (I know about finance guys ... I used to work for a BMW $tealer) for Inspection II at my "favorite (?)" $tealer when talking about extending my warranty and my maintenance contracts.
I thought it was a "little (?) or maybe, or to the point, a LOT" high, as well ... Still pondering his "deals."
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"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."
Is it just me, or does it seem that pricing in the US varies far more wildly than in Canada? Not just from this thread, but it seems to me that various pricing I've read on other threads for some parts and service is either reasonable or totally off the scale, hence earning the moniker $tealer.
__________________ 2002 LeMans Blue///M5
OPTIONS: two-tone LMB sport leather, aluminum trim , rear sunshades, ski pass-through, M audio with DSP, split fold down rear seats MODS: , concealed V1 & S1, Stoptech stainless steel brake lines, UUC ssk with DSSR, UUC black transmision mounts, UUC clutch stop, Mk. IV navigation, ice>link plus, bluetooth with RAZR, 35% tint, clear corner angel eyes CONSUMABLES: fronts PS rears PS2, Axxis deluxe plus pads, RP Syncromax MTF THE OTHER WOMAN: 2000 Speed Yellow Porsche Boxster
320 sounds low for Insp 1 AND coolant AND brakes. Maybe they just heard Insp 1? 2000 is high for any possible inspection....
I am finidng that ALL car dealers prefer to price service based on "mileage visits" (or in BMWs case Inspection XX)... "How much is a 30,000 miles service on my acura?" This allows them to quote crazy numbers, and when someone questions this they mumble about all the inspections they will do. In actual fact, they barely do what the mfg recommends.
For a BMW brake inspection, my understading is that BMW states the pads should be REMOVED and the surface of the pad and rotor examined.... how many dealer do not even remove the WHEEL to do an inspection??? They are charging 1.5 hours for a 5 minute "inspection"..
First of all BMW of Manhanttan is a factory owned dealership. Secondly $2000 is flat out wrong! I'm in Dallas now and the think the rate here is $600-700. If the rate is still high check out greenwich or Darien.
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2002 M5 Lemans Blue
2000 Ferrari 456M
1999 Lexus Rx 300
2005 Vento Phantom Scooter (70mpg )
Is it just me, or does it seem that pricing in the US varies far more wildly than in Canada? Not just from this thread, but it seems to me that various pricing I've read on other threads for some parts and service is either reasonable or totally off the scale, hence earning the moniker $tealer.
I am just finding out that US $tealers charge different prices for BMW parts ... thanks to this site ... This site has made me a more savy buyer ... and, I thank you all for that ...
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"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge."
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