local mechanic vs BMW service center

[johnnywha5]

I'm a new BMW owner. Just recently purchased a 2000 323i. I want to
get recondition my car to top form. Is it better for me to go to a service center that specializes in BMWs or settle for a local mechanic.
I want to make sure that the car is properly checked and maintained.
Any comment and suggestion is deeply appreciated. Thanks!

[Antiburn]

Well local mechanics sometimes do chop jobs and fix the problem but do a really bad job on it. Of course it might be cheaper. Dealers do the job correctly but will cost you $. Its up 2 you which one you wana do.

But there always is the fact that the mechanic will do a good job for a cheaper amount. Its sort of a gamble sometimes with private garages.

[johnnywha5]

thanks a whole lot dude

[Skycity_BMW]

I would invest in a code reader . . . http://www.bimmerzone.com/resettool.htm

and a Bentley repair manual . . .

try to do it yourself and if not go onto different boards to find out where some good shops are at.


Good Luck ! !

[rsn48]

I've used both, however the garage mechanic I use only works on BMW's. I've found that for performance enhancements, the private guy is the one to go to. In matters that are routine, I go to two different BMW service centres.

I've had positive experiences with everyone I have used related to BMW. I am willing to bet there is a private guy in your area specializing in BMW's; try him out and the local dealership service centre and form your own opinion from there.

Also for breathing new life into an older Bimmer, I've found the dealership to be better at telling me other businesses to frequent when it comes to interior repairs, like leather restoration. Also the dealer recommendations for body work has also been superb.

[beemer5]

I took my car to a foreign specialist and after $800 and 1 week it still did not run right.. I then took it to the BMW dealer.. 2 hours and $210 the car was running great...

[bahwan]

I would go with the dealer, BMW's are so vastly different than any other car that unless you know something about them, you can't work on them other than simple things...

[Skycity_BMW]

Well than . . . It must be nice to pay . . up to $120.00 an hour @ the $tealer ! ! !

[beemer5]

I got a 92 BMW off a lady who said the car would not run right. She had her mechanic try to fix it ( new computer, new fuel pump, new coiles, new wires, and some new sensors ) she was finished $1800 later the car still did not run right... I took the car to the dealer and he said it had the wrong spark plugs in... the plugs looked new, I though they were good.. new plugs and $40..the car was flying...
Sometimes when you can't fix it you have to go to the dealer or take you chances