Main service

Rickp · Post by **Rickp** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 4:30 pm

Hello all. While a regular forum visitor, I've not posted before. So apologies as I'm cheekily asking for help

My B5 Biturbo is having a major service at my local BMW dealer. They've had it before and having again explained to them what an Alpina is, I was surprised to have a call to tell me it wouldn't be ready as expected as they needed to order the right spark plugs - the ones I had pointed out they would need beforehand.

That was yesterday. Today they told me again it wouldn't be ready because now they've got to the plugs, they have found that the engine breather pipes are corroded and need to be replaced/ordered.

I'm entirely in their hands when it comes to the additional cost to fit these - being Â£320 - parts Â£130 +VAT then labour - which sounds high. Should I be so trusting?

Thanks in advance.

D3orbust · Post by **D3orbust** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 5:22 pm

Sounds to me like you need to find someone else to service your B5.

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 5:22 pm

I don't know where you are based, but I would not go near a BMW dealer for any work other than warranty.
They are not called stealers for nothing.
I have been very fortunate in finding an Indie who I trust completely, if you could let us know where you are, I am sure someone on the forum can recommend a non BMW garage.

bene1989 · Post by **bene1989** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:05 pm

im needing to get my D3 bi-turbo serviced , and was going to got to bmw main dealer , but does anyone know of any independent Alpina specialists on here ?

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:10 pm

bene1989 wrote:im needing to get my D3 bi-turbo serviced , and was going to got to bmw main dealer , but does anyone know of any independent Alpina specialists on here ?

We need to know, where in the UK you are, before any recommendations can be given.

bene1989 · Post by **bene1989** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:17 pm

i can be in either.. Sheffield south yorkshire or surrounding areas . or around Northampton/Oxford/Milton keynes ..

Rickp · Post by **Rickp** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:48 pm

Thank you B10RBW, an indie recommendation would be useful - I see you're Kent as I am - I'm Folkestone but happy to be as mobile as necessary..

B10BRW · Post by **B10BRW** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 11:41 pm

Rickp wrote:Thank you B10RBW, an indie recommendation would be useful - I see you're Kent as I am - I'm Folkestone but happy to be as mobile as necessary..

Folkestone to Tunbridge Wells is only 46 miles

, I would highly recommend Corn Exchange Garage in TW.

I would trust them to do any work at a very reasonable price.
The owner is Phil Copper, who is an ex BMW mechanic/engineer with over 30 years specialising in BMW's.

01892 530393

We could meet up for a coffee whilst your car is being serviced.

Rickp · Post by **Rickp** » Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:15 pm

Thankyou for this valuable contact. Committed as I was to the main dealer, I have let them finish the job but will certainly be in touch with Corn Exchange when she next needs looking at - not too soon I hope, wallet now much lighter.

Not all the breather pipes needed to be changed in the end which reduced the load (slightly..)

Be good to catch up B10 - not many of us down here, I have seen possibly three others of any model in the last 30k miles/18 months of ownership!