Roundel550

In 21 years of driving now I have never had anyone change my oil. But with my previous Mercedes I would see posts on how much the dealer charged for an oil change and thought "hmmmm, I pay about that much just for the oil and filter". I continued my own oil changes but with purchasing my current BMW I thought why not see what an oil chang cost as my free time is more limited these days with a family and home.

I call the dealer a few weeks ago and the service guy says for the most part just drive up. I had the day off to do a few projects and had some time to try and squeeze an oil change in, or I thought. Another service guy is on duty than who I spoke with before and tells me "they are booked". Not a big deal so I ask "how about Saturdays"? Negative on that as they usually are very busy as well with limited staff. From there I am asked if I want to make an appointment and I figure "why not". The girl takes my info and then asks " what time I want to come in". I ask "anything from 3 pm on available". That is a no go also as mechanics leave by 4 pm which seems early. At that point I said "I had no idea an oil change would be so complicated and I'll just do it myself".

I was even willing to pay the inflated prices for air and micro filters to establish a relationship with my local dealer but like many others on here I'll continue to buy parts much cheaper online, do my own maintenance as always, and find a good indy for any major work that hopefully never happens.

T1000BP

You said it the best. Once I'm outta warranty. I tend to stay away from "STEALER"SHIPS.

545felix

you'd flip down here, the dealer wants $300. for an OIL CHANGE. even with $80 worth of oil and filter that's no contest, I'll do it myself in 20-30 minutes.

Roundel550

This is my first used car in over 12 years. Luckily all my previous new cars were reliable so I haven't dealt with dealer service in ages and never realized what a circus to get something done.


I would have never entertained an oil change if told $300. I was also naive in thinking ECU updates were done with the oil change and that's another reason for wanting to go to the dealer. No scans are another $69.

luigi524td

There are good and bad everywhere ... maybe I've been lucky for the most part to have dealt with a competant and honest dealer and independent BMW mechanics.
It pains me to read posts like this since BMWs can live long and happy lives when they are carefully serviced.