Servicing Question...

[\\Mike_Lea//]

As my bike is no longer covered by any warranty is it acceptable to find a good independent garage / mechanic to do the servicing?

The reason I ask is that the annual service + MOT I've just had done cost me £323 inc. VAT. Not an insubstantial amount of cash and bearing in mind I'm no where near competent, or confident for that matter, to service myself I'm kinda stuck between a rock and hard place...

I've heard conflicting stories about how bikes without full BMW stamps in the service book don't carry the same value when you come to sell them; and I suppose if I was buying I know which one I'd be more likely to choose!!

Next year I'll be due a major service and I've also been told that some aspects of the annual servicing isn't covered by the major one, so yet again there's potential for additional cost according to the dealership; albeit that the annual service done recently is the "bigger one" which included servicing the braking system (ABS on my model)

Any comments or suggestions warmly welcomed!!

M

[riceburner]

Where are you based Mike?

There's a couple of independants within the South East of the UK - Steptoe from UKGSers I THINK is based in a shop, and there's another guy who's BMW trained - he used to operate in/around London out the back of a van - can't remember the company name though.

Are you a BMWOC member? They might be worth asking?

[telson]

There is a another independent garage, with knowledgeable personnel and decent prices at the base of M11.

Let us know where you're located.

[\\Mike_Lea//]

I'm based in Cheshire ; don't suppose you know of anywhere/one else in and around the North West or North Staffordshire?

I'm not a member of BMWOC no, but I must admit I've considered it. About £25 per annum? Might be worth a try... I do know of a guy locally who is or has been a member, so I could ask him.

Thanks for tips...

M

[\\Mike_Lea//]

Just a quick update; I've spoken to someone I know who's a BMWOC member and they've recommended someone based in the North. They actually advertise in the BMWOC magazine and come highly recommended.

I'm not due a service now until next year, but as I said the cost of the Major and Annual service combined would be substantial. I don't think this guy comes cheap as such, but I fairly certain it'll be a reasonable saving over the dealership.

Reading through the BMWOC magazine has made me consider actually joining!!

Thanks for your help...

Mike

[duke]

These are the ones I know of, but have not tried any to be honest.
My preference would be better quality over cheap price.

(all London based)

Jap and German Motorcycles
Web site: http://www.japandgerman.co.uk/

Neil Harrison, GSShop
http://www.mepage.co.uk/gs/index.html

BMW Bob Porecha (this might be only airheads, have not checked yet).

Telson - can you please let me know the M11 garage?
James - please share your information too ...