Knock off filters are sold at your local parts supplier under the BMW part number.

As has been posted by many people before: The only one I would trust is myself to do the job RIGHT with the right parts, check it twice and made sure everything functions after service is completed. No problems.

What makes it certain that what is written was ever performed. Yes, there are parts on the service ticket but were they installed? Example: Plugs, were all of them installed or just the easy ones? Having 4 years at a dealer and 20 + years in the auto industry this is a common problem. That is why Service Quality Control is an issue everywhere. Dealer Serviced could mean it was done right or was a "short cut" job.

There are GREAT shops out there.
Most independents live and breathe on doing the job right.
A lot of DIY do it right.
Unfortunately, some of the people in the auto repair industry are down right butchers. Some are techs that are pushed, tired, "short cut experts"; some are DIYers that use the cheapest parts (wire, universal parts, etc) to get by until someone else owns it.

The rest are suspect.

Bottom line: DIY and you will always know how and what was done to your vehicle everytime. No questions, no worries.

__________________

2005 X5 4.8IS
The Blue ones are always FASTER....

Current Garage:
2005 X5 4.8is
2002 M5 TiSilver
2003 525iT
1998 528i
Former Garage Stable Highlights
2004 325XiT Sport
1973 De Tomaso Pantera, L Model
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp GoManGo Green
1971 Dart Sport, “Dart Light” package
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Ply Barracuda 340S FB Sea-foam Green