Insp II - Dealer or Indy

chefwong · #1 03-01-2009, 04:57 PM

FWIW, I have a great indy. Trust him way more than the dealer. Rates are inline with dealer rates (indy is not cheaper or if it is, maybe $15hr cheaper) - $110 I think. AFAIK, he does not own a autologic or Gt1. His main client base is pcars but does ALOT of work on performance M3/M5, etc. I will drive 1.5hrs just to get a tire patched, if need be....this is to the extent I trust my indy and appreciate the level of service he does.

I definitely have a coolant loss which is most likely the infamous valley pan gasket. Just short of that, and the infamous CCV which is on due time, I don't think she needs any more work done. Filters, oil, spark, waterpump, thermostat, both belts have been changed.

So just short of these 2 mechanical issues.....will I be better off with my Indy or Dealer. If there was a bug that had to be truly diagnosed, I suppose it would be the dealer. But for all intents and purposes, I think the following should be fine with my Indy.

I'd be curious to hear your opinion on whether you guys think Insp II is more dealer oriented or indy. From past threads, there seems to be 2 camps to this....

X5 Meister · #2 03-01-2009, 05:13 PM

Honestly it depends on your indy. A long time ago I once went to one with a very old BMW worth a couple grand and he basically want to do $5000 in repairs. Uhhh, no thanks. Dealer just fixed the known problems for a few hundred and that was that. So it really depends.

chefwong · #3 03-01-2009, 06:52 PM

U know what it is as well. I would rather keep the $$ in the indys pockets but ultimately I think this is going back to the dealer. These guys see BMW's day in and day out, and know what the common issues to look for....

motordavid · #4 03-01-2009, 07:06 PM

I had an "Insp II" type of service a year and a half ago, at a well regarded Indie in Asheville. I got to watch much of it, waiting for my wife to pick me up. The mechanic spent an hour and 1/2 combing the car, with occasionally the shop owner chipping in. And, about half the price of the dlr. Anecdotal I realize but imo, the dlr will throw it on a lift for 30 mins while the oil is being changed. Try Search Tab: a page of threads on Insp II. The local dlr would be my 2nd choice for that kind of work.
GL,mD

X5 Meister · #5 03-01-2009, 07:14 PM

He must have loved being watched the whole time!

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

I had an "Insp II" type of service a year and a half ago, at a well regarded Indie in Asheville. I got to watch much of it, waiting for my wife to pick me up. The mechanic spent an hour and 1/2 combing the car, with occasionally the shop owner chipping in. And, about half the price of the dlr. Anecdotal I realize but imo, the dlr will throw it on a lift for 30 mins while the oil is being changed. Try Search Tab: a page of threads on Insp II. The local dlr would be my 2nd choice for that kind of work.
GL,mD

motordavid · #6 03-01-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

He must have loved being watched the whole time!

I was in their waiting room which has a picture window looking out
into the hospital-like service area...I wasn't tagging along at his heels.

chilliwilli · #7 03-01-2009, 10:35 PM

I'm also up for inspection II and coincidentally BMW of Manhattan recently sent me a letter offering a free and thorough inspection. They, along with 2 other dealers in NYC have been trying to win back my trust and business. Even with their "free" inspection, they can kiss my ass (literally)for all i care. My experiences with all of them have been nothing short of terrible and i'm even more peeved at the amount of $$$ spent over the years.

I'm now taking my business to a reputable NYC Euro-auto shop who will give my X the attention she deserves and get it right the first time around, instead of 2nd or 3rd visit for the same issue. They also happen to be a Dinan dealer and very familiar with X5's as their head-tech drives a Dinan-tuned 4.4i.

Our current economic environment may be good for indy's as they're really fighting for our business. Good luck

realchef · #8 03-01-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefwong

U know what it is as well. I would rather keep the $$ in the indys pockets but ultimately I think this is going back to the dealer. These guys see BMW's day in and day out, and know what the common issues to look for....

An honest dealer trumps and honest indy.

chefwong · #9 03-01-2009, 08:28 PM

MD -

I don't think I'm going to the dealer under the WO/premise on InspII. Mainly for coolant leak and I'm sure they will find other *stuff* on their recommended list as well.

So just short of the deductible, diagnostic time and hopefully nothing that exceeds Warranty Directs *labor rate time*, I'm hoping it will be no more than a $300 visit. $100 deductible, and I'm not even sure what their diag. fees is but I assume $150

X5 Meister · #10 03-01-2009, 10:20 PM

I know. I was just making a joke.