Why I don't trust Dealer or Indy shops

[lhordmclain]

Dealership is a cash cow, I think the business model for service dept. is to earn more than the new and used cars sales dept.

* so service advisors will over sell the maintenance and repairs
* charge for diagnostics or inspection for vehicles even with extended warranty ( say it's free because not included), they don't want to waste their time.
* or unless the customer complain, don't fix it

Is it the owner of the dealership or BMW NA who is letting this happen ?

Some SA and mechanics are disgusted by these policies - they want to help owners to fix the vehicle(s) in a cost effective manner. Indy shops are born

Some Indy shops thinks and act like a dealership (cash cows).

And other Indy's are reputable and honest, they will only fix what is needed to get your vehicle back on the road and mention some repairs that can wait. But at the end of the day it's business, the shop needs to earn money / be profitable.
- installing OEM or aftermarket parts, and charge for OE price
- hire emerging mechanics ( cheaper rate )
- good mechanics (higher rate)

Edit: "If you're good at something, never do it for free! ...." - joker


DIY is a full commitment, not for the lazy / impatient owners. Some are quick learners - instruction based, some are naturals - self taught / no manuals.
Some have limited facility/space and tools/equipment, even if they are able, the need to defer to an Indy or dealership.

[ants_oz]

Don't know what it's like in the USA and elsewhere, but in Australia the new car sales dep't is not a money-making area for the dealership. Dealerships here are basically funded by the service dep't.

[DillonInCO]

How do you know the oil was always changed at the dealer and a reputable indie? I'd almost bet money it was one of those quick lube places, or a previous owner, that did it. I trust the work of BMW dealers around here, I just don't use them because they're too expensive. A good indie has diagnostic tools that I don't, and probably never will. I'm fortunate to be good friends with someone who works at one, so I trust them completely.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by DillonInCO

.... A good indie has diagnostic tools that I don't, and probably never will. ...

You can actually get the diagnostics software and hardware for only $50. It runs on a notebook and you can do everything that the dealer is able to do as far as software diagnostics and programming/coding of your BMW is concerned.
Here's an example:
BMW OBD USB Diagnostic Fault Code Cable - This Lead allows full Coding, Programming and Diagnostics for your BMW

[ants_oz]

My diesel has two openings in the plate, but only one cover specced from the factory.

[Jungerishere]

I didn't realized 4.6 had the oil filter housing on top. Here is a photo of the two openings in the plate. Top opening is under the drain plug for I6. The bottom opening is under the oil filter and the drain plug for N62. BMW states that there is no cover under the oil filter (bottom opening).

[X5only]

Originally Posted by Jungerishere

I didn't realized 4.6 had the oil filter housing on top. Here is a photo of the two openings in the plate. Top opening is under the drain plug for I6. The bottom opening is under the oil filter and the drain plug for N62. BMW states that there is no cover under the oil filter (bottom opening).

My 2005 4.4 (N62 engine) has no such cover and looks like yours. Parts diagram shows the same.
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E5...gine_compartm/

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by X5only

My 2005 4.4 (N62 engine) has no such cover and looks like yours. Parts diagram shows the same.
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E5...gine_compartm/

My reinforcement plate looks very different on the 4.6

[admranger]

And the covers aren't available from the parts department as far as I can tell...(and have been told by my parts guy).

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by admranger

And the covers aren't available from the parts department as far as I can tell...(and have been told by my parts guy).

Thats where I ordered mine from and less than a year ago. Maybe they discontinued them? Glad I bought a spare then if they did.

Its part #2