I believe we are all correct in this, in the fact that it definately is a preference, and the forum is correct in stating that you can find a local guy to do the oil changes, brakes, etc... by my experience, and as you can tell, i have had a lot of cars, some have been "dealer only" and some have not...
But the point I am making is that the local expert(which I took one of my Porsches and a Bimmer) is good until you have a major problem with them, they can stand behind there work to a point, as to a BMW dealer will be accountable for the dealership name, reputation and work.
My Experience is that this can become trouble free driving ownership, for a high end car, meaning a convenience factor in, loan cars, ($100 coffee) lol, when yours is in the shop and a dealership will stand behind there product.
The other guys are good, don't get me wrong, but when $hit hits the fan, (again, experience) and you question there work, or if you are not happy, guess who will be the one left behind? and of course these are My facts and my experience... But at the end of the day, to each it's own, this is why we have these forums, to share experiences, whether they are good or bad...
Also, there are somethings you just
don't get at the dealership, such as replacement tires, window tint, car detail....etc...
Also, remember you do have up to the time the original factory runs out, so if you were to buy a car, NON CPO with Low miles, and want to get a Main. Plan, you still can do so... at a later date...
ak.