Which dealership has best labor rates?

PSI Power · 05-23-2007, 08:35 AM

Hey,
Which dealership in the DC area has the best labor rates for things like oil changes and such?

Has anyone had a dealership program their E9x after getting the BMW OEM Alarm installed?

Which dealerships are friendlier for doing programming and aftermarket work?

Thx.

Spool · 05-23-2007, 09:10 AM

Oil changes are free first 4 years...

Or you can do it yourself, very simple..

and I wouldn't bring my car into dealership for any aftermarket parts...more reason for them to void your warranty...

I do all the installation myself...

PSI Power · 05-23-2007, 09:50 AM

Yup. I will do most of my own work myself as well.
My last Audi had 185k miles on it, I changed the oil myself every 4k miles.

When I hit 1200 miles, I plan on doing an oil change and transmission fluid change. I might have a dealership do it for the transmission fluid change. Just trying to see which dealership will screw me over the least.

Thx.

Spacegray335i · 05-23-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSI Power

Yup. I will do most of my own work myself as well.
My last Audi had 185k miles on it, I changed the oil myself every 4k miles.

When I hit 1200 miles, I plan on doing an oil change and transmission fluid change. I might have a dealership do it for the transmission fluid change. Just trying to see which dealership will screw me over the least.

Thx.

hey bro,

Just curious why would you want to change the oil (engine and transmission) at this early stage? I don't see any benefits of doing so.

In fact, synthetic oil should last 10k. For transmission, if you have a stick, it's a very low maintenance item--no need to flush or change the transmission fluild. The only reason you might want to change to a thinner oil is to have a better "feel" during shifting. For AT, I think you change the oil every 50k miles? This is at least what I was told from the mechanics that I know...someone correct me if I am wrong...

PSI Power · 05-23-2007, 12:12 PM

I just feel that with a brand new engine and brand new tranny, there will be some metals that may need to groove into each other. Gears will meet for the first time, pistons and cylinder walls will meet for the first time.
I may just be paranoid but I think when these metals match each other, they may shave a few microscopic paticles for a better fit. I would feel better about flushing out these possible metal particles and what not out and start from brand new. Some people say you should do this and some people say why bother?

I tend to drive my car harder than the average driver. My last car, an 2001 Audi S4, in Nogaro Blue had license plates S4SPEED. I enjoy spirited, but controlled driving. I also might take my 335 out to a road race course like Summit Point or VIR.

For my work, I drive between 30k - 50k miles a year. I just sold my '01 S4 in Feb and it had 185k miles on it. I changed my oil every 4k miles and performed regular maintenance and the engine held up very well. I did have to replace my turbos at 120k miles but that was because I was chipped and modified.

So,
Is it necessary to change the oil and tranny fluid at 1200 miles? --Don't know.
Will it hurt? --No.
Will it cost money? --A little bit.
Will it make me feel better? --YES.

I am in no way a mechanical engineer or a mechanic. So please take this information for what its worth.

Scottz71 · 05-23-2007, 12:18 PM

I just hit 3k miles and need to do an oil change...anyone want to DIY with me...anyone have some ramps we could borrow?? I have all the sockets and such, just need the ramps....I wanna do this soon...

PSI Power · 05-23-2007, 12:33 PM

No ramps here.
I usually jack up my car and put jack stands to help keep the car up. At least on my previous car.

I don't have my Bimmer yet so I can't provide much more input than that.

Scottz71 · 05-23-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSI Power

No ramps here.
I usually jack up my car and put jack stands to help keep the car up. At least on my previous car.

I don't have my Bimmer yet so I can't provide much more input than that.

Anyone have Rhino Ramps, or a good low profile lift with a BMW extension pad?

ase2dais · 05-23-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottz71

I just hit 3k miles and need to do an oil change...anyone want to DIY with me...anyone have some ramps we could borrow?? I have all the sockets and such, just need the ramps....I wanna do this soon...

just use the curbside!

... btw I think I saw a Passport flyer that does oil chnge for $79.00, coz I know all together oil and filter cost about $50 at the dealership. See if Sterling can match it.

FrankoQ · 05-23-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottz71

Anyone have Rhino Ramps, or a good low profile lift with a BMW extension pad?

I have ramps. Not sure if they work on your car.
They don't work on mine because of the front lip.

FrankoQ · 05-23-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSI Power

Hey,
Which dealership in the DC area has the best labor rates for things like oil changes and such?

Tischer in Silver Spring is about $109/hour

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSI Power

Has anyone had a dealership program their E9x after getting the BMW OEM Alarm installed?

Tischer did my alarm activation. they charged for an hour.
They took like 30 minutes. I tried but could not make them just charge me the 1/2 hour.
Still, they did not bark when i told them I installed it and just needed the activation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSI Power

Which dealerships are friendlier for doing programming and aftermarket work?

Thx.

They seem very relaxed and not giving resistance when making such requests.
I also scheduled a software update. After reading on how some dealers do not want to do it or want to charge, I expected some resistance.
They were very cool and just scheduled me for June 4.

So far, I'm very happy with them.

cycler2 · 05-23-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ase2dais

just use the curbside!

... btw I think I saw a Passport flyer that does oil chnge for $79.00, coz I know all together oil and filter cost about $50 at the dealership. See if Sterling can match it.

I tried to use that flier at Passport and my SA told me it does not apply to
E9X cars (I saw the flier on Passport's internet site, but could not read the fine print). I just got a print version of the flier and the fine print states that clearly. My post-break-in oil change at Passport cost $109, about the going rate.

cycler2 · 05-23-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSI Power

Is it necessary to change the oil and tranny fluid at 1200 miles? --Don't know.
Will it hurt? --No.
Will it cost money? --A little bit.
Will it make me feel better? --YES.

I think that's the correct analysis. It won't hurt; it just costs money. If it makes you feel better, go for it. I did.

PSI Power · 05-23-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Tischer in Silver Spring is about $109/hour

Tischer did my alarm activation. they charged for an hour.
They took like 30 minutes. I tried but could not make them just charge me the 1/2 hour.
Still, they did not bark when i told them I installed it and just needed the activation.

They seem very relaxed and not giving resistance when making such requests.
I also scheduled a software update. After reading on how some dealers do not want to do it or want to charge, I expected some resistance.
They were very cool and just scheduled me for June 4.

So far, I'm very happy with them.

Thank you very much for the info FrankoQ.
That is what I was looking for.

jrios_jr · 05-24-2007, 08:52 PM

yeah when you buy the car they jsut tell you "free maintenance" they forget to metion it's going to be from 12k - 15k miles before you get the "free maintenance" when i bought the car i though I would be saving $$ b/c of the "free maintenance" or else i would of bought a geo metro!!!

bimdaddy · 05-24-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottz71

I just hit 3k miles and need to do an oil change...anyone want to DIY with me...anyone have some ramps we could borrow?? I have all the sockets and such, just need the ramps....I wanna do this soon...

I have been using my homemade ramps made out of 2x12" for many years now. No problems. My e36 m3, 4-runner, Odyssey cleared no problem. The 2 small black wind deflectors touches a bit on the 335i.

dinkoh · 05-28-2007, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Tischer in Silver Spring is about $109/hour

Tischer did my alarm activation. they charged for an hour.
They took like 30 minutes. I tried but could not make them just charge me the 1/2 hour.
Still, they did not bark when i told them I installed it and just needed the activation.

They seem very relaxed and not giving resistance when making such requests.
I also scheduled a software update. After reading on how some dealers do not want to do it or want to charge, I expected some resistance.
They were very cool and just scheduled me for June 4.

So far, I'm very happy with them.

Any particular SA you recommed at Tischer. I live in Bmore, and I was thinking about who to go to in the future.

FrankoQ · 06-04-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinkoh

Any particular SA you recommed at Tischer. I live in Bmore, and I was thinking about who to go to in the future.

Steve Orcutt helped me and he was very nice.

jreaton · 06-14-2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinkoh

Any particular SA you recommed at Tischer. I live in Bmore, and I was thinking about who to go to in the future.

Nicole/Silver Team

05-23-2007, 08:35 AM	#1
PSI Power Twin Power Goodness 50 Rep 664 Posts Drives: '18 F80 M3 ZCP SO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (2)	Which dealership has best labor rates? Hey, Which dealership in the DC area has the best labor rates for things like oil changes and such? Has anyone had a dealership program their E9x after getting the BMW OEM Alarm installed? Which dealerships are friendlier for doing programming and aftermarket work? Thx. __________________ '18 F80 M3 ZCP, Sakhir Orange - 11/17/18 '07 E90 335i, Montego Blue - Sold 9/28/18 '15 X5 Diesel, Mineral White - Current '06 Honda S2000, Laguna Blue - Current
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05-23-2007, 09:10 AM	#2
Spool ****** 558 Rep 6,169 Posts Drives: A few Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (24)	Oil changes are free first 4 years... Or you can do it yourself, very simple.. and I wouldn't bring my car into dealership for any aftermarket parts...more reason for them to void your warranty... I do all the installation myself... __________________ MKIV 6spd 1000hp Club
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05-23-2007, 09:50 AM	#3
PSI Power Twin Power Goodness 50 Rep 664 Posts Drives: '18 F80 M3 ZCP SO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (2)	Yup. I will do most of my own work myself as well. My last Audi had 185k miles on it, I changed the oil myself every 4k miles. When I hit 1200 miles, I plan on doing an oil change and transmission fluid change. I might have a dealership do it for the transmission fluid change. Just trying to see which dealership will screw me over the least. Thx. __________________ '18 F80 M3 ZCP, Sakhir Orange - 11/17/18 '07 E90 335i, Montego Blue - Sold 9/28/18 '15 X5 Diesel, Mineral White - Current '06 Honda S2000, Laguna Blue - Current
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05-23-2007, 12:12 PM	#5
PSI Power Twin Power Goodness 50 Rep 664 Posts Drives: '18 F80 M3 ZCP SO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (2)	I just feel that with a brand new engine and brand new tranny, there will be some metals that may need to groove into each other. Gears will meet for the first time, pistons and cylinder walls will meet for the first time. I may just be paranoid but I think when these metals match each other, they may shave a few microscopic paticles for a better fit. I would feel better about flushing out these possible metal particles and what not out and start from brand new. Some people say you should do this and some people say why bother? I tend to drive my car harder than the average driver. My last car, an 2001 Audi S4, in Nogaro Blue had license plates S4SPEED. I enjoy spirited, but controlled driving. I also might take my 335 out to a road race course like Summit Point or VIR. For my work, I drive between 30k - 50k miles a year. I just sold my '01 S4 in Feb and it had 185k miles on it. I changed my oil every 4k miles and performed regular maintenance and the engine held up very well. I did have to replace my turbos at 120k miles but that was because I was chipped and modified. So, Is it necessary to change the oil and tranny fluid at 1200 miles? --Don't know. Will it hurt? --No. Will it cost money? --A little bit. Will it make me feel better? --YES. I am in no way a mechanical engineer or a mechanic. So please take this information for what its worth. __________________ '18 F80 M3 ZCP, Sakhir Orange - 11/17/18 '07 E90 335i, Montego Blue - Sold 9/28/18 '15 X5 Diesel, Mineral White - Current '06 Honda S2000, Laguna Blue - Current
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05-23-2007, 12:18 PM	#6
Scottz71 Colonel 62 Rep 2,577 Posts Drives: '16 F25 X3 - Space Grey Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redondo Beach, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 Porsche Cayman ... [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i (E90) [0.00] 2016 BMW X3 35xLine ... [0.00]	I just hit 3k miles and need to do an oil change...anyone want to DIY with me...anyone have some ramps we could borrow?? I have all the sockets and such, just need the ramps....I wanna do this soon... __________________ '16 F25 X3 3.5XLine - Space Gray (Riley) '15 981 Cayman GTS - Pure White (The Wolf) '07 E90 335i - Titanium Silver (Kreiger) '07 E92 335i - Space Gray (Brock) retired '15 i3 REx Giga World - Capparis White (Randy) retired
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05-23-2007, 12:33 PM	#7
PSI Power Twin Power Goodness 50 Rep 664 Posts Drives: '18 F80 M3 ZCP SO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (2)	No ramps here. I usually jack up my car and put jack stands to help keep the car up. At least on my previous car. I don't have my Bimmer yet so I can't provide much more input than that. __________________ '18 F80 M3 ZCP, Sakhir Orange - 11/17/18 '07 E90 335i, Montego Blue - Sold 9/28/18 '15 X5 Diesel, Mineral White - Current '06 Honda S2000, Laguna Blue - Current
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05-24-2007, 08:52 PM	#15
jrios_jr First Bimmer 4 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 3333555 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Viena, VA iTrader: (0)	yeah when you buy the car they jsut tell you "free maintenance" they forget to metion it's going to be from 12k - 15k miles before you get the "free maintenance" when i bought the car i though I would be saving $$ b/c of the "free maintenance" or else i would of bought a geo metro!!! __________________ .
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