[Poodle]

I brought my 2015 428i to dealer for annual service. It has 59k on it so it has been out of warranty for a while. In the end I got a bill of more than $1000. Wondering if I'm scammed, and if I should go somewhere for future services:

1. 60k fuel system service: $250

2. 60k coolant system service: $250

3. Oil change: $250

4. Brake fluid change: $250

All those round numbers make me feel the service adviser is trying to make me pay more. In the details, there are reasonably priced part cost, but the labor cost seems arbitrary to make up the difference to stated $250.

What do you guys think? Thanks!

[zamboni]

Take it to German Motors Specialist in Mountain View and they do offer competitive rate for the service. Peter pan BMW had the oil service for under $99 and which dealer did you go for the service. Print out the service coupons and they will honor that cost.

[Poodle]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Take it to German Motors Specialist in Mountain View and they do offer competitive rate for the service. Peter pan BMW had the oil service for under $99 and which dealer did you go for the service. Print out the service coupons and they will honor that cost.

It is BMW of Mountain View. And I will check out the German Motor Specialist. They seem to have good reviews online

[John in VA]

#s 3 & 4 are over double what the charge is here on the east coast. No idea on other jobs.

[SCS55]

Originally Posted by Poodle

I brought my 2015 428i to dealer for annual service. It has 59k on it so it has been out of warranty for a while. In the end I got a bill of more than $1000. Wondering if I'm scammed, and if I should go somewhere for future services:

1. 60k fuel system service: $250

2. 60k coolant system service: $250

3. Oil change: $250

4. Brake fluid change: $250

All those round numbers make me feel the service adviser is trying to make me pay more. In the details, there are reasonably priced part cost, but the labor cost seems arbitrary to make up the difference to stated $250.

What do you guys think? Thanks!

Way too high for oil change. East Coast prices here....I paid for an out of warranty brake flush on a 335i and was charged $169.00 and $99.00 for same car oil change. My 16' M3 oil change is only $125.00 at the dealer!

Fuel system service? I'm pretty sure that would have to include a fuel filter which I'm not sure if that's a normal service item? My F30 owners manual doesn't mention it.

I'd either learn to DIY and save hundreds or find a good Indy Euro mechanic.

[zamboni]

Originally Posted by Poodle

It is BMW of Mountain View. And I will check out the German Motor Specialist. They seem to have good reviews online

Call them up and ask for Paul mention my name and they will offer 10% discount on the service.

[Poodle]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Call them up and ask for Paul mention my name and they will offer 10% discount on the service.

Originally Posted by zamboni

Call them up and ask for Paul mention my name and they will offer 10% discount on the service.

Thanks man!

[Poodle]

Originally Posted by SCS55

Way too high for oil change. East Coast prices here....I paid for an out of warranty brake flush on a 335i and was charged $169.00 and $99.00 for same car oil change. My 16' M3 oil change is only $125.00 at the dealer!

Fuel system service? I'm pretty sure that would have to include a fuel filter which I'm not sure if that's a normal service item? My F30 owners manual doesn't mention it.

I'd either learn to DIY and save hundreds or find a good Indy Euro mechanic.

Yeah I will definitely start doing some work myself. That's actually one of the reasons i joined this forum...

[Pauloxxi]

After warranty, I would only take to independent mechanics. There are good ones with knowledge on BMW. Taking to BMW dealer you will indirectly pay for the environment, the coffee, and for the loaner vehicle undoubtedly.
After warranty period, the BMW dealers only see me for recalls.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by SCS55

Fuel system service? I'm pretty sure that would have to include a fuel filter which I'm not sure if that's a normal service item? My F30 owners manual doesn't mention it.

It doesn't mention it because there isn't one, other than that permanently installed in the fuel pump. I bet what he got for his $250 was a $9.95 bottle of Techron in his tank. That's probably what the OP got screwed on the worst, but $250 for any of those services is at least twice what he should have paid. Cooling system service? WTF is that? Even a complete draining and refilling is a $125 item, tops.

[FaRKle!]

$250-$300/hr is a typical dealer labor rate in the Bay Area.

$180-$300/hr is what I've seen from good indy shops in the same market.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

$250-$300/hr is a typical dealer labor rate in the Bay Area.

$180-$300/hr is what I've seen from good indy shops in the same market.

That's insane! Our local BMW dealership charges $110/hr. Heck, the local exotic service center is $155/hr and the franchise dealer is only $180/hr for my Ferrari.

I can't fathom those labor costs.

[Gen13 F36]

Cigarette/ vape break anyone🤔

[PhizzurpF]

$250 for an oil change?! I'm almost certain most dealers, no matter the coast, charge between $89 and $130. I pay $89.99 for oil and filter.

Sounds to me like this dealer is picking your pockets before year end. I would definitely call other shops and compare prices.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

$250-$300/hr is a typical dealer labor rate in the Bay Area.

$180-$300/hr is what I've seen from good indy shops in the same market.

Exactly. I knew when looking at first post it was most likely in Bay Area and confirmed that on OP profile.

Originally Posted by Run Silent

That's insane! Our local BMW dealership charges $110/hr. Heck, the local exotic service center is $155/hr and the franchise dealer is only $180/hr for my Ferrari.

I can't fathom those labor costs.

Welcome to California. One has to pay for the insane property costs that Dealership sits on, $15 minimum wage and free Healthcare for illegal immigrants somehow.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Exactly. I knew when looking at first post it was most likely in Bay Area and confirmed that on OP profile.



Welcome to California. One has to pay for the insane property costs that Dealership sits on, $15 minimum wage and free Healthcare for illegal immigrants somehow.

So glad I live in TN.

[Derekrpd]

My God. Those are ridiculous prices even for a dealership! An independent dealer like others of said would have saved you 50-60% at least. Live and learn.

[F30lolz]

Indy shops that I know of in the Miami area charge $150-$180 for oil changes (Non M cars) while dealers are cheaper at around $90-$130 for non M cars as well. Makes no sense as it should be the other way around. Reminds me of food trucks as they are overpriced and cost more than restaurants and the food is OK, not worth the markup.

Not surprised by those Cali prices, though go to an indy for maintenance unless your local dealers have online service/maintenance coupons.

[Gen13 F36]

It's not a surprise at all... DCH Honda south of los Angeles charge me $95 dollars for oil change (2013 Civic SI )

Brake fluid $149
Fuel injector cleaner $199 ( this is like jiffy lube) lol I don't know what they do... maybe same as Chevron te on gas tank.)
Cabin filter $99

🤦*♂️

[wilbur_the_goose]

For example, BMW of Reading (PA) just charged me about $40 for a state emission and safety inspection. An oil change was < $100 - in line with even local oil change shops.

Those charges you have are insane!

[EBS0712]

Are you a member of BMW CCA? If not it may be to your advantage to join as the local chapters usually have relationships / recommendations / discounts with local independent BMW shops.
www.bmwcca.org

[CrumbyButter]

$250 for an oil change wtaf