BMW Dealer vs. Others !!

[concoran]

As I mentioned in some of my recent posts, I recently bought a 2001 325i.
I would like to know, from you knowledgeable folks, how reliable are mechanics who claim to be BMW specialized vs Dealers? In that, will I need to go to a dealer for every oil change?
In my town, there is only one BMW dealer, so pretty much every guy goes there. He has a monopoly, but even then I have heard good things about him, and why would you not, if you're paying 450$ for oil change?. But is so much money for oil change at a dealership worth it? Can local shops, such as pepboys or meineke do for cheaper? Is it OK?
Pls enlighten.

Other thing is - who, other than dealerships can care for a BMW? How do I find if they are credible? Again, pls enlighten.

 

[epj3]

If they are a BMW certified master mechanic, they should be good. You have to actually be smart and good at what you do to get past bmw's certification. I would only use them for repairs that are kind of BMW specific... IE suspension, engine, etc.

NEVER EVER take your car to pepboys. Find a good independent mechanic if you can't do certain repairs yourself. I would highly reccomend Figuring out how to do an oil change on your own (it takes 20 minutes and save you tons of money...). I can buy 6 quarts of synthetic castrol or mobile1, plus a filter (always buy filters at the dealer...). Costs $35 max per oil change, which all depends on what oil I use. Plus I dont have to worry about them under or over filling the oil and etc.

 

[codex57]

Best thing to do is ask for recommendations.

An oil change shouldn't cost more than $100. I don't care how much the cost of living is. If it's more stuff than an oil change, than yeah, it can get up there.

Independent BMW service places are the best IMO. Even if it's a dealer, there's no guarantee they'll get it right. I've met some real idiots working at a dealer's service dept. Even the service advisors. Since there's no guarantee they'll know what they're doing, there's no reason to pay the labor premium at a stealership.

 

[teatzs]

Hey concoran,
This website will give you a list of Independant Mechanics by state. Good Site!http://www.iaibmwsp.org/

 

[nadroj]

If i was you i would deffentally change your own oil, like epj3 said. its so simple if you dont mind getting your hands a lil dirty ..

 

[concoran]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I would like to change oil on my own. But have no clue how to do it, and don't have my own garage to do. I live in an apartment. Is it easier to do? I saw do it yourself site, and will make an attempt.
teatzs : thanks for the IAIBMWSP link. There are a few in my area. I'll check them out next time.

 

[codex57]

If you use an oil extractor, it should be pretty easy. Wait, noticed you said 325 and not 525. Ok, I know what to do then. Yeah, it's very easy. Using an oil extractor (basicly a pump that sucks the oil out with a hose), you can do everything by just popping the hood. The oil filter is up top too. No need to get under the car.

If you search for "oil change", you'll see a link to a website that has pictures and everything. Very, very easy.