Independent Workshop or Authorised BMW Service Adelaide Centre? Know What’s Better for Your Car, According to Experts

Where should you take your BMW for servicing? Will you take it to your local mechanic or at an authorised BMW service centre? While it may seem like a fairly simple argument, it is a common dilemma among BMW owners. Many experts in the automotive world recognise this problem, which is why they’re sharing their thoughts on what you should choose.

Many factors need consideration before one makes a decision. “Both independent service workshops and authorised car service centres have their advantages and disadvantages,” says CarWale.com CEO Banwari Lal Sharma while speaking to The Economic Times. “It’s important to know these pros and cons to determine which is best for you.”

To help you make the best decision for yourself, experts provide some valuable insight on both options:

Most people believe that getting their BMWs serviced from an independent workshop will void its warranty. However, this is nothing more than a myth. “Contrary to popular belief, you can get your car serviced at an independent workshop even while it’s under warranty,” says Andy Kollmorgen from CHOICE, an Australian consumer advocacy group. You can get your car serviced anywhere you want as long as it doesn’t involve any significant vehicle overhaul.

While an independent workshop won’t mind if your car is under warranty; the manufacturer will. If your car’s warranty covers maintenance and servicing – which is almost always the case, there’s no reason for you not to go to an authorised BMW service Adelaide centre.

The latest generation of BMW cars is equipped with advanced electronic systems like ignition, engine control unit, next-gen fuel systems, in-car entertainment systems and more. “By going to an authorised BMW service centre, you can be assured of a good service,” says Banwari Lal Sharma. “Local mechanics may not have the adequate equipment or knowledge of these advanced systems.”

Regular visits to an authorised BMW service Adelaide centre will create a definitive service history of your car, which will prove helpful during resale. There will be buyers who would want to verify the service record of the vehicle, especially if it’s as premium as a BMW. Most of the time, local mechanics don’t save records of their client’s service history, that’s why if you plan on selling your car in the future, experts highly recommend that you take it to an authorised service centre instead.

These details will hopefully help you choose which of the two options is the best for you. So, choose wisely.