Servicing: BMW or Specialist

[CSLut]

This has probably been discussed before, but im new to csl ownership (and this forum) and just wanted to canvass opinion on that age old debate, "BMW service history, or specialist".
Personally, i know of and value the work of specialists like Thorney or Simpson. But ultimately, does (not should) servicing at these places affect resale values?
Im guessing that most people on here are good with specialists. But how knowledgable are csl buyers in general? How often is it that CSL forum members are buyers? That may sound daft to some people, but think about it, it would imply that they are repeat buyers right?
To the first time buyer, who is not a CSL reg member, is official BMW sevice history more or less valuable?
Any thoughts appreciated.
Final and ultimate question: My csl has 43k miles, full BMW SH until last one (insp 2) which was specialist. Now due an oil servie, so...do i get my pants pulled down at BMW or do i continue the specialist route (with SImpson)?

PS: love the car, great forum.

[AlexGTT]

Welcome CSLut. I would say it's worth keeping up the BMW service history if it's been that way up until now. Keep the stamps in the book and use Simpson's/Thorney or similar to do interim work, extra services, modifications etc.

I do exactly that. Full service history but I have extra or interim services done at Simpson's because I track mine quite a lot.

As yours already has some specialist services in the book, you could go either way but at that mileage I would personally continue on with BMW services. I wouldn't say it would have a great impact on resale value but it might be easier to sell.

[inaglasshouse]

Originally Posted by CSLut

...do i get my pants pulled down at BMW

You might be pleasantly surprised regarding cost. If you haggle a bit and phone around, you'll find many BMW franchised dealers ready to move on service prices for our "old" cars. Some will price match independents. Certainly worth a try - the prices are not at all fixed, and not at all consistent between dealers.

Specialist independents are also a fine choice. IMHO most folk in the market to buy your CSL when the time comes will have done their research, so will know who the reputable specialists are. To those people the franchised vs indy service stamps will make no difference to the car's value. The wider market is a different story, but this is a specialist car.

Cheers, Richard.

[phoenixcsl]

Interesting topic.

My own view is if you have a BMW Warranty on the car, then obviously main dealer servicing is the only way to go.

If you are like me and have a CSL which does not have a BMW warranty, I personally would use a reputable independant, I have used Munich Legends for many years who used to service my old M3, i've had so much trouble and rubbish service from my local BMW dealer in the past.

It's a very subjective thing, I wouldn't be put off buying a car which had a BMWSH up to a certain point and then a independant servicing providing the independent was reputable and the car was in a good condition.

I got good money for my old M3, it had BMW FSH up to 70k and the old warhorse had 120k on it when I sold it, and I got the same money that other cars were advertised for with 30-40k less miles on it because the car was impeccibly maintained imho.

[andye30m3]

I'm in the same position, full bmw history unit the last owner had the inspection 2 done at a specialists

With the next oil service I had intended to just take it to Munich Legends as they're only 5 minutes up the road and I've been happy with them for the last 8 years on other M cars.

[cslgirl]

I don't have a warranty and haven't done since it finished in 2006. I have used the same BMW dealer - more probably, because I have a good relationship with them and they do match prices for me.

[grumps]

Did you guys that bought a csl without a full bmwsh pay less or more for your cars when you bought them? this may shed some light on the dealer v's specialist question, Another observation is that dealers tend to go through techys fairly quickly so shed experiance(been there done that) so a good specialist are worth a their weight! just check out the porsche set and how anal are they when it comes to maintance?

[bigfoot]

Originally Posted by phoenixcsl

Interesting topic.

I have used Munich Legends for many years who used to service my old M3, i've had so much trouble and rubbish service from my local BMW dealer in the past.

My feelings exactly. I use Munich Legands not because they are cheaper than my local BMW dealers but because the service is better and I trust them. I would have no problem at all buying a car with their stamp on the service book.

[Pip1968]

I would go along with the some of the comments made on here. The CSL is a 'special' vehicle but to the outsider and unconverted it will probably be FBMWSH along with a BMW warranty that they seek (along with low mileage ) as their ideal car. That said these cars are getting older and the low mileage and hence warrantied vehicles will be in short(er) supply so they will have to turn to the specialist independant serviced vehicles.

At the end of the day most will be worried rightly or wrongly about the clutchless manual side of things as it is still relatively new to most ie how many old high mileage vehilces are out there (6+).

The real enthusiasts will at the end of the day look at its condition and those that have clearly stinted on the car will be struck off.

Just my personal opinion of course.

Pip