Do you need to service your BMW at the dealership to keep your warranty?

When you buy a new car, it can be extremely exciting but with the many questions that would be developing in your mind – one question might be is if you need to service your BMW at their franchised dealership in order to keep your warranty.  

Well, you have come to the right place as we will be exploring the servicing of your car, your rights and obligations.

 When it comes to collecting and servicing a new car, many car owners can be confused in terms of their servicing requirements and which path is the right one to take.

In terms of your car warranty, you aren’t required to service your BMW by their franchised dealership. But you must think about your car finance arrangements as this may affect the result.

Servicing and your new car warranty

Dipping into the legislation side of things, it is a requirement to pursue an offer of a minimum two-year warranty with all brand new BMW vehicles. This information would be from the date of registration and would be regardless of a change of ownership.  

Under EU legislation, it is against the rules to force someone who has bought a new car to have that car serviced by the official franchised dealership. It is also unethical to refuse to legitimise a new warranty simply because that car has been serviced with another dealership. In this case though however, that franchise does have the right to proceed with a servicing schedule for the new buyer which under law, must be completed and followed accordingly.

It is a common act of many manufacturers to provide new car warranty conditions that can be longer than the usual two year warranty precedent. This, however, you will need to do your research and check with your provider due to some providers offering a longer term.

New car warranty and servicing – your rights and responsibilities

So, you have your brand new car and a secured warranty for your BMW. As the owner, you have every right to take your vehicle to any garage for servicing. You must however, assure their license is viable and that they will pursue the identical foundations of the manufacturers servicing schedule that you were provided with.

With this piece of information, it means that the servicing of your car must be carried out with a specific time range and the garage you have chosen must use your manufacturers parts and lubricants.

Tip: Once servicing has been completed, make sure you keep all receipts and any invoices you have been sent in order to provide proof that your car has been serviced with the correct equipment – proving that you have adhered to your service schedule.

If your car is required to have necessary repair work however, BMW has the legal right to assert themselves as the only manufacturer that should work on your car. This is within their rights to state this to you, plus it can give you a great position to be in as they will be paying for the work and not coming out of your own pocket.

Rule: Repair work = Franchise manufacturer

But if the work is coming out of your own pocket for the work that needs to be done on your car, you have the right to legally choose which garage you want to with.

What about my car finance obligations?

If you have a brand new car finance deal, it is very important to grasp the understanding that although your car warranty won’t be afflicted, your car finance contract might be.

In many cases, it can be stated in your contract that the manufacturer insists on any work on the car to be done within their own workshop facilities if you want to own the car at the end of your financial obligations.

A car that has a full history of their manufacturer servicing will be more valued due to the fact that car has been worked on by the source, not at an independent garage.

Summary

Servicing your car at your local garage is not going to make you lose any credit on your car and is not a legal requirement as you can see. We believe that taking your car to a specialist, such as Auto Technik, will give you the core knowledge that you seek.

We have an extensive portfolio of experience and certifications, working with the latest modern technology in order to provide you the very best service in the industry. As specialists and not dealers, we are able to provide high quality service for an affordable price, allowing you to get back on the road safely and securely.

 For more information on servicing your BMW car, contact us today to speak to our experts who are always happy to assist you.