Car Service at a Dealership vs. Independent Shop: Which is Better?

Your BMW requires routine care throughout its life to keep it running smoothly on the roads of Aiken and Anderson. During the warranty period, the choice between car service at the dealership vs. an independent mechanic is easy; you go to the dealership to have any complimentary maintenance performed, and if anything major happens mechanically, you know the warranty will be honored at the dealership. 

Once your warranty expires, you might feel more freedom to venture out of the car dealership service center. But should you? The choice is yours at the end of the day, but there are certain perks that independent auto shops just can’t match. Read ahead to learn more and decide what’s best when it’s time to get service for your BMW.

Dealership vs. Independent Service: BMW Training

The technicians in a dealership service center and in an independent service shop are equally dedicated to their craft and have trained extensively on automotive repair and maintenance. 

However, the technicians at dealerships hold more extensive and specialized training for the manufacturer that’s sold at their dealership. From the powertrain to the advanced technology in your BMW, the factory-trained technicians at a BMW service center are trained to know it all. In addition to giving you more confidence in your vehicle’s repairs, this also helps them get done more efficiently because the technicians know how to diagnose the issue. On the other hand, independent technicians might need to take more time to study your make/model and learn how to diagnose and repair it. 

Service Advisor Staff

Another benefit you’ll find at a car dealership service center is a dedicated staff of BMW service advisors. They can help with everything from gathering info on your car and scheduling appointments and arranging a loaner vehicle.

Dealership vs. Independent Service: Genuine OEM Parts

Car dealership service centers have a full parts department where they stock genuine OEM parts. When your BMW service includes a part replacement like an oil filter or brake pads, the dealership should already have it in their inventory. If it’s a more obscure part, they can order it very quickly. 

At an independent service shop, you’d need to wait for them to order the part and they may not always get access to genuine OEM parts.

Dealership vs. Independent Service: Convenience 

The cost of car service at the dealership vs. independent shops is sometimes higher, but dealership service centers have a rotating catalog of service offers to help you save on anything from routine maintenance to larger repairs. And sometimes, the convenience of taking your BMW to a certified service center instead of researching options near Cayce and taking a gamble on the quality of service is worth more than anything. 

Here are a few examples of conveniences you’ll always enjoy at the dealership, but not necessarily at an independent auto shop:

• Online scheduling
• Service loaners 
• Shuttle service
• Vehicle pick-up & drop-off services (may not be offered at every dealership)
• Express maintenance 
• Complimentary car washes
• Waiting areas with Wi-Fi, televisions, and refreshments

Book BMW Service Today

There’s nothing like the care and attention of a dedicated service team like the one at BMW of Columbia. Schedule your next appointment or call us at 803-714-5200 if you have any questions!