6,000 mile service, Did I get Hosed

[snoone]

2,002 1150gs, 29,000 on the odometer =$479.00 . Is this the average..

[Stuff2C]

Did you get 2 new tires? :bolt

[DirtMerchant]

2,002 1150gs, 29,000 on the odometer =$479.00 . Is this the average..

Did they do any additional work? Annual work and brake bleed? If not it sounds high to me but prices do vary from dealer to dealer.

Rodney

[snoone]

just the normal 6,000 mile service. The only optional parts were 2 spark plugs

[snoone]

Did you get 2 new tires? :bolt
Two new tires. That's funny :cry

[RTRandy]

I had a 30K service done and it involved more stuff than just the throttle bodies, oil and filter, and the valves. You probably didn't get hosed. The good news is when you're out in the middle of nowhere, it's comforting to know your bike was serviced correctly and running well. That's gotta count for something.

[dgrinsel]

I think you got hosed. I just checked my records and paid $196.93 for mine which included an oil filter and 4 quarts of synthetic oil. Of the total, labor was $131.25, shop supplies were $10.00, parts were $45.40 with a sales tax of $10.28.

[snoone]

I think cost also is bike specific as well. For instance a F650Gs doesn't cost as much as an 1150

[andy45320]

2,002 1150gs, 29,000 on the odometer =$479.00 . Is this the average..
Always ask for the number of unit's of work for the service, number of units per hour, and their rate per unit (or per hour). Short of the labor rate being higher, the number of units they charged you should be the exact same as anyone else getting the same service, since they are all suppose to go off the book time. Assuming you have not had it done yet, just be honest with them and say that others you know with same service interval charge much less, and ask what they will be doing that others don't do.

[soffiler]

2,002 1150gs, 29,000 on the odometer =$479.00 . Is this the average..


We need to know exactly what they did. Check your invoice and give us the itemization.

[Slablog]

Sounds high to me. But its a GS and the mechanic had to go out and find some good dirt roads to test ride it after the maintenance. Sometimes that can take hours. :D

[GregFeeler]

We need to know exactly what they did. Check your invoice and give us the itemization.

Exactly my question. If they did only the standard 6k service items, then you paid too much, but there may be other work they did.

[Stuff2C]

Are you happy with the way your bike runs? If so, it was worth every penny.

If you actually look at what your bike needs for a service you may feel a bit light in the pocket. BUT! if you can't or don't want to do it yourself just pay the $$$ and enjoy the bike. :D You hear a lot of us that wrench our own bikes whine about what things cost at the dealer. Most have been riding BMW's since 1000cc airheads were "The Bomb" and a $3 oil filter was highway robbery.

Pay for it, don't sweat it and mostly, STOP YOUR WHIENING! :D

Just my .02 :bikes

[tessler]

Snoone, did you get the work done at our favorite dealership? ;) If so, that price sounds right.

(3 minute-later-edit): I paid that for my 12k with valve work, and a buncha parts.

[snoone]

Snoone, did you get the work done at our favorite dealership? ;) If so, that price sounds right.

(3 minute-later-edit): I paid that for my 12k with valve work, and a buncha parts.

Maybe they are screwing me now for the two transmissions they had to install N/C

[snoone]

We need to know exactly what they did. Check your invoice and give us the itemization.

I'll have to question them, but the invoice only says
C/S Perform BMW Care Service 6,000 mile
6000S C/S Perform Bmw Care service 6000 mile
8428 CPM $359.96

then listed are $77.35 in parts
oil filter=$16.95
seal= $1.00
Oil= $24.64
Valve cover Gasket (2)=$8.26
Oil Filler Gasket=$1.50
Oil Filler cap gasket=$1.50
spark plugs (2)=$11.75

Charge for getting rid of old oil $4.98
NYC sales tax =$37.05

Grand total $479.34

[BubbaZanetti]

Valve cover Gasket (2)=$8.26
Oil Filler Gasket=$1.50
Oil Filler cap gasket=$1.50



i'm curious about some of these items, valve cover gaskets?? have they been replacing these every 6000 mile service? they're a re-usable item. also, the two "gaskets" i know the filler has one, but what is a "cap gasket" i know these are cheap items, but it just seems weird.

[Chrisrides]

what is CPM?? is this labor? what is the shop rate? at $75/hour - did they spend almost 5 hours on the bike?? also, i can't add, but those parts don't add up to th $77 figure ...

you're service was more than my 600 service .. and i have a R1200 engine

hose meter going off

[GregFeeler]

Are you happy with the way your bike runs? If so, it was worth every penny.

If you actually look at what your bike needs for a service you may feel a bit light in the pocket. BUT! if you can't or don't want to do it yourself just pay the $$$ and enjoy the bike. :D You hear a lot of us that wrench our own bikes whine about what things cost at the dealer. Most have been riding BMW's since 1000cc airheads were "The Bomb" and a $3 oil filter was highway robbery.

Pay for it, don't sweat it and mostly, STOP YOUR WHIENING! :D

Just my .02 :bikes

That's no reason to pay twice what you should. I don't know where this was done, but my local dealer charges $200~$250 for the same service. Also, I've attached the BMW 6/12k service schedule to use to check against what was done.

[JimMoore]

You got hosed big time. From that invoice they worked on yor bike for about an hour. Go to a Tech Day and learn how to do the work. That's ridiculous.

Jim Moore

[kbasa]

i'm curious about some of these items, valve cover gaskets?? have they been replacing these every 6000 mile service? they're a re-usable item. also, the two "gaskets" i know the filler has one, but what is a "cap gasket" i know these are cheap items, but it just seems weird.

They probably replaced the little round ones by the spark plugs. Believe it or not, those are scheduled for replacement at every valve adjustment. The bigger gaskets, that run around the perimiter of the valve cover, have a longer life.

Also, it looks like the labor on this was about $350 or so. I'm not sure what the shop rate for labor is, but it looks like this is about 4 hours labor, which seems about right for a valve adjustment, full fluid changes, brake bleeding and inspection.

[soffiler]

what is CPM?? is this labor? what is the shop rate? at $75/hour - did they spend almost 5 hours on the bike?? also, i can't add, but those parts don't add up to th $77 figure ...

It adds up exactly if you consider that EACH sparkplug is $11.75

[soffiler]

...Also, it looks like the labor on this was about $350 or so. I'm not sure what the shop rate for labor is, but it looks like this is about 4 hours labor, which seems about right for a valve adjustment, full fluid changes, brake bleeding and inspection.

Isn't it odd that the only fluid listed with the parts is the engine oil? What about the trans. and rear drive fluid, and the brake fluid? Assuming they actually did these items, why would they bury the cost within the "CPM" fee?

[dmr]

As a new BMW owner, I am reading these posts with some interest. Questions I have-
1. Was this synthetic oil? At $6 a quart, it seems high for fossil.
2. Brake bleeding? Wouldn't they charge for brake fluid then?
3. $16 for an oil filter? I have changed my oil twice, and don't remember spending that much. Maybe I'm still giddy about the ride.
4. Oil disposal fee? That must be a state thing. We can take ours to many oil change shops and they will take it for free.

My last ride was HD (gasp!) and the 40,000 service, including a set of tires was $450. The checklist was a full page long, involved every fluid in the bike, including forks, and I got it back cleaner than when I left it. I know it took at least 4 hours, because in the past I waited and watched.

[snoone]

It was Dinosaur Oil- BMW's Synthetic Oil costs $9.75 at this dealer. As far as the brake fluid goes. I don't know why it wasn't listed. I do know that the brakes were bled just by the before and after performance.

[jdiaz]

3. $16 for an oil filter? I have changed my oil twice, and don't remember spending that much. Maybe I'm still giddy about the ride.

The latest price for BMW oil filters is in the $16-17 range. Prices went up 40% in the last year.

Beemerboneyard has six-packs of equivalent filters for $44. I predict they will be doing brisk business.

[enjine]

BMW of Manhattan?

[BubbaZanetti]

They probably replaced the little round ones by the spark plugs. Believe it or not, those are scheduled for replacement at every valve adjustment. The bigger gaskets, that run around the perimiter of the valve cover, have a longer life.




maybe THATS where all my oil is going :)

[snoone]

BMW of Manhattan?
the one and only

[westmount]

I'll have to question them, but the invoice only says
C/S Perform BMW Care Service 6,000 mile
6000S C/S Perform Bmw Care service 6000 mile
8428 CPM $359.96

then listed are $77.35 in parts
oil filter=$16.95
seal= $1.00
Oil= $24.64
Valve cover Gasket (2)=$8.26
Oil Filler Gasket=$1.50
Oil Filler cap gasket=$1.50
spark plugs (2)=$11.75

Charge for getting rid of old oil $4.98
NYC sales tax =$37.05

Grand total $479.34

Well to start no way did they change both valve cover gaskets. Futrhermore what is the difference between oil filler gasket and oil filer cap gasket...

The 6000 is a minor service and takes me about 2 hrs. including a beer break :)

[username]

BMW of Manhattan?

i've only been to manhattan one time, but based on the food and drinks i bought, i got freakin; hosed on all that stuff! $9 pints? $15 hamburgers? fries an extra $4? it was ridiculous. thank god i didnt have a teste for bourbon back then.

so when i hear that a mechanic in manhattan is more expensive than somewhere in the midwest, i think "duh."

snoone, youre getting hosed on everything you buy in manhattan relative to 99% of the rest of the US. :D

[mosrrt]

maybe you want to check out MAX BMW in Troy , NY ....I think you will like there pick up policy......maxbmwmotorcycle.com

[mosrrt]

sorry ... it is maxbmwmotorcycles.com

[JCBR1150R]

2,002 1150gs, 29,000 on the odometer =$479.00 . Is this the average..


My average is $250 plus or minus....

[Easy]

Hope you enjoyed the latte on the leather couch while watching the big screen. :drink For that price they should have had Woody Allen and his daughter, oops I meant to say his wife, serving croissants. All kidding aside, I bet the people watching was good! Don't feel too bad. I think everyone on The Forum has been burnt once.

Easy
Big Empty, Texas

Once burnt, twice remembered.

[enjine]

the one and only


i just got the 6k there too, on top of winter storage where they do most of all of the same work. you got hosed and so did i. i won't be going there again. oh and they're total a$$h*|-- (you get the point) too.

needless to say i won't be going back there again. their work was terrible too.

[bluwing]

Well to start no way did they change both valve cover gaskets. Futrhermore what is the difference between oil filler gasket and oil filer cap gasket...

Oil filler cap gasket is the little ring around the cap that snugs the cap.
The filler gasket is a little larger and is on the inside of the valve cover where the filler meets the valve cover. 8 and 6
Bluwing

[kbasa]

They probably changed #3 in that diagram. They live a hard live and leaks tend to be smokey messes.

[westmount]

Oil filler cap gasket is the little ring around the cap that snugs the cap.
The filler gasket is a little larger and is on the inside of the valve cover where the filler meets the valve cover. 8 and 6
Bluwing


Thx for the detailed explanation... every bit of help i can get and learn from helps me keep my operating costs in check. :bikes

[westmount]

when the mechanic starts working on your bike lets say 9:00am.. and they need to do a minor service.. oil and filter etc.. and they punch a work card (at least at my dealer) at the beginning and finish at 11ish... They include there coffee break in the amount of time charged.... :mad

[BradfordBenn]

Maybe it is weird, but both places I have gone for service (BMW of South Bend and Surrey Motorsports) have quoted me prices up front for the service and gone through the entire process. So I know that a 6K service was going to cost... I think it was about $200ish but it has been a while and I did purchase the bike there.

I would recommend asking before you give them your bike and make sure you know what is going to be done and for how much.

Edit: I just checked and the 18K was $194.

[RedBeemer]

BradfordBenn made note of the fact that he bought the bike from the dealer and therefore got a good deal on service. That is the same at the shop I go to, buy there and get big discounts on service and some parts/accessories. Buy from another dealer to save a few bucks on purchase of bike and then go to my man Crag for service...better take some K-Y with ya!

[100394]

In the New York Metropolitan area automobile labor rates are in the $90 per hour range. The real unfortunate thing is the technician doesn't make a third of that. The house does. Did you get hosed? Considering the part of the country you are in, no.
The disposal fee is a recently added charge, some shops charge for "shop supplies", meaning rags, etc. Dealers just nickel and dime you for everything, when you buy a vehicle they charge a "clerical fee" for doing the motor vehicle paperwork, etc. I think the last time I paid $65. for 5 minutes work at the salespersons desk.

[100394]

In the New York Metropolitan area automobile labor rates are in the $90 per hour range it's probalby similar for motorcycles. The real unfortunate thing is the technician doesn't make a third of that. The house does. Did you get hosed? Considering the part of the country you are in, no.
The disposal fee is a recently added charge, some shops charge for "shop supplies", meaning rags, etc. Dealers just nickel and dime you for everything, when you buy a vehicle they charge a "clerical fee" for doing the motor vehicle paperwork, etc. I think the last time I paid $65. for 5 minutes work at the salespersons desk.

[PETDOC]

I did not purchase my bike from dealer in Greenville, SC, but have had both 600 mile and 6000 mile service done there. The 6000 mile service, which was done over 1 yr ago, was slightly less than $200 and they gave me quote before performing the work. I chose to do 12000 mile service myself because I enjoy working on my bike and feel, despite not being a certified BMW mechanic, no one does it better. The added benefit is saving money-quote for 12000 mile service was $399+ tax plus $139+tax for doing wheel & control circuit brake bleed. I didn't get quotes for, but also replaced the fuel filter and did the clutch fluid bleed. My guess is I saved $650 [minus cost of parts (about $70 from Chicago BMW) and engine/gear oil (Mobil 1 @ 4.50/qt and BMW synthetic gear oil @ ouch !/qt)], which I convinced my wife should be rightly spent on more goodies for the bike. Do you think if I repeated the 12k service every 2 weeks she'd go along with my spending the additional savings on bike related accessories???

[RedHawK12GT]

[QUOTE=dmr]As a new BMW owner, I am reading these posts with some interest. Questions I have-
1. Was this synthetic oil? At $6 a quart, it seems high for fossil.
2. Brake bleeding? Wouldn't they charge for brake fluid then?
3. $16 for an oil filter? I have changed my oil twice, and don't remember spending that much. Maybe I'm still giddy about the ride.

After reading your posts on this subject, I got my receipt out for my service.
I was charged $16.29 A QUART ! for synthetic 75w140 gear oil, at a total of 1.5 QTS. for $24.44 charge. I am going to have to call and question that.
Brake bleed service was $91 total (including fluid), which I did'nt think was bad. My service was done by MAX's, and Tony was very helpful and explained every step in detail.
2 replacement belly pan screws $1.29 each.
1 O-ring for filler plug (was slightly leaking) $1.29
1 Oil change kit $17.29
1.5 75w/140 gear oil $24.44 !!!
2 seal rings $1.58
1 gasket ring $0.79
1 seal ring $0.79
$210.00 Labor
Brake bleed and labor $90.75
N.Y. State Inspection $6.00
Total $383.47
I have yet to thouroughly check my bike for anything, including left out screws as per last time, bur overall (after picking up my bike and noticing it had been cleaned by them) the experience was a good one. Kudo's to Tony.

[torags]

I did not purchase my bike from dealer in Greenville, SC, but have had both 600 mile and 6000 mile service done there. The 6000 mile service, which was done over 1 yr ago, was slightly less than $200 and they gave me quote before performing the work. I chose to do 12000 mile service myself because I enjoy working on my bike and feel, despite not being a certified BMW mechanic, no one does it better. The added benefit is saving money-quote for 12000 mile service was $399+ tax plus $139+tax for doing wheel & control circuit brake bleed. I didn't get quotes for, but also replaced the fuel filter and did the clutch fluid bleed. My guess is I saved $650 [minus cost of parts (about $70 from Chicago BMW) and engine/gear oil (Mobil 1 @ 4.50/qt and BMW synthetic gear oil @ ouch !/qt)], which I convinced my wife should be rightly spent on more goodies for the bike. Do you think if I repeated the 12k service every 2 weeks she'd go along with my spending the additional savings on bike related accessories???

Don't even go there or she'll be coming back from a Nordstroms sale telling you she saved you hundreds.


;)

[TomfromMD]

(quote)"I was charged $16.29 A QUART ! for synthetic 75w140 gear oil, at a total of 1.5 QTS. for $24.44 charge. I am going to have to call and question that."

Actually, that's not too bad as I purchased Redline MTL from a parts supplier for $12.50 per quart for my BMW E46.

[snoone]

So here's what I've learned.

1. I've been hosed
2. I will learn how to do some maintenance myself
3. Shop Around, All dealers charge different rates for the same service
4. I love this forum for exactly this reason

[robsryder]

So here's what I've learned.

1. I've been hosed
2. I will learn how to do some maintenance myself
3. Shop Around, All dealers charge different rates for the same service
4. I love this forum for exactly this reason

I read this thread with a great deal of interest. You had the service done at a dealership in a high-cost area with a lot of overhead. I'd reckon that the shop labor rates are around $80 per hour. They likely figure that 4 labor hours are involved. I would NOT say that you were hosed. You did not get a break, but were charged what the shop wanted to charge. Shopping around before would let you know what to expect for typical service activities.

Parts costs seem about right. Maybe you didn't need all of the gaskets that you paid for, but it is difficult to judge without inspecting the gaskets.

After evaluating various tests of oils, I've decided to use automobile oil. I like either Castrol GTX 20W-50 or Valvolene Durablend 20W-50. The cost per quart is less than $3. If you want to use motorcycle oil or a specific (BMW) branded oil, be prepared to pay higher prices.

I'm still using the original valve cover gaskets on my 94 R1100RS, they do not leak. And aside from the initial 600 mile service, I've done everything else myself. There are some good resources to help with self-service, including some very good instructions and illustrations. Recent (last few years) Owner's News issues have had some well illustrated maintenance procedures also.

I have also learned that I will screw up sometimes. When you screw up you only have yourself to blame. Examples typically include stripping threads or breaking some delicate part. But if you learn from your mistakes you can consider these errors as part of the cost of an education. On balance you will be much more ahead by doing the service yourself.

[PETDOC]

Snoone,
If you have not found it already go to http://www.bmwgs.com/forums/ Nothing but GS fanatics. If you click on Hall of Wisdom there are pdf files with color photos showing you how to do just about everything done for routine maintinance and some no so routine repairs.

[tessler]

i've only been to manhattan one time, but based on the food and drinks i bought, i got freakin; hosed on all that stuff! $9 pints? $15 hamburgers? fries an extra $4? it was ridiculous. thank god i didnt have a teste for bourbon back then.

so when i hear that a mechanic in manhattan is more expensive than somewhere in the midwest, i think "duh."

snoone, youre getting hosed on everything you buy in manhattan relative to 99% of the rest of the US. :D
Dude, you and every and any tourist that enters a joint and pays fifteen bills for a burger gets hosed big time. Next time you step into town, ping your fellow MOA members for the lowdown.

[tessler]

So here's what I've learned.

1. I've been hosed
2. I will learn how to do some maintenance myself
3. Shop Around, All dealers charge different rates for the same service
4. I love this forum for exactly this reason
Snoone,
Robsmoto posted a very good take on the whole thing. I don't think you were hosed. Maybe burnt a little, but not hosed. It is Manhattan; it's a high-cost-of-living area and indeed can be a little pricey.

In my situation, I got a full quote upfront, and as a newbie with a newly acquired used bike (that needed inspection and additional work/parts anyway), I was able to understand what I was getting into; my experienced Beemer friends monitored and advised as necessary. Another factor was location and value of my time: I might have considered the BMW shops in either Metuchen or Danbury. But I live 8 blocks from BMW of Manhattan and I'm a fairly busy guy.

The upside to what I spent on my 12k etc. back in August, was that since, I've put in some time: on my bike, in my Haynes book and on these forums. I'll prolly not be adjusting valves much, but liquids and basic maintenance, etc, I can see taking care of when the time comes.

The folks at Manhattan have always treated me not as a 'city-dwelling mark' that they can sponge $ of off, but as a lucid, valued BMW owner. I've never gotten pat answers or disrespect from anyone. I just want to set the record straight so some of you folks who live in the rest of the country don't get the impression that this is a souless, profit-gouging enterprise in the cold big city. They're all good folks and they're all riders.

Shopping around, taking some maintenance matters into your own hands and conversing on these forums are great ideas.

[snoone]

Snoone,
Robsmoto posted a very good take on the whole thing. I don't think you were hosed. Maybe burnt a little, but not hosed. It is Manhattan; it's a high-cost-of-living area and indeed can be a little pricey.

In my situation, I got a full quote upfront, and as a newbie with a newly acquired used bike (that needed inspection and additional work/parts anyway), I was able to understand what I was getting into; my experienced Beemer friends monitored and advised as necessary. Another factor was location and value of my time: I might have considered the BMW shops in either Metuchen or Danbury. But I live 8 blocks from BMW of Manhattan and I'm a fairly busy guy.

The upside to what I spent on my 12k etc. back in August, was that since, I've put in some time: on my bike, in my Haynes book and on these forums. I'll prolly not be adjusting valves much, but liquids and basic maintenance, etc, I can see taking care of when the time comes.

The folks at Manhattan have always treated me not as a 'city-dwelling mark' that they can sponge $ of off, but as a lucid, valued BMW owner. I've never gotten pat answers or disrespect from anyone. I just want to set the record straight so some of you folks who live in the rest of the country don't get the impression that this is a souless, profit-gouging enterprise in the cold big city. They're all good folks and they're all riders.

Shopping around, taking some maintenance matters into your own hands and conversing on these forums are great ideas.

Sure its my mistake for not getting a full quote upfront..But on the otherhand maybe these standard services charges should be advised to the customer upfront to alleviate sticker shock.

Unlike you I have had some unpleasant issues with the forementioned dealership.

So, here's my latest experience and tell me what I have done wrong or whether I should expect some better customer service from the Flagship BMW dealership in the country. After I had the work done on a Weds, I paid the bill and went on my merry way. I too am very busy and honestly I really didn't look at the detail of the bill until the next day which was thurs.AM I noticed that I was charged for oil and that the oil I was charged for was fossil oil.. I thought that a little odd since, for the last 3 oil changes this dealership has at my request changed the oil with synthetic. I emailed the service advisor questioning why they didn't pick this up and have yet to get a response.

Once again I question the level of customer service of a BMW Dealership that sells $20,000 motorcycles. I expect a different service level at least at the level my customers expect from me. I guess its simply time to make a change.

[username]

Dude, you and every and any tourist that enters a joint and pays fifteen bills for a burger gets hosed big time. Next time you step into town, ping your fellow MOA members for the lowdown.

i was hanging with a friend who had lived in manhattan for about 6 years...

i can't wait to tell her that i think she was getting jacked liked a tourist all that time! :D

[Stuff2C]

Quit worrying about it, you spend that for dinner. Now what did you get, a salad, steak and a potato for two. $200 lighter in the wallet and if your significant other (politically correct?) liked the whole thing you may get lucky. :heart
2hrs Dinner
15min lucky :kiss
total 2:15

Now you just had your bike serviced for $400 and your ready for HOURS/DAYS of fun. :D Now if you pick the right roads and a $2 breakfast that lucky thing may just happen your way again.

Sounds like a deal to me! :brow

[tessler]

i was hanging with a friend who had lived in manhattan for about 6 years...

i can't wait to tell her that i think she was getting jacked liked a tourist all that time! :DShe's lived here since... 2000!? Woa! ;) Ok, next time you come, I'll take ya down to the Old Homestead for a Kobe Beef Burger (Sure, it's 41 clams, but it comes with exotic mushrooms & micro greens!)!

[widebmw]

I just don't Know, You go to get a Kobe Beef Burger and then you find out that it's made from "41 Clams" :D


She's lived here since... 2000!? Woa! ;) Ok, next time you come, I'll take ya down to the Old Homestead for a Kobe Beef Burger (Sure, it's 41 clams, but it comes with exotic mushrooms & micro greens!)!

[username]

She's lived here since... 2000!? Woa! ;) Ok, next time you come, I'll take ya down to the Old Homestead for a Kobe Beef Burger (Sure, it's 41 clams, but it comes with exotic mushrooms & micro greens!)!

this was wayyyy back in the day. 1994 was the year.

she wised up and moved to austin in 1996. (and promptly realized how slllllooooowwwww we do everything down here. that adjustment was fun to watch!)

[tessler]

this was wayyyy back in the day. 1994 was the year.

she wised up and moved to austin in 1996. (and promptly realized how slllllooooowwwww we do everything down here. that adjustment was fun to watch!)'94. Twas a good year. I remember it like it was yesterday ;)
Austin's a great town.

And slow is good. That special Southwestern-slow... My brother lives in Albuquerque; I recall once being able to feel my beard grow as I waited for coffee at a diner.

[JeffVA]

So here's what I've learned.

1. I've been hosed
2. I will learn how to do some maintenance myself
3. Shop Around, All dealers charge different rates for the same service
4. I love this forum for exactly this reason

I've found it a great benifit to know the tech at my dealership. He's got all the tools, knowledge and works on these bikes all day and is happy to make some side cash :D

[davidk63]

I just got my 6k service done, although it was on my K1200GT. Different engine altogether, but my service was oil, filter, final drive fluid and brake flush. Including labor (2hrs) and parts it was $196.

[snoone]

I just got my 6k service done, although it was on my K1200GT. Different engine altogether, but my service was oil, filter, final drive fluid and brake flush. Including labor (2hrs) and parts it was $196.

It's almost worth coming to NC to visit my relatives and get service done

[JeffVA]

It's almost worth coming to NC to visit my relatives and get service done

Next time around I'd call either the Danbury Ct shop or Cross Country in Edison / Metuchen area....even the ride alone has got to beat going into Manhat. I've been wanting to service my own but never learned or have the time :banghead

[aerialfilm1]

My thought on the comment about customer service expectations from a dealer selling $20k bikes (expect very little and you won't be let down). I've been coast to coast on my 02 Rt and have met many dealers. Think of them this way. Sure their bikes retail from $15-20K. But that's just the same price as a low end Toyota or Hyundai. So why the arrogance? Beats me. Keep looking for a good shop. Best time to do so is before you need them. The good guys are most likely the ones who are nice to you, even when they know your just stopping by and don't need service yet. Personal experience has shown me that there are two type of BMW shops, Dealers and Boutiques. And you can see and smell the difference. BTW My only other post on this forum was to ask about an independent shop in my area. Seems to have some of us thinking. I understand your problem if you live in an apartment in an urban area. Not easy to do your own service curbside. My 24k at Long Beach BMW, $666 with rear pads and final drive drain and fill....
:banghead

[PHMarvin]

Hi, Jonathan,
Albuquerque may be slow in bringing coffee, but not in trying to take your money. I used to go to Deming Cycle (Deming, NM) before they gave up the BMW franchise. A month or so ago I went to ABQ to visit the new dealer, Sandia BMW (also the car dealer), before (maybe) taking them my bike for some stuff I really didn't want to do. When they informed me their labor rate was $80 per hour, I thanked them and left. I'd rather make mistakes and learn from them than pay Sandia BMW $80 per hour and still wonder if the work was done correctly.

[tessler]

Hi, Jonathan,
Albuquerque may be slow in bringing coffee, but not in trying to take your money. I used to go to Deming Cycle (Deming, NM) before they gave up the BMW franchise. A month or so ago I went to ABQ to visit the new dealer, Sandia BMW (also the car dealer), before (maybe) taking them my bike for some stuff I really didn't want to do. When they informed me their labor rate was $80 per hour, I thanked them and left. I'd rather make mistakes and learn from them than pay Sandia BMW $80 per hour and still wonder if the work was done correctly.I hear you Phil. Good thing that you were able to take the opportunity to go and investigate (even tho the closest dealer is still @ 250 miles or so from you, no?). Albuquerque has definitely gotten pretty expensive over the past decade, especially places like Rio Rancho, etc.

[jdepilot]

$479.00, that is high, in Birmingham, AL, with one dealer who does not stock anything, they quoted $375.00 as if they were doing me a favor. My neighbor, a certified BMW technician, and I did the service and put a new tire on the front. I saved a lot and help with the job. I learned a lot and my neighbor took his time and explained why for each detail we covered. The cylinder head gaskets are re-uable, internal gaskets are questionable. Use the BMW oil, do not use synthetic until after the 18k service. The skid plate took the most time. It is not a question of does it run well, it is a question of value and questionable service pricing. I try to order parts online. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your bike as well as I do mine. I ride a 2006- R1150GSA. I have no complaints, except it will not change directions as an R1 may, but it is not suppose to. It handles great and looks even better. There is nothing better than a cup of coffee, a good cigar on a Sunday morning on some quite creek looking at a map of where to go next. Good luck.
JDElliott

[RNowell]

I feel your pain. When my CLC was due for the 24K sevice, I did it myself, with the exception of the ABS brake bleed. I changed all fluids, adjusted valves,cleaned the K&N filter and replaced the fuel filter. I checked with BMW of Daytona (where I bought the bike) about the price of a service and the price of only doing a brake bleed. The brake bleed was estimated to be 200-250. After
saving money on all my labor, I took the bike in for the ABS bleed and found that I
was due for a bleed also. The bill was for $400.
Lesson learned, I now know how to bleed the brakes, but still take it to Deland
where Tom High of Rennsport Motorrad does it for $250.;)

[wmubrown]

Always ask for the number of unit's of work for the service, number of units per hour, and their rate per unit (or per hour). Short of the labor rate being higher, the number of units they charged you should be the exact same as anyone else getting the same service, since they are all suppose to go off the book time. Assuming you have not had it done yet, just be honest with them and say that others you know with same service interval charge much less, and ask what they will be doing that others don't do.

ASK?? Their rates should be posted clearly in the service area AND the service bill should have full detail of what was done.

[perobins]

We purchased Jim Von Bade's DVD and now service our own bikes. My wife does her R1200GS and I do mine. Her's runs better!!
Save a ton of cash to spend on GAS!!

Ride safe and have fun.

Phil