If I use an independant, will my warranty be honoured?

[Bones]

I posted this question on the Brian Giles thread below but I guess it's more of a general question.

Brian Giles in Pembury has received glowing praise from a number of satisfied custsomers. I live fairly locally to his workshop and as there are no official dealers in my area I would like to use him for servicing. Question is, what will happen to my warranty? I am sure I heard that an EU ruling meant that manufactures had to honour warranties as long as the vehicles have been properly maintained. Does anybody know the answer?

Thanks

 

[Alan1963]

In short, yes it will. EU Automotive Block exemption regulation (2003) states that if the vehicle is serviced in line with the manufacturer's requirements (duration / frequency / job content etc) using parts that meet the OE standards then the manufacturer must honour their warranty obligations. Parts need not be manufactuer parts, but must meet the same standard (so for example if you replace a fuel filter with one made by Bosch and Bosch supply that same filter to BMW in a BMW box, then this part is to standard. Beware pattern parts which may not be to the smae standard!!

Interestingly, most of this was part of the prior ABE regulation, but in 2003 the onus was shifted from the owner to prove that the work had been done to the manufacturer to prove that it hadn't. 2003 also introduced the specificity around same standard parts.

Hope this helps!

Rgds

Alan

 

[Bones]

In short, yes it will. EU Automotive Block exemption regulation (2003) states that if the vehicle is serviced in line with the manufacturer's requirements (duration / frequency / job content etc) using parts that meet the OE standards then the manufacturer must honour their warranty obligations. Parts need not be manufactuer parts, but must meet the same standard (so for example if you replace a fuel filter with one made by Bosch and Bosch supply that same filter to BMW in a BMW box, then this part is to standard. Beware pattern parts which may not be to the smae standard!!

Interestingly, most of this was part of the prior ABE regulation, but in 2003 the onus was shifted from the owner to prove that the work had been done to the manufacturer to prove that it hadn't. 2003 also introduced the specificity around same standard parts.

Hope this helps!

Rgds

Alan

That certainly does help, thanks

Looks like I'll be booking into Brian Giles for the 12K service

Cheers

 

[ianm00]

In short, yes it will. EU Automotive Block exemption regulation (2003) states that if the vehicle is serviced in line with the manufacturer's requirements (duration / frequency / job content etc) using parts that meet the OE standards then the manufacturer must honour their warranty obligations. Parts need not be manufactuer parts, but must meet the same standard (so for example if you replace a fuel filter with one made by Bosch and Bosch supply that same filter to BMW in a BMW box, then this part is to standard. Beware pattern parts which may not be to the smae standard!!

Interestingly, most of this was part of the prior ABE regulation, but in 2003 the onus was shifted from the owner to prove that the work had been done to the manufacturer to prove that it hadn't. 2003 also introduced the specificity around same standard parts.

Hope this helps!

Rgds

Alan

This is very interesting. My question is when using independant they may not have BMW computer equipment so what happens about the part that requires the computer ie reading error codes? Can the manufacturer refuse warrantee work if the computer bit has not been done?

Ian

 

[Alan1963]

Ian

The answer to your question is yes - probably. What also changed in the 2003 regs was that manufacturers were compelled to sell diagnostic equipment to independents at the same price as their dealers. They were also required to certify any appropriately equipped / qualified independent as an "Authorised repairer" of that brand.

However, an independent that doesn't have the required tools to do the job to the manufacturer's standards would place the onus back on you to prove the job had been done as required. That said, it is possible to buy fault code readers for the software on most cars / bikes from people like Bosch.

A slightly grey area, so worth making sure that any independent you choose to use can do the job to the manufacturer's standards.

Alan

 

[Professional Boxer]

In short, yes it will. EU Automotive Block exemption regulation (2003) states that if the vehicle is serviced in line with the manufacturer's requirements (duration / frequency / job content etc) using parts that meet the OE standards then the manufacturer must honour their warranty obligations.

Are you sure the motorcycle industry is covered by the block exemption regulations?

 

[shugie]

Are you sure the motorcycle industry is covered by the block exemption regulations?

It's not, there was an exclusion passed in January 2003 that takes the market for motorcycles out of the block exemption regulations.