Service Validation

[Jonah]

Just been to Bmw(williams) for a mionor repair on warranty, only to discover that my warranty is invalid because, get this , as its a used bike all services have to be done with Bmw dealers otherwise the said warranty is void. I took my bike to a guy who is an ex BMW mechanic, who follows Bmw spec and only uses genuine Bm parts. The reason i use him is a) COST, and b) REPUTATION.
Now if i had brought a brand new bike i can have it serviced with who i like, and the warranty stays valid. Now bearing in mind that Roy ( Nr Preston ) put my mind at rest when i asked him the question about the warranty and service, on what grounds do BMW base the idea that you have to service with them???? What happened to fair trade, and dictating to the customer where they have to spend there money.
I would have to take my bike to Williams now and have it re seviced, with the same parts, and the same specs followed, just to confirm on Bm's data base that i have paid through the nose just to keep a warranty.
Am i right that as long as eveything is done to BMW spec and you have a valid service stamp, the warranty stands?
As a matter of course i also have a niggle with the bike, which was brought to their attention months ago, and now they are not as interested in sorting it out. Hmmm, coincidence? i think not.
Any ideas on direction on this one???????

 

[Colban]

I take it the bike (1200?) is out of the std 2 year BWM warranty and that your existing warranty (insurance basically) was provided as part of the purchase package.
Have you read through the Ts&Cs of the new warranty?.
Does it state in there that you have to have by bike serviced at a main dealer?.

 

[wessie]

I suggest you visit trading standards. I think there is an EU law which states that making such service requirements are illegal. Although, it may only apply to the warranty given with a new vehicle. Insurance based schemes, such as those on used vehicles may not be covered.

Even if the latter is the case, you may get advice on getting the repair done using your normal consumer rights.

 

[Paul Wakefield]

The new bike warranty is valid if the bike is (properly) serviced by a non BMW person. The Used Bike warranty clearly states that servicing must be carried out by a BMW dealer.

Obviously normal consumer rights are not affected but I doubt minor warranty work would be covered by this.

 

[beermonster]

You need to check the terms and conditions relating to your warranty, if it insists on Dealer servicing and you have not complied you are probably stuffed as far as the warranty is concerned.

I have only ever bought new so can only comment on the standard BM warranty which does allow some flexibility provided the mechanic is competent and genuine parts used, as per service schedule you can get it serviced where you like or even do it yourself.

Used bike warranty, could be a different matter. The EU directive as referred to by a previous poster only applies to cars, at least that’s my understanding so unlikely to provide you with any assistance.

Depending on how long your warranty has got left to run, it may be uneconomic to have it dealer serviced, particularly if they have told you it is void. By the way if it’s any comfort New Triumph warranties insist on dealer servicing as a condition, a blatant rip off that they are unable to enforce in the US, but there you go, it is pants.

I would have a word with Roy if I were you and forget Williams.

Simon