Warranty

[kwallace21]

Hi folks,
Picking a 2011 1200 GSA next month and its due a 6k service.
What are the facts concerning the standard 2 year BMW warranty.
Do I have to get it serviced by a BMW dealer to keep the warranty valid or can I use any dealer? I know someone who is a BMW bike mechanic so if they serviced it using genuine BMW parts would it be valid.
I know there is a lot of conjecture regarding this subject so if someone knows the facts it would be useful.

Cheers
Kev

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Under European Block Exemption rules a manufacturer cannot force you into having your bike serviced within their dealer network however they can sometimes make it difficult for you to make a claim if something fails and of course if you do have it serviced elsewhere then any hope of you obtaining a goodwill claim outside of the manufacturers standard 2 year warranty period go straight out of the window

It's your choice

 

[Nutty]

Weigh up the cost difference carefully, as BMW are very good at out of warranty goodwill claims if your bike has been serviced at a main dealer, but not so good if you've had it serviced at independents

 

[kwallace21]

Thank you gentlemen.
Your advice is much appreciated.

Cheers
Kev

 

[adventuredon]

Plus 1. and that also goes for dealer good will. Fair do, if you don't service it there, when something goes, they are not all that keen to do a goodwill either and have also flung the "serviced outside a dealership" at me and the added on mods that are not OEM and not installed by dealer (lights). Stick to dealers who are genuine, nearby and I'd almost say use them in warranty, after that...go private. Dealers seem to hide behind not covered by ext warranty as it doesn't pay them to even investigate a problem anymore

 

[Katnip]

servicing

How would a BMW dealer confirm that a service done by a 'mate' was done with genuine BMW parts?
Would they demand an invoice showing that genuine parts were used or would they take your word for it?
It may be the law but to enforce it would I think be difficult.
Your BMW dealer is going to rush around and do his best for you when previous work done by an outsider? I don't think so

 

[adventuredon]

Most dealers know the independent mechanics on here that do the servicing. A lot of dealers also read these forums so they Will know and trust most work. Besides, trusted independents on here are able to stamp books certifying genuine parts. One should not be penalized for being sharp and shopping around. Not like otoh invalidate points if you shop at aldi!