So which service center do you guys use in nova?

[Wiryhair]

I visited bmw fairfax twice to fix something under warranty, but I am not sure if it is the right place for me even though it is the closest. ( I reserched to find the recommended SA at bmw fairfax, when I brought my car to fix under warranty, the SA insisted on getting 1200 miles service even though my car was 2 weeks old with only 250 miles on it. I declined it.)

Later I checked yelp review of bmw fairfax, and it was horrible. People who left reviews were saying that they would visit somewhere else. So I checked yelp review of bmw sterling, and it was not good either. I understand that it is hard to find good reviews from yelp, however, when I used to drive Japanese cars, it was not hard to find a good review like that. F80 is my first bimmer, and I am confused.

So what do you think? It is hard to find a reliable service center even though it is covered under service warranty. What if later my warranty is expired? It will be a nightmare.

Which dealer do you guys go? How about any other service centers not in the dealerships?

[elias]

Over the years I've been to all of the BMW Service centers and I have found that there isn't much difference among them. I just settled for Fairfax because
of its proximity to my home and business.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Come to Fairfax.

[Wiryhair]

Thank you for your response. I just made an appointment next Wednesday for 1200 miles service in Fairfax. Actually I bought my car from Silverspring, but I just cannot drive there for the service because of my schedule.

Everytime I go to the service center, I get nervous. haha

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Wiryhair

Thank you for your response. I just made an appointment next Wednesday for 1200 miles service in Fairfax. Actually I bought my car from Silverspring, but I just cannot drive there for the service because of my schedule.

Everytime I go to the service center, I get nervous. haha

In my experiences with FFX, ask for Rob as your service tech, he is exceptional.

[Wiryhair]

Thank You. I called them and requested Rob as my technician.

[golovko]

I've taken my F30 335i and my wife's X3 to BMW of Alexandria. I have no complaints with them and they've always done a great job. I also always get a loaner even if it is a simple oil change.

I will probably continue to take the F80 there as well

[The Swami]

BMW of Alexandria or Sterling have excellent service centers!

[MrSmileyDC]

Originally Posted by elias

Over the years I've been to all of the BMW Service centers and I have found that there isn't much difference among them. I just settled for Fairfax because
of its proximity to my home and business.

^^
This. I've used Silver Spring, Annapolis, and Alexandria so far. They all eventually drop the ball.

[jcote258]

I'm in the same boat, I was doing a little digging and was curious as to where I should service the car. Sterling would be the closest to me but I'm getting my F80 from Alexandria, well not really as I'm doing PCD, but that's a bit of a hike to do a little maintenance. I'm hoping Sterling ends up being a good place to go

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Come to Fairfax.

[TillyM]

is having a dedicated service advisor really important ? I wasn't so sure as myself is fairly new to BMW, but from my previous experience with benz was that it was just about same having one dedicated vs random first come first service tech..
on my very first benz, I had dedicated service tech which i had to drive all the up Germantown Maryland from fairfax area.. fair to say, techician was good and aware of my car and any little minor issue it previously had.. but nothing extrodinary to say that he was amazing tech..
So on my 2nd benz purchase, I just used local random service tech/ dealer who can provide most quickest service with loaner.. which til now I had no issue what so ever..
In the end, from the experience I find that having dedicated tech does give you piece of mind that he may have better knowledge of your car but not so sure if tech will take that extra step to ensure to be flawless... unless something addition(?) is compensated ? Afterall Im pretty sure these techs go thru rigorous trainning to meet the expectation of their repected Auto brand and moreover, auto nowdays are far well made to last on average maintenance ?

going thru some of the post, Iam getting the impression that having right service tech is really important on bmw ? can anyone share their local experience in Metro DC area ?

[chillindrdude]

So far so good for me at Silver Spring.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by jadeite22

is having a dedicated service advisor really important ? I wasn't so sure as myself is fairly new to BMW, but from my previous experience with benz was that it was just about same having one dedicated vs random first come first service tech..
on my very first benz, I had dedicated service tech which i had to drive all the up Germantown Maryland from fairfax area.. fair to say, techician was good and aware of my car and any little minor issue it previously had.. but nothing extrodinary to say that he was amazing tech..
So on my 2nd benz purchase, I just used local random service tech/ dealer who can provide most quickest service with loaner.. which til now I had no issue what so ever..
In the end, from the experience I find that having dedicated tech does give you piece of mind that he may have better knowledge of your car but not so sure if tech will take that extra step to ensure to be flawless... unless something addition(?) is compensated ? Afterall Im pretty sure these techs go thru rigorous trainning to meet the expectation of their repected Auto brand and moreover, auto nowdays are far well made to last on average maintenance ?

going thru some of the post, Iam getting the impression that having right service tech is really important on bmw ? can anyone share their local experience in Metro DC area ?

Having a dedicated SA and tech is the ideal situation. A good tech is sometimes tough to find, but once you find one you can trust, don't let go.

Your SA however will always be the first and sometimes only person you'll talk to. Having them in your corner goes a LONG way when weird situations come up with the dealer having to work with BMWNA or just getting simple things done.

[mnesia]

So far so good for me at BMW Alexandria - grobitaille@bmwofalexandria.com - George is great SA.

[flip4335]

I have had nothing but good experiences at BMW of Sterling, especially with Shane Gillespie as my Tech! Taking my 2015 X5 for service there soon.

[shortseller]

Ok, trying this again.

Just completed my first manditory full service on my f80, at just over 8,200 miles, service seems to have been triggered because of my 1 yr anniversary date rather than mileage. Service was completed at BMW of Fairfax.

Oil, filter, wiper blades, all no charge. No TSBs or manditory software flashes were needed, didn't ask about the HUD or Nav update. Suggested I do an alignment & bal/rotation as my tires were showing uneven wear. Indeed alignment was off so I had both services completed. Discounts & coupons were honored to help with the costs, pulled off the net by my service writer, Frankie Johnson, very cool. Work was completed by tech Robert. Both are highly recommended.

Rob actually just got back from Thermal CA, where he spent some time at the BMW track in an f80 power sliding around corners and having the time of his life. He's certainly an M enthusiast and the kind of tech I love having working on my car...of course when he's not out tracking his Ducati.

[cshawkeye]

Ironically living in Alexandria I tend to go to Passport BMW or BMW of Silver Spring. My old service adviser at SS is now the service manager.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by cshawkeye

Ironically living in Alexandria I tend to go to Passport BMW or BMW of Silver Spring. My old service adviser at SS is now the service manager.

Following a good tech and service adviser is always a good idea.

[The Swami]

Originally Posted by chillindrdude

So far so good for me at Silver Spring.

Until it's time for you to get a loaner car! I'm 6'3 and bringing in a $88K 550xi and you send me to Enterprise for a Ford Focus!!?? GTFOHWTBS... Once I found out Mile One bought Russell/BMW of Catonsville, I started going to Sterling or Rockville for warranty service.

[chillindrdude]

Originally Posted by The Swami

Until it's time for you to get a loaner car! I'm 6'3 and bringing in a $88K 550xi and you send me to Enterprise for a Ford Focus!!?? GTFOHWTBS... Once I found out Mile One bought Russell/BMW of Catonsville, I started going to Sterling or Rockville for warranty service.

that exactly what happened to me at Passport BMW...

Got a 428 GC at my recent service with SS.

[golovko]

I always thought getting a p.o.s. loaner was on purpose to make you appreciate your own car that much more?