Service Appointment Leadtime

Yellow idiot light came on advising of an oil change. So I called the dealer in Orlando and it's a one week wait. Called the BMW dealer in Lakeland (less populated) and its two weeks. Decided on two weeks because they can get me in and out in 1.5 hours vs 4 hours in Orlando.

This is my first BMW. Is this normal BMW service? What happens if something like a tranny goes? Are you on your own until they get around to it?

My MB service for my E series in Lakeland was usually the next day for whatever. Seems like the BMW dealer in Central Florida covers up gross under staffing with free food and internet. Am I missing something?

Don't know. Never had this problem. Very different situation for me as my dealer has always responded quickly, plus they provide a car while mine is being serviced.
vz

Originally Posted by ClermontFlash

Yellow idiot light came on advising of an oil change. So I called the dealer in Orlando and it's a one week wait. Called the BMW dealer in Lakeland (less populated) and its two weeks. Decided on two weeks because they can get me in and out in 1.5 hours vs 4 hours in Orlando.

You have to understand that just because your car is due for OIL service doesnt mean...every BMW dealer in the US is obligated to service your car right away

I mean plus its just the yellow indicator which is a reminder that oil service is due, and you can still drive the vehicle for a few 100 miles before its REALLY due

Originally Posted by ClermontFlash

This is my first BMW. Is this normal BMW service? What happens if something like a tranny goes? Are you on your own until they get around to it?

Obviously , they will look into something like that right away
My transmission had an issue and they serviced it right then , i waited for a day and then voila had a brand new tranny
So not to worry sir, if you fall into something dreadful like that....your dealer will look into that for you right away

Originally Posted by ClermontFlash

My MB service for my E series in Lakeland was usually the next day for whatever. Seems like the BMW dealer in Central Florida covers up gross under staffing with free food and internet. Am I missing something?

It depends on the dealer liek you mentioned earlier(size too smaller dealerships have a little bit of wait, also geography plays a role, if its in the main city it will be busier and you wait longer again!),

If you purchased your merc from that LakeLand dealer, obviously you will get priority over someone, who hasnt Its a natural thing for some dealerships to act that way to win the cutomer , and even if you have purchased your BMW through these dealers mentioned above, it doesnt mean that they are sitting there just waiting for your call so you can get service right away I mean relax its just an oil service and its still at the yellow indicator, make an appointment and trust me BMW service is no short of mercedes service, and infact you will enjoy it

Just dont jump to conclusions about BMW service so soon

Good Luck

If it's a non-emergency service (such as a routine oil change) and I need a loaner, a week's wait is pretty normal. If I have a more immediate need, I've never had an issue going in right away.

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not a whiner, just want to understand the ground rules. I'm DIY, so I have to see if its worth it to spend the time driving to/from the dealer (hour each way) when I can do it myself in 15 min. Did it myself on the Merc.

Love the car though.

Usually about a week. When I call, I ask for the first date that a loaner is available otherwise I could get in sooner...

Originally Posted by Vader745

Usually about a week. When I call, I ask for the first date that a loaner is available otherwise I could get in sooner...

Yep, same here. I think it's the loaner that delays things more than anything.

Originally Posted by ClermontFlash

Yellow idiot light came on advising of an oil change. So I called the dealer in Orlando and it's a one week wait. Called the BMW dealer in Lakeland (less populated) and its two weeks. Decided on two weeks because they can get me in and out in 1.5 hours vs 4 hours in Orlando.

This is my first BMW. Is this normal BMW service? What happens if something like a tranny goes? Are you on your own until they get around to it?

My MB service for my E series in Lakeland was usually the next day for whatever. Seems like the BMW dealer in Central Florida covers up gross under staffing with free food and internet. Am I missing something?

I take mine to the dealer in winter park, it's normally 5-7 business days before they can schedule the car to be seen for any reason.