Hey guys, so I just got my Mini this last October and apparently it's time to get it serviced already (it's used of course). Now, time after time people keep telling me to go to the dealership because everybody else is skeptical to work on them. So, I was just curious as to whether or not the dealership really is the best route, or if there's some smaller, cheaper shop that I can trust, perhaps.
Thanks for reading!

-Cody

I always use the main dealer, and yes they are very expensive but they have the right gear to hand to do the job so are less likely to knacker something else up trying to do it without the special tools. And you get a courtesy car too.
Also when you come to sell its better in the service book if theres a "BMW" dealers stamp, instead of say "Fred's Fab Kars", I wouldnt be too keen on buying a car without main dealer service history either.
But there are those independent garages that specialise in the marque and are as good no doubt and a lot cheaper, just go on recommendation from others that have used them is the only answer.

I take mine to MAD4MINI based in Leeds. As the name suggests, mechanics with knowledge of all things MINI, and of course their rates are very reasonable, not like the scandalous rates BMW main dealers charge.

i change my own oil & filter..

Dare I say, the Mini dealer, Momentum Mini, part of Momentum BMW.

I do, plugs, oil, oil filter, air filter, pollen filter etc myself.
Anything else, main dealer.
The main reason, i change my Mobil 1 oil every 12 months
and that only equates to every 6,000 miles!
.....i just want to spoil her! ;)

Yeah, outside of warranty dealer servicing being worth while is a bit of a misnomer.

One of the things I've noticed about being a MINI owner, is that BMW servicing treat you as a second rate customer - the level of service is never that good, they don't fully understand the product and as mentioned above, they're expensive.

Find a local independent mini specialist - you will find much more passionate, educated and experienced mechanics, at half the price. They also value your business a great deal more than a dealership and you'll get a personal customer experience.

Full dealer servicing can arguably add resale value, but depending on your audience a number of people will appreciate that it doesn't really mean all that much. (i.e. I would rather buy a car serviced by a specialist independent)

Find an enthused local independent specialist.

p.s. I use Tony Franks at MINI Motorsport Center, near Brighton UK.

I do not know where you are located, but if you're near the North end of Wash, DC, I recommend Behe Performance in Beltsville, MD. They race MINIs and have always been good to my 2003 MINI.

I really like your topic, looks great

I just take mine to a guy I know in a garage round the corner from our unit, not worried about taking it to main dealers