High Costs for Routine BMW Maintenance Spark Customer Backlash

Post-warranty, a BMW M3 owner encountered unexpectedly high charges at the dealership for basic services, highlighting concerns over escalating vehicle maintenance costs and customer dissatisfaction.

A BMW owner recently took to social media to share the high prices he faced for routine maintenance at the local dealership, as recently shared by Car Scoops.

When Reddit user Khalnayak took in his 2021 M3 for routine maintenance, he was met with a total cost of $1,199.85 for his visit.

This cost included a $399.95 oil change for the M3, which takes 7.4 quarts of 0W-30, and $340 for a replacement of the cabin air filter, a component that runs for less than $40 at most stores.

Additionally, the customer was also charged $179.95 for a Standard Scope, which was likely a scan of the ECU through the OBDII port; and another $279.95 was charged for a “Vehicle Check.”

According to the Reddit user, these charges came right after his complimentary maintenance plan expired. Despite having been a customer, the BMW owner promptly took his business elsewhere, opting instead for DIY work. With the cost of vehicle ownership only continuing to rise, it’s clear customers like Khalnayak need providers who can offer reliable service as well as reasonable prices.

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Ratchet+Wrench Staff Reporters

The Ratchet+Wrench staff reporters have a combined two-plus decades of journalism and mechanical repair experience.
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