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Home servicing

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:43 pm
by 478cc
Went to my not-so-local dealer the other day (160 mile round trip, but the weather was good and the roads twisty) to have a look at the new models.
While I was there I asked at the parts desk for the gizmo that fits over the oil filter so that you can undo it and was told BMW won't allow them to sell any servicing tools :shock:

When I pointed out that an oil change was a basic part of home maintenance that anyone can and should do to their bike he just shrugged and said yes I know but they want you to bring the bike in for any servicing.

I can't imagine any reason why I will ever be going back to a main BMW dealers, with an attitude like that.

Luckily there is a small independent BMW servicing garage close to me. They actually encouraged me to change all the fluids myself (brake, gearbox, rear drive etc) if I wanted to, before they did my 6000 mile service to help save me a bit of money. :D Of course they were also happy to do it all for me if I wanted.

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:15 pm
by mcollect
That is strange! I went to Bob's and asked for one and he had an aftermarket one, said it was as good as BMW's tool. I bought it and have done all my maintenence from then on. Bob's encourages you to do your own simple stuff, they even teach new owners how to do most of the things. Give them a call and they will ship the parts to you. Also check Hammersley(sp) they offer discounts.

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:30 pm
by owldaddy
My local dealer sells the BMW wrench in his shop, They are $18, a little pricey, but good tools always are. Also most wrenches won't fit.
Don

Re: Home servicing

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:48 pm
by Deano
478cc wrote:Went to my not-so-local dealer the other day (160 mile round trip, but the weather was good and the roads twisty) to have a look at the new models.
While I was there I asked at the parts desk for the gizmo that fits over the oil filter so that you can undo it and was told BMW won't allow them to sell any servicing tools :shock:

When I pointed out that an oil change was a basic part of home maintenance that anyone can and should do to their bike he just shrugged and said yes I know but they want you to bring the bike in for any servicing.

I can't imagine any reason why I will ever be going back to a main BMW dealers, with an attitude like that.
I would never darken their doorway again.

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:09 pm
by OU812
Time to buy a Clymers book, and do it all your self. Tell your dealer to stick it where the sun don't shine! If they will not sell you a filter wrench, they are not worth dealing with. :evil: :P

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:11 pm
by sjbmw
That sounds like one guy's attitude, and it's doubtful you would get the same response from another dealer, or possibly another parts guy in the same dealer. I bought my oil filter wrench from my dealer.

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:59 pm
by Sunbeemer
I use the same oil filter wrench that I use for my Toyota (also use it on my daughter's Accord). It fits just fine!
I suggest you get thee to an auto parts store and try a filter wrench on a Fram PH3614 filter to see if it fits. If it does, it'll work on your bike.

Sounds like your dealer is a little too hungry! :roll:

Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 11:58 pm
by HiOSilver
It's not that unusual for the BMW dealers to refuse to sell tools. Both of the Phoenix area dealers refuse to sell any tools.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:43 am
by R4R&R
That's funny - they'll sell you the filter, but not the tool to remove it? I would find another dealer. I guess you can mail order needed parts, and go to the independant shop.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:52 am
by Boxer
Yeah. You gotta worry about a dealer that thinks he's gonna go broke from guys doing their own oil changes.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:57 am
by challey
It's not that unusual for the BMW dealers to refuse to sell tools. Both of the Phoenix area dealers refuse to sell any tools.
I can't imagine what the reasoning behind that kind of policy is. They're happy to sell you oil, filters, gaskets, etc. but not an oil filter wrench? I could see not selling a specialized BMW tool but an oil filter wrench is pretty much a necessity for serious riders.

478cc: I can assure you that this is not the case with all BMW dealers. As one poster said, you can order one from Bob's BMW in MD http://store.bobsbmw.com/index.asp?Page ... nch&Page=8. You can also get one from Chicago BMW http://www.chicagobmwmotorcycle.com/

I'm with you - I wouldn't go back to dealer with that kind of ridiculous policy.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:22 pm
by Arbreacames
Are you sure chicagobmwmotorcycle is still selling BMW tools? Last time I checked, I could not find them there anymore. Here are a few for you to test:

88886 113700 9-CAMSHAFTADDEV S $114.20
88886 112640 9-ECCENTENSIONER S $35.62
88886 315550 CLAMP S $200.80
90886 315553 CLAMP INSERT S $21.98
88886 313620 PUNCH S $39.52

BMW often seems more concerned about its dealer network than its customers so I would not be surprised if they have stopped selling specialized tools to individuals. In this case, there may be some truth in what 478cc's stealer told him.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 12:41 pm
by James McFaden
I for one would like to know who that dealer is 498cc, or tell us where you live and I can figure it out (80 mile radius). I'm looking to purchase a 1200R soon and wouldn't want to accidently buy it from someone who won't sell me parts.

Jim

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:35 pm
by 478cc
Should have pointed out I am in the UK :oops:

Still can't believe they would not sell me the part. I don't even think of it as a specialised BMW tool, it's just a basic service item.

As Deano said, I will never darken their doorway again.
The local independent is good, but they only hold tools for the shop use, they don't stock much but can order parts for you.

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 3:29 am
by chris
Halfords oil filter tool £4.99 fits perfectly.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ryId=71554

I got one from my local shop for £5.29 'cos it's nearer than Halfords! 76mm 14 flats.

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 1:54 pm
by 478cc
Chris, Excellent, thanks
I will have a look in halfords tomorrow.

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 2:11 pm
by Hendrikus
if you want a better quality look for a Hazet Nr. 2169