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Fast Fit service on a BMW E60

  • 20-11-2012 5:37pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,352 ✭✭✭


    Hey all

    Need to get the car serviced soon so I popped into my local Fast Fit this afternoon for a quick look. They offer the following full service for €140:

    Oil + oil filter change
    Air and fuel filter change
    Spark plugs

    Unsurprisingly, they advised my car would require a more expensive service due to special oil requirements and extra spark plugs (6 cylinders). €240 is the all-in price I was quoted, which I think it pretty good!

    Can anyone provide any recent experiences with Fast Fit, either good, bad or indifferent? Am I mad not going to a dealer/specialist?


Comments

  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Ardent wrote: »
    ......... Am I mad not going to a dealer/specialist?

    Get quotes from a few of them and compare to Fast Fit.

    The E60 has condition based service prompts ?? Is it due plugs at the moment or did they quote you for them just for the completeness/upselling?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,126 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    id get price from gary doyle in chelmsford or maybe bloomfield motors or scully autocare in clontarf. I would not be getting my bmw serviced in fast fit etc...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    That price seems off. I got my bmw serviced for 100 quid in September. It was only an oil and filter service but all the same, I wouldn't expect the plugs to add another 140 on top of that. I'd want them to confirm the oil spec, and the parts they are using also.


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    That price seems off. I got my bmw serviced for 100 quid in September. It was only an oil and filter service but all the same, I wouldn't expect the plugs to add another 140 on top of that..............

    Did they do the oil, air and fuel filters though along with an oil change for €100?

    The plugs for an e60 could be from €10 each to €30 each, unlikely they're going to throw in €30 plugs but if Fast Fit stock Bosch for example they're €15 each RRP :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Did they do the oil, air and fuel filters though along with an oil change for €100?

    The plugs for an e60 could be from €10 each to €30 each, unlikely they're going to throw in €30 plugs but if Fast Fit stock Bosch for example they're €15 each RRP :)

    True about the plugs, but you'd want to know what you were getting I suppose.

    Only oil and air filters replaced for the price i paid.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Check prices here - http://www.bmwservice.ie/contentv3/ for comparison.

    Had a quick look and there is no pricing for spark plug replacement for the check I did.

    Fast Fit wouldn't be the first place I'd be heading for a service. Whereabouts are you based and maybe someone will give suggestions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Condition based servicing is all good and well but it can also be annoying. You get your oil and filters changed and then about a month later something else pops up needing doing so another trip back to the mechanic. I prefer to keep tabs on things myself and try to group them into the same trip to the garage. I also pay no attention to the BMW service intervals as imo they tend to be too long imo, mine gets at least an oil and filter change every 15k km.

    Wherever you go make sure they use the correct grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,357 ✭✭✭Fiona


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    id get price from gary doyle in chelmsford or maybe bloomfield motors or scully autocare in clontarf. I would not be getting my bmw serviced in fast fit etc...

    As above or Valdas in Motor Confidence Rosemount Business Park


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,352 ✭✭✭Ardent


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Get quotes from a few of them and compare to Fast Fit.

    The E60 has condition based service prompts ?? Is it due plugs at the moment or did they quote you for them just for the completeness/upselling?

    Plugs were last changed over two years ago according to service book.

    They have 3 service packages:
    - €79 gets you an oil + oil filter change, various checks
    - €100: oil + oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, various checks
    - €140: oil + oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, various checks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,352 ✭✭✭Ardent


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    id get price from gary doyle in chelmsford or maybe bloomfield motors or scully autocare in clontarf. I would not be getting my bmw serviced in fast fit etc...

    Why not? Surely if they use the correct spec oil and suitable after-market parts, it's as good as getting the work done elsewhere?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,352 ✭✭✭Ardent


    That price seems off. I got my bmw serviced for 100 quid in September. It was only an oil and filter service but all the same, I wouldn't expect the plugs to add another 140 on top of that. I'd want them to confirm the oil spec, and the parts they are using also.

    If I was to service the car myself, €100 wouldn't cover the cost of the oil!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,417 ✭✭✭The Pontiac


    Ardent wrote: »
    Plugs were last changed over two years ago according to service book.

    They have 3 service packages:
    - €79 gets you an oil + oil filter change, various checks
    - €100: oil + oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, various checks
    - €140: oil + oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, various checks

    Would you do it yourself?

    I use the NCT for my "various checks".

    I also follow the service schedule regiously, and take it to my indie garage when I can't manage the big jobs eg. timing belt etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,352 ✭✭✭Ardent


    R.O.R wrote: »
    Check prices here - http://www.bmwservice.ie/contentv3/ for comparison.

    Had a quick look and there is no pricing for spark plug replacement for the check I did.

    Fast Fit wouldn't be the first place I'd be heading for a service. Whereabouts are you based and maybe someone will give suggestions.

    €227 on that site for just oil, oil filter and air filter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,417 ✭✭✭The Pontiac


    Ardent wrote: »
    If I was to service the car myself, €100 wouldn't cover the cost of the oil!

    Jesus what type of oil does the Beemer take? But if you did it yourself at least you'd know that expensive oil you purchased actually went into the car. Would you trust Fast Fit, without standing over them watching?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,352 ✭✭✭Ardent


    <Ollie> wrote: »
    Jesus what type of oil does the Beemer take? But if you did it yourself at least you'd know that expensive oil you purchased actually went into the car. Would you trust Fast Fit, without standing over them watching?

    This is the dilemma, isn't it! Only thing is, if you were to DIY it, 240 probably wouldn't even buy all the approved parts.

    It's a good deal. If the oil was the correct spec, it's really tempting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,417 ✭✭✭The Pontiac


    Ardent wrote: »
    This is the dilemma, isn't it! Only thing is, if you were to DIY it, 240 probably wouldn't even buy all the approved parts.

    It's a good deal. If the oil was the correct spec, it's really tempting.

    Also you can't stamp your own service book. If the oil is that good and expensive, then it's probably a good deal (assuming they use said oil) And you won't get your hands dirty!


  • Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Ardent wrote: »
    ............. if you were to DIY it, 240 probably wouldn't even buy all the approved parts. .............

    If that's true where are Fast Fit getting the parts from and why are they not charging you RRP for them :confused:

    If the RRP of decent plugs, decent filters and engine oil of the correct spec comes close to €240 and that's all they are charging you something smells.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭bmstuff


    Fast Fit, seriously, they can't even fit a tyre properly.
    They use the lower end of the lowest brands. Don't expect to get Castrol oil and Bosch/NGK plugs installed in your car.
    Don't bother
    No qualified mechanic works in this place either. They just got a crash course on oil change that's it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,189 ✭✭✭sundodger5


    bmstuff wrote: »
    Fast Fit, seriously, they can't even fit a tyre properly.
    They use the lower end of the lowest brands. Don't expect to get Castrol oil and Bosch/NGK plugs installed in your car.
    Don't bother
    No qualified mechanic works in this place either. They just got a crash course on oil change that's it.

    So in all the branches of Fast Fit nationwide you are saying that no one working there is a mechanic and that they can't fit a tyres?
    Fairly big generalisation don't you think?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭bmstuff


    sundodger5 wrote: »
    So in all the branches of Fast Fit nationwide you are saying that no one working there is a mechanic and that they can't fit a tyres?
    Fairly big generalisation don't you think?

    Fast Fit as been fitting tyres, brakes pads etc for years, they never touched oil, filters, spark plugs etc
    Since they got bitten hard by the recession few years back they decided to invest and diversify by offering cheap oil change/spark plug changes. They did not hire hundreds of qualified mechanics overnight. They got their tyres fitters into crash courses.
    They probably have some qualified mechanics, but every single worker in their shops is not a mechanic. Period.

    Even if they had qualified mechanics, I would not let them touch my car in terms of service, especially a E60. They use cheap parts for a reason. Maximise profit. And they charge way too much for it.
    They can't even reset the service light/computer on idrive, they don't have the hardware.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,993 ✭✭✭Dr Turk Turkelton


    bmstuff wrote: »
    Fast Fit, seriously, they can't even fit a tyre properly.
    They use the lower end of the lowest brands. Don't expect to get Castrol oil and Bosch/NGK plugs installed in your car.
    Don't bother
    No qualified mechanic works in this place either. They just got a crash course on oil change that's it.


    +1
    I wouldn't let them service my sons bicycle.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    As has been said, Its very unlikely that your car needs a 'standard' oil/air/plugs service. If its been serviced properly before then the CBS system will tell you what is currently due.

    The plugs for a petrol E60 would be retailing at close to €20 each and that is times 6 so that's €120 for plugs alone, Add to that 6+ liters of the correct spec of BMW LL oil and a 'basic' service becomes quite pricy in parts alone if you were to buy yourself.

    The area where independent garages save and can offer the lower prices is the oil which is bought in bulk, meaning vastly lower Price per litre.

    I won't comment on what fast fit may be like for a service, but just doing a perceived generic service on something like an E60 and not mentioning CBS or things like brake fluid changes, pollen filters etc means that the car is very unlikely to get serviced to proper BMW requirements. You would also need to be sure that they not only have the correct equipment for resetting the CBS but know how to properly reset it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,124 ✭✭✭Mech1


    I was called down to the local fastfit once to show them where the oil filter was on a vw. When I got there they had the oil cooler opened and couldnt find the filter.

    They took this off by mistake.
    041376.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,189 ✭✭✭sundodger5


    bmstuff wrote: »
    Fast Fit as been fitting tyres, brakes pads etc for years, they never touched oil, filters, spark plugs etc
    Since they got bitten hard by the recession few years back they decided to invest and diversify by offering cheap oil change/spark plug changes. They did not hire hundreds of qualified mechanics overnight. They got their tyres fitters into crash courses.
    They probably have some qualified mechanics, but every single worker in their shops is not a mechanic. Period.

    Even if they had qualified mechanics, I would not let them touch my car in terms of service, especially a E60. They use cheap parts for a reason. Maximise profit. And they charge way too much for it.
    They can't even reset the service light/computer on idrive, they don't have the hardware.

    Can i ask you if we say to some people on this forum to try basic servicing themselves to save a few quid, and we all try to help with advice. How come we all think that the fast fit industry are all and i mean all bad.
    Do you need to be a qualified mecahnic to change oil, filter and a set of plugs. I accept they don't have all the diagnostics equipment but how many indipendent fully qualified guys do?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭bmstuff


    sundodger5 wrote: »
    Can i ask you if we say to some people on this forum to try basic servicing themselves to save a few quid, and we all try to help with advice. How come we all think that the fast fit industry are all and i mean all bad.
    Do you need to be a qualified mecahnic to change oil, filter and a set of plugs. I accept they don't have all the diagnostics equipment but how many indipendent fully qualified guys do?

    In fairness qualified mechanic or not it does not really matter. Many people are not professionally qualified and they would do an outstanding work.
    On the other hand you find "independent specialists" that are sometimes highly regarded by a small community, but when you see the way they work and what they do to a car, you want to run, and fast.

    To me there are 2 problems with a place like this.

    1. They do not have the proper experience to service a car, changing oil and sparks and filters is easy enough, but you need to respect a few things, like torque figures, and rarely it is respected. Applying the proper torque to a spark plug is extremely important, even if your mechanic says the oppostite. And many do actually.

    2. The parts they use are of poor quality. Ok that will do if you drive a 10+ years old yoke that is about to fall apart.

    2 years ago I went to one of them to get my brand new refurbished wheel fitted to my brand new tyre.
    No only they could not managed to fit the tyre, they also managed to damage the edge of the wheel, at several places, with missing chunks of metal...
    The worse thingis, 2 of those guys tried.

    Not saying all their guys are bad, but if you were that of a good mechanic, would you really work in a tyre fitting place? I don't think so.

    I actually went to BMW after that, since they did the refurbishment of the wheel, they did it for free within 10mn. There was nothing wrong with the wheel or the tyre, the tyre was the right one for the wheel.

    Might have been an isolated incident, but to me, if you can't fit a bloody tyre in a tyre shop, you better off making big macs in McDonalds.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 111 ✭✭scooters


    Stay away from them(as a former member of staff) they are pretty poor at repairs, just let them fit tyres.


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