Best BMW dealer in Dublin area for service?

JungleMartin

Hi all. First thing: let me say my car has a 'Service Inclusive' servicing package on it so I am only looking for recommendations for BMW authorised service centres. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of good independent specialists (and I may well switch to using one when my service pack runs out) but for now the routine service items are already paid for.

Next thing, I had a good search. I found this epic thread (boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055347406?) which would have been great info but it was almost eight years ago. That's not to say that those dealers recommended back then are not still just as good now, but a lot can change in eight years and I much prefer to ask for the most up to date recommendations.

Now, my situation: The car is a 2013 330D and I currently work near the N7 near Saggart/Rathcoole. I'd be happy to travel to whichever dealer, within reason, if they have a much better reputation than others. I think I have a choice of four or five Dublin dealers plus even Naas perhaps. I bought the car in the UK so I have no existing loyalty to any of the dealers. And yes, all the info says the service pack is valid across the whole of Europe.

The car is calling for a brake fluid change this month, which is included in the service pack. This should be a very straightforward job! (So if I'm not happy with them on that job, alarm bells would definitely ring!) But the car is also predicting its next proper service (oil and filter change, whatever) in another 12,000kms. I currently do about 30,000kms a year so that will come around quite quickly. So this brake fluid change will be like a test case and if I'm happy with them, the car can go back to them later in the year for the oil service.

So folks, any particular recommendations or warnings for any of the Dublin (or Naas) BMW dealers? Thanks!

Gumbo

Ive had no issues with Murphy & Gunn in Milltown.

kdevitt

I go well out of my way to use Murphy & Gunn. I wouldn't personally use Joe Duffy's after a previous bad experience.

digiman

kdevitt wrote: »

I go well out of my way to use Murphy & Gunn. I wouldn't personally use Joe Duffy's after a previous bad experience.

I've used both Murphy & Gunn and Joe Duffy. Murphy and Gunn never updated my I drive to say that it had the vehicle inspection on the first service with them which was annoying. I then went to Joe Duffy have been able to organise a courtesy car both times I went there free of charge. I've also got a service inclusive package.

mikeecho

M&G milltown

kdevitt

digiman wrote: »

I've used both Murphy & Gunn and Joe Duffy. Murphy and Gunn never updated my I drive to say that it had the vehicle inspection on the first service with them which was annoying. I then went to Joe Duffy have been able to organise a courtesy car both times I went there free of charge. I've also got a service inclusive package.

Yep that sounds annoying alright.

Anyway - FWIW, Joe Duffys relieved me of close to EUR900 for an oil and coolant change on a 328ci. Then returned the car with scratches on virtually every panel and chunks of paint taken out of the side sills. Promised to refund some money charged for a visual inspection, which they didn't. Also arranged to collect the car to fix the paint issues - car was returned having just been washed (badly), with nothing else done. Car was collected again, and returned in better condition, but not quite as immaculate as it was going into them in the first place.

I actually know of one lad had a full exhaust go missing while the car was in with them, although the chances of that happening on a standard service are admittedly slim.

testarossa40

kdevitt wrote: »

Yep that sounds annoying alright.

Anyway - FWIW, Joe Duffys relieved me of close to EUR900 for an oil and coolant change on a 328ci. Then returned the car with scratches on virtually every panel and chunks of paint taken out of the side sills. Promised to refund some money charged for a visual inspection, which they didn't. Also arranged to collect the car to fix the paint issues - car was returned having just been washed (badly), with nothing else done. Car was collected again, and returned in better condition, but not quite as immaculate as it was going into them in the first place.

I actually know of one lad had a full exhaust go missing while the car was in with them, although the chances of that happening on a standard service are admittedly slim.

Do you mind me asking when and at which location you experienced this? Personally, I've been using Joe Duffy on Rochestown Avenue for close on 3 yrs now for oil services and major jobs (steering column, brake pads/disks, forward cat/exhaust section replacements, etc) and found them really very good each time. I'll actually miss them when I become a new Skoda owner next month

kdevitt

Was at North Road in Finglas

Elessar

I had a bad experience with Murphy and Gunn milltown - car went in to see about a steering issue. I was told it needed wheel balancing €170 please. One day later the issue came back with a vengeance. They were less than helpful in remedying - I was told sorry you've another two weeks to wait before we can get you back in. I'm not even sure a balancing was done, they inflated the types well over the recommended amount which masked the issue.

After a quick trip to a local place, it was blatantly clear one of the tyres had severe wear on the inside which was causing the issue - two new tyres later it was sorted. How a BMW garage missed something like that is beyond me. Will never be going back. And I went to Murphy & Gunn because of recommendations on boards.

My 2 cents.

impr0v

I had a bad experience with Murphy and Gunne in Rathgar. Went to Joe Duffy at North Road after that. Was always a decent experience.

speedfreak

Not sure if they all do it now but Conlon's Naas give a free courtesy car and valet your own when service complete.

JungleMartin

Elessar wrote: »

I had a bad experience with Murphy and Gunn milltown - car went in to see about a steering issue. I was told it needed wheel balancing €170 please. One day later the issue came back with a vengeance. They were less than helpful in remedying - I was told sorry you've another two weeks to wait before we can get you back in. I'm not even sure a balancing was done, they inflated the types well over the recommended amount which masked the issue.

After a quick trip to a local place, it was blatantly clear one of the tyres had severe wear on the inside which was causing the issue - two new tyres later it was sorted. How a BMW garage missed something like that is beyond me. Will never be going back. And I went to Murphy & Gunn because of recommendations on boards.

My 2 cents.

Elessar, thanks for this. What was the original steering issue? Pulling to one side? Vibration?

The independent (but high quality) tyre specialist I used to use charged fifteen pounds sterling for tyre removal, new valve, fit new tyre and balancing. That's 15 for the whole lot. I don't know what your guys were doing for €170 but I hope it was a lot more than just balancing!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone else. Quite a mixed bag but it's all appreciated.

Does anyone have any feedback regarding Frank Keane on Naas Rd?

ciarsd

M&G Milltown or FK Naas Road are the only 2 I can vouch for personally.

veetwin

Another vote for Joe Duffy on the North Rd for me. Used them for 5 years without issue and car was always returned spotlessly clean with the work done properly explained to me. I always felt they looked after the customer there.

Gumbo

speedfreak wrote: »

Not sure if they all do it now but Conlon's Naas give a free courtesy car and valet your own when service complete.

They all valet the car now but not all give a courtesy car iirc

bazz26

Conlon's in Limerick give the car a wash alright but insurance on their courtesy car is €10 per day.

logie101

If you are ever up North go to Baverian Motors in Belfast.
IMO they are the best BMW dealer across Ireland.

Theboinkmaster

I've used joe Duffy rochestown and found them good.

heroics

I've been using Frank Keane in Blackrock for both myself and my wife car. Both have service inclusive and have had no problems with the servicing.

Elessar

JungleMartin wrote: »

Elessar, thanks for this. What was the original steering issue? Pulling to one side? Vibration?

The independent (but high quality) tyre specialist I used to use charged fifteen pounds sterling for tyre removal, new valve, fit new tyre and balancing. That's 15 for the whole lot. I don't know what your guys were doing for €170 but I hope it was a lot more than just balancing!

Thanks for all the feedback everyone else. Quite a mixed bag but it's all appreciated.

Does anyone have any feedback regarding Frank Keane on Naas Rd?

It was both, vibration and pulling to one side. Caused by a single warn tyre, which they obviously didn't even look at. €170 for 4 wheel balancing. I only went as I have the extended warranty, and want to keep to the dealer network.

goochy

Bavarian garages is in the uk !! LOL

JungleMartin

Elessar wrote: »

€170 for 4 wheel balancing.

Ah, that sounds like full four wheel alignment. Whatever it was though, you're quite right of course - they should have spotted a badly worn tyre and seen to that first before even trying anything else.

Thanks everyone for the further replies.

Theboinkmaster

heroics wrote: »

I've been using Frank Keane in Blackrock for both myself and my wife car. Both have service inclusive and have had no problems with the servicing.

they damaged my f10 twice without apology so I'd avoid.

TCP/IP

Conlons in Naas are really good. Have looked after my 650 Cabrio really really well.

dzwx

Advice:
do not ever let any dealer to wash your car, they will destroy your paint finish with dirty sponges etc

that's when you care about your paint of course

JungleMartin

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Although I work up in Dublin area during the week, I actually didn't mention I live in north Mayo and I return there each weekend. Does anyone have any feedback on Martin Reilly BMW in Sligo? It's an hour drive from home but could still be an option.