Want a 1, but proximity to BMW dealership concerns me

[jcs2.0T]

Anybody else out there with the same issue. The nearest BMW dealership is 350 miles from me, but I really want the 1 once my current lease is up...

[mikeo]

I bought a used '02 Mini Cooper S and at that time the closest dealer was ~400 miles away. Sure enough, the car wouldn't start one day. Since it was under warranty they sent a tow truck (load-up rather than cradle) and trucked it to the dealer in Denver. I did have to go pick it up when the work was done though.

[RobLS]

Same situation i was in a few years back. They sent a tow truck to pick it up, but we also got a loaner car. Was a fun car too.

[jcs2.0T]

So basically...if its under warranty, it shouldn't be a huge deal...what about routine maintenance though...oil changes and the like...

I suppose I could just do them myself...

[larryn]

Guys, we may be steering jcs the wrong way. The service and maintenance agreements (as well as roadside assistance) differ between Canada and the States.

Jcs, you should ask this question in the Canadian forum, to get experienced opinions from fellow countrymen.

[WolfsburgerMitFries]

Originally Posted by jcs2.0T

Anybody else out there with the same issue. The nearest BMW dealership is 350 miles from me, but I really want the 1 once my current lease is up...

That's a legitimate concern. I would not buy a car where the nearist dealer is 350 miles away. Especially in the harsh environment you live in.

[earth]

i will drive 3500000000000 miles to buy my 1

[RobLS]

Well I wasn't under warranty with the BMW i had then. It was about a 10 year old car. But yeah, you should call up BMW or ask your fellow countrymen.

[jcs2.0T]

good call guys - thanks for you help...I'll post in the Canadian forum and see what the opinions are...

I want a 1!

[EINSER M]

wow 350 miles thats a lot!!! i have bimmers coz the dealer is 7 miles away from me. i also wanted a range rover sports but the closest dealer is like 40 miles away and i wont even do that! 350 miles is like HELL NO!

[DCMotorer]

I can't really speak for BMWs, but I know they are probably similar to MINIs in that maintenance isn't required that often. My first service in my MINI wasn't due until 10k miles and the next will be due at around 25k miles (I'm currently at 17k). I moved right after I bought the car but drove 200 miles to the dealer I purchased it at for the first service because I knew them and I was in the area. So I guess the frequency of your trips to the dealer will depend on how much you drive your 1er.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by jcs2.0T

Anybody else out there with the same issue. The nearest BMW dealership is 350 miles from me, but I really want the 1 once my current lease is up...

I can't conceive of a scenario under which I would buy a car where the servicing dealer was more than 50 miles away. :eyebulge:
Living in The Soo probably means even more wear and tear on the car and 350 miles would be a major PITA anytime you need servicing - IMHO.
I think I'd be sticking with local dealers if I were you.

[spudw]

Originally Posted by carnut

I can't conceive of a scenario under which I would buy a car where the servicing dealer was more than 50 miles away. :eyebulge:
Living in The Soo probably means even more wear and tear on the car and 350 miles would be a major PITA anytime you need servicing - IMHO.
I think I'd be sticking with local dealers if I were you.

I'm thinking along the same lines. But I'm sure BMW would love to sell you a car and may make accomodations. Also, check to see if there is a certified BMW mechanic in the area that can do the regular maintenance. I have a relative in NFLD that could take his VW to a local VW guy to get minor warranty work and regular maintenance done.

It really depends on your lifestyle and such. If you have a wife and kids at home and can't easily scoot off for a weekend to get your service done, that would be a consideration.

[john970]

Originally Posted by earth

i will drive 3500000000000 miles to buy my 1

That's 1.19078 light years for the round trip. Might want to get the extended warranty.