The Damage

After a few days delay due to parts availability and the requirement for a new starter motor - the existing one had (developed...) an internal fault that meant another £178.41, I collected the car on Saturday, with a few interesting incidents...

• The invoice showed all the main parts as "RMFD." (e.g. RMFD. TRANS., RMFD Startermotor (sic)). When I queried what this meant, there was some dithering from the Service Advisor who tried to bluff for a few minutes, then went to get the Service Manager. He bluffed his way for a bit too - even to the point of saying "no parts are re-used", without ever clearly explaining what happened, though he did reassure me that the part was covered for 2 years and unlimited mileage, which is the same as a new part. I've since found a (slightly) fuller explanation from BMW here.
• The invoice also showed a number of "Surcharge on above" items (e.g. £591.30 for the transmission) that are refunded on the line below. This (apparently) is an 'internal' charge from BMW for the retrieval and inspection of the part. It's refunded if the part is returned to BMW. However, BMW will levy the full charge if the part is kept for independent inspection.
• Sytner had the car for 2 weeks but had only given it a cursory wash & vac, which was disappointing... Though the Service Manager did offer a full valet next time I visit as compensation. I hope that it's not before the next service is due!
• I mentioned the recommendation from Honest John about replacing the transmission fluid at every Service II to the Service Manager at Sytner. He didn't seem at all surprised and also said that "... a number of our customers ask for this to be carried out on gearboxes and diffs...". He also confirmed that it wouldn't affect the warranty on the parts/car. When I asked him why they (Sytner) didn't suggest it as good practice, he said that they "were very tightly controlled by the manufacturer" and that "BMW's position is that the parts are sealed for life and don't need the fluid to be changed". This seemed to be an area where Sytner could really add some value, but are not allowed to because of BMW's rules & regulations...

Total bill £2880.57 (yikes!).