IG 'Service' Center Location / Discussion

[zimm]

For sure. It's really not that bad of a drive. I'm fortunate to have a 2-post lift in the garage so I'd imagine most mundane work I'll do myself. I was just hoping the local BMW dealership could at least help out when things got hairy.

Apparently no shop manuals, and no over the air updates.

 

[utherjorge]

It's mind-blowing that a company has released a new vehicle and has no defined service plan for most of the country it released it in. And the general public (and anyone here, specifically) thinks it's ok.

 

[jrnottarts]

It's mind-blowing that a company has released a new vehicle and has no defined service plan for most of the country it released it in. And the general public (and anyone here, specifically) thinks it's ok.

I attribute it to growing pains and adoption theory. But if they want to be successful long term, they better start building out the service network. Most early adopters are willing to deal with the lack of service network for the short term, but once these vehicles start getting up there in mileage, they will be singing a different tune. It amazes me that when they partnered with BMW on the drivetrain the partnership did not include a service agreement with the BMW service network.

 

[nickw]

It's mind-blowing that a company has released a new vehicle and has no defined service plan for most of the country it released it in. And the general public (and anyone here, specifically) thinks it's ok.

OP here - I don't think it's ok which is why I started this thread to begin with! It's mind blowing that people put this in an echelon above a typical BMW when reliability with be on par at BEST relative to typical BMW with minimal coverage for service. I've been saying this from the get go - cool rig, looks well executed but its only as good as your ability to get it serviced.

 

[utherjorge]

I attribute it to growing pains and adoption theory. But if they want to be successful long term, they better start building out the service network. Most early adopters are willing to deal with the lack of service network for the short term, but once these vehicles start getting up there in mileage, they will be singing a different tune. It amazes me that when they partnered with BMW on the drivetrain the partnership did not include a service agreement with the BMW service network.

I have enjoyed seeing the extent that the Defender has really grown. I'd never touch one with a ten foot pole, but they are reallllly trying to do exciting things with it, including some beastly powertrains, many different levels of trim, and so on. Part of me wonders if you're seeing an arms race by both Toyota/Lexus and Land Rover, in part goosed by the Gren's arrival. Maybe, just maybe, LR has put some of that same effort into the reliability of the Defender? It had a rocky start to be sure.

I mention all of the above because alllll vehicles need "things" as they get older. My GX needed all new LCAs and the steering is making noises, too...plus tires. Plus other suspension bits. Plus...you get the idea. And all older LRs and BMWs are notorious for spendy fixes that the second owner needs to do. Or...much worse than that. These stories are everywhere.

So, Gren shows up after greatly increasing the price, with unproven stuff, and no way to service it. And using a motor that has some very specific known issues. With LR neatly wrapping up the luxe end, covered also by Lexus, and then with Toyota covering the lower end, before the 4Runner is official or the mini Land Cruiser gets revealed...there will be no chairs left for unproven, problematic rigs.