UK Servicing or lack of!!!!

[KellysHeros]

Hi all,

Prompted by a service notification on startup today, I began looking into booking the car in for its annual service. Unfortunately, as many of you may also be aware, the dealer network that was in place when I purchased the car back in July 2023 has since either shrunk significantly or disappeared altogether.

I came close to a similar situation last year when I contacted my supplying (and local) dealer. At the time, they were in the process of winding down their relationship with Ineos, but fortunately, they honoured my service request.

With that in mind, I reached out to Ineos Customer Services today for guidance. While they responded quickly, the solution offered was far from ideal, the nearest authorised service centre is a round trip of nearly 300 miles and over six hours of travel time.

Given that I anticipated this issue might arise, I previously contacted Customer Services to recommend a potential service partner in the South East (Surrey) who I felt could offer strong support to owners like myself. I was assured that Ineos was working on revamping its dealer approach and that I’d be contacted in due course. Sadly, that follow-up never came, and the recommended provider also confirmed they hadn’t been approached.

I’ve followed up again with Customer Services today to express my dissatisfaction at being expected to travel such a distance at my own cost and am currently awaiting their response.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m aware the vehicle has its quirks (yes, my door catches are still sticky), but I remain invested in the Ineos journey. That said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to question my ownership choice… and trying not to open a new tab to browse the latest Land Cruiser or Defender.

Has anyone else experienced similar frustrations with the collapse of the initial dealer network? Would be interested to hear how others are managing.

Many thanks

James

 

[drof14850]

Hi James, Originally purchased from Heritage Gloucester, knowing it could be serviced / warranty issues addressed by Heritage Dorchester 30- 40 min away and an area I am constantly visiting, ( Both sites now gone)

Going now to Compass Automotive Bridgwater 2 hours away, although very happy with the serviced received, have to loose another day to go and get the door locks changed.
My door locks don't stick or give me issues but my ignition key does not open the doors totally reliant on the remote, which is concerning.

You are not the only one questioning his decision.

I hope I'm wrong but I can see Ineos moving away from the uk market all together.
Can you really expect anyone today to go out and pay 80K for a new unit with such a poor dealer / service network? and without sales the service is only going to get worse.
Trying so hard to be positive but its difficult.

 

[Tom D]

Still ok here.

Once the manual comes simple repairs and servicing will be able to be done at your local garage. In fact there’s no reason that it couldn’t be now. I know that the service schedule has been posted on here before. The parts can be ordered in advance and you can take it to your favourite garage.

The only downside is that you won’t have a main dealer service stamp in the book. Main dealers usually charge like a raging bull anyway.. Oil filter can be bought at any decent auto parts store, as can all the fluids. Fuel filter is also a BMW part. Air filter is the only one I’m not sure about.


EDIT: The air filter is easily available too.

 

[drof14850]

Or warranty wont be covered, not that it means much over a year now waiting for door key issue to be resolved.

 

[Tom D]

Warranty issues are still going to be a problem.


Lynne Calder did say to me that there would be new dealer announcements soon.