Dealer Service, Warranty

[Tumbleweed]

I had a BMW service person imply to me that if I did not bring my 08 GS1200 to a dealership for the 6000 mile valve adjustment ($400.00) it could affect my warranty. This has got to be a load of b#!shi%.
I have been changing my on oil and servicing my own bikes for 40 years.
Can anyone tell me if there is any policy set by BMW that would require an owner to pay a dealer for something as minor as a valve adjustment in order to maintain the warranty?
thanks.
dt

[BamaBiker]

I don't believe any manufacturer can require that you have the service done at a dealership in order to maintain your warranty. However, should a warranty issue arise, you may need to prove that the service was done correctly and per schedule in order to preserve your rights under the warranty.

I may have misinterpreted the laws regarding warranties -- and if I have, I'm sure someone will correct me (I'm not a lawyer), but this is how I've interpreted warranty rules for years.

YMMV

[Vance]

That is the way I have always understood it a well....

[T. Ware]

BMW's policy regarding this used to be (I haven't been a service manager for several years) that you might be required to show that the service was done. There is no way to "prove" that it was done correctly.

The benefit of having the service performed at the dealer is that if an issue comes up that may or may not be warranty the service manager may be more likely to wrestle with BMW as an advocate for the owner. Whereas, if the owner is only an occasional customer in the service department the service manager may be less motivated.

That is one reason better independent shops use the BMW check list when performing service. The check list is the evidence that the service was performed, and maybe even done correctly.