[happy1]

Wife's near new BMW X1 is going in for service by an independent workshop tomorrow.
It's a 'computer on wheels' and it even has built in electronic logbook.
The independent workshop specialise in BMWs and have the latest diagnostic tools, and will log in to the BMW database in Germany to officially amend to the service record in the database, and in the car's electronic modules.
It will show up as serviced by a non-dealer, and this this will be visible for the local BMW dealer here in Australia also next time they look at this vehicle's history.

The independent workshop charges approx. $500 for the service, which is near half of the dealer would charge. 1/3rd of that is oil & filters etc. I guess some of the servicing cost goes towards paying for tools and keeping up with latest technology.

No I don't think Mr. Shorten has a good policy by suggesting every mobile mechanic or tune-up workshop should be able to service any make and model of cars, and I agree with SMOO above.

Cheers,