My 23 year-old BMW 320d SE Touring passed its mot two weeks ago. Built in Dec 2002, it has done 137,500 miles. It has been in the family all its life. My sister had it for the first 10 years, I have had it since Aug 2012, it has a full service history (book fully stamped) and have kept all receipts for work done on it since I acquired it.
It was taken into the local BMW dealership for an urgent airbag replacement. They carried out a 'health check' and found nearly £1100 worth of work they deemed urgent. I declined. When it went in for a MOT and service at the local BMW garage, I told them of the issues the dealership found.
Of the items highlighted by the dealership:
* Water ingress on fog lights: Dealership wanted £165.48
Not water ingress, but condensation. This is common on older cars.
* Suspension rear damper dust cover: Dealership wanted £374.63
The shock absorbers are fine. The covers do not affect their operation. One is loose, but will be removed when both rear shock absorbers need replacing.
* Under tray cover damage: Dealership wanted £544.87
There was no damage, but just loose. It was re-attached (with a couple of screws) and is very secure now.
I did rebuke them in an email response and the clerk who dealt with me partially agreed with my comments but wouldn't go as far as saying they were 'trying it on' to fleece money out of me.