I recently purchased a used (2012) BMW X3 from a franchised dealer. The dealer confirmed in writing that the vehicle had a full service history and was maintained at their workshop. During the test drive I was shown the full list of the checks carried out and the work undertaken but was not shown the service booklet. I requested copies be sent by email although promised was never sent.

When I took delivery I was told the book was not available as it had been sent to another workshop for a missed stamp and it would be sent by registered post. As the dealer had a good reputation and that the vehicle was sold under the BMW Approved Vehicle scheme (where I paid a premium for the privilege) I trusted their statement and paid for the vehicle. A few days later I received the service book and was baffled to see that the first and only interim service was carried out 22 months after purchase at just over 26,000 miles. The next service was carried out 4500 miles later as part of the resale.

I have formally written to the dealer to state that the service interval is excessive and as such should not qualify to be sold under the BMW Approve car scheme. The customer service manager phoned me to assert that the CBS method used by BMW may allow such an extended interval and should not cause any damage to the engine, in any case the second service would have rectified any problems caused. I have challenged the accuracy of this statement, but am not sure what to do next. Can you offer any advice?