[conquest]

As I see it, the most significant potential problem is that you are from out-of-town and not likely to provide any future business to the shop doing the inspection. The shop may therefore view potential future business from the current owner as more important than telling you the whole truth.

On the other hand, and although a local BMW dealer is independently owned by someone who may face the same pressures, it is also part of a national chain with a significant reputation at stake. The local BMW dealer has already been thoroughly vetted by BMW, is continually monitored, and will have to worry about a complaint to BMW if they fail to disclose something.

So, I'd take it to one of the two local BMW dealers - either Calgary BMW in the NW or BMW Gallery in the S/SE.

P.S.: Haven't seen you at any events lately ... where have you been?