Team Bumper met (for the first time in its entirety) in Lisbon last month for a week of collaborative workshops and team-bonding activities. 

In attendance, were our teams based in the UK, Spain, Germany and our development team based in Ankara, Turkey. 

The main purpose of the meet-up was to allow members of different departments to collaborate, chat and understand each other’s goals. 

During the update, teams stood to present who they were and their plans for the future. We heard from People, Engineering, Product, Sales, Risk and Compliance, Growth, and Operations. 

Before the trip, workshops were held by our People Team, to understand exactly what Bumper’s core values are; how we work together as a team, how we approach new opportunities and challenges, and how we interact with external stakeholders. 

 - We’re committed, enthusiastic and always give 110%. 

- We're inquisitive, drive change & positively disrupt. 

 - We embrace it, put our stamp on it & take pride in it. 

- We're passionate, tenacious and resilient; we get the job done 

 - We keep it real & we trust each other to do the right thing, in the right way. 

- We stay focused on the goal, avoid overcomplicating things & insist on transparency. 

One evening, we were joined by guest speaker, Alan Chambers, who discussed team motivation, how to create a winning mindset and what inspirational leadership looks like. Alan is a former Royal Marine Commando, Author, and Polar Adventurer. 

He led the first successful unsupported expedition from Canada to the North Pole by a British team. The expedition took them a whopping 672 nautical miles, through temperatures as low as -65°C. 

After seventy days out on the ice, Alan’s team planted the Union Flag on the 16th of May 2000. 

Lastly, some of the team took to the water for paddle-boarding and surfing, whilst others enjoyed a relaxing yoga session. 

For many of the team, working remotely across Europe, this was a great opportunity for them to get to know who they’re working with, face-to-face, without using a video meetings! 

“Very happy to meet every Bumpee face-to-face and spend time together. It was a great opportunity to collect unforgettable memories with each of you!”

Sumru, Talent and People partner (Turkey) 

“Glad to have met most of Bumper and had the opportunity to spend such a legendary time with each of you! I certainly enjoyed myself! A big thank you for the organisers!”

“Thank you to all organizers for this great retreat. It was great opportunity to meet all you in person. I hope to see you all again next retreat” 

“I had a blast! I had been hearing about this trip since I joined a year ago and it really surpassed my expectations big time. So proud to be part of Bumper; loved every minute of it!”

“Thank you all so much for making this retreat so amazing.” 

Bumper Lisbon 2022: Team collaboration event

By the end of the decade, open banking is set to become the dominant form of payment in car retailing. Low transaction fees and reduced exposure to fraudulent card transactions will benefit dealers greatly. 

Rather than relying on debit or credit cards issued by a third party, open banking allows customers to pay directly from their personal account into a dealer’s account. 

According to the Open Banking Implementation Entity, a standards body set up by the UK’s largest banks, the UK has seen exponential growth of open banking in recent times with 4.5 million regular users across all retail sectors and 1 million new users added every six months. 

James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper said, “Customer transactions are already being transformed by open banking across other retail sectors. Because of the high invoice values associated with automotive, we anticipate it becoming the dominant form of payment in dealerships by the end of the decade.” 

“Car buyers using open banking can make their payments online in a matter of seconds using just their bank account credentials. Also, because these payments require bank authentication within a customer’s banking app, it makes fraud significantly harder, giving a greater layer of protection to dealers. 

“While dealers offering open banking can expect to see their transaction costs halve by the removal of hefty fees associated with card payments. Other benefits include more secure digital payments, minimising dealers’ exposure to fraud, and full GDPR compliance.” 

“Open banking offers a solution that better meets the changing needs of customers looking for more convenient and smarter digital alternatives to cards.” 

“The addition of open banking further expands our suite of digital payment options, sitting alongside Pay Now and Pay Later, enabling dealers to offer customers the payment option that works best for their personal finances,” said Jackson. 

We expect dealers will offer the option of open banking for customers making large deposits, after-sales bills, GAP insurance and extended warranties. 

Starting this month, Bumper offers dealers an open banking facility, fully integrated with REALtime communications. 

To find out more, contact our sales team via 

Open banking set to be dominant form of payment in car retailing by 2030 

The Dealership of the Month for June 2022, Evans Halshaw Old Trafford, met with Bumper Account Manager, Chris, to accept their award this month.

Chris said, 'The team at Evans Halshaw Ford Old Trafford have been presented with this award for consistently utilising Bumper's PayLater within their aftersales process to support customers with any unexpected repair bills.'

'Since launching in February 2022, the team have gone from strength to strength culminating in a fantastic June with a special shout out to Dawn and Natalie who led the group for PayLaters since launch!'

Their exceptional customer experience has also been reflected in their Trustpilot reviews. One customer quoted, ‘

 was very convenient for me as it allowed me to spread the cost and it was interest-free. It was set up within minutes at the garage. Very pleased with Bumper especially the interest-free offer.'

Dealership of the Month June 2022: Evans Halshaw Old Trafford 

The research team at Bumper recently carried out a survey of 2,250 UK drivers over the age of 18 to find out how much they had spent on vehicle repairs in the last 12 months.

The survey found that 78% of drivers needed at least one tyre replacement over the past 12 months. The regions with the most replacements necessaries were:

 of their replacements was £121. According to National Travel Survey there are approximately 35.9 million UK license holders, which means an estimated £3.4bn has been spent on 

When asked if the cost was more or less than expected, 38% found the cost was more than expected, 41% said it was as expected, and 21% found the repairs to be less than expected. 

Bumper, CEO and Co-Founder, James Jackson said, ‘When it comes to the cost of maintaining a vehicle, our minds often just go to well-known expenses like petrol, insurance and MOTs. This research highlights the real cost to drivers is tyre replacements, highlighting that drivers in the North West need their tyres replacing more than anywhere else in the UK. 

‘It’s really important to keep an eye on your tyres to increase their longevity, by 

 and wheel alignment of your tyres, as well as by rotating tyres often. If an unexpected tyre replacement bill surprises you, you should be aware of the many different payment offers to help you manage the added expense, such as Bumper.’ 

Bumper is an interest-free payment option for repairs at garages and dealerships. Customers can apply online before their booking and get approved for up to £5,000*. 

To find out your maximum credit limit and see dependable garages in your area, enter your registration and postcode on the 

*The number of repayments, the amount of credit and the need for a deposit changes depending on the partner you choose, but it will always be interest-free! 

UK motorists collectively spend £3bn on tyre replacements 

Bumper has appointed Nick Squire as International Sales and Partnerships Manager. 

Nick will be responsible for strengthening Bumper’s position in Germany and Spain, as well as managing our expansion into further European markets. 

In his previous role, Squire headed up European and Global autoVHC programmes. With 20 years' experience in the automotive sector, starting as general sales manager at Ilkeston Co-op Motor Group, Nick is the perfect choice to lead Bumper as it takes its next steps into Europe. 

CCO and co-founder, Jack Allman, said, ‘We’re delighted to welcome Nick Squire to our fast-expanding team to spearhead Bumper’s ambitious growth plans across key European automotive retailing markets. 

‘Nick brings a wealth of experience to this new position having worked in the UK and international dealer sectors, including many of the markets we are targeting.’ 

Nick Squire said, ‘I’m delighted to be joining Bumper at the beginning of its exciting international journey and introduce new dealer products into new markets. 

‘There is a huge opportunity to grow Bumper into Europe. Having worked extensively in Germany and Spain my initial focus will be to grow sales in these markets and build partnerships with key strategic partners, OEMs and dealer groups.’ 

 is an interest-free monthly payment option for aftersales purchases. Applications are processed online in just a few clicks and customers receive an instant decision. 

To find out how Bumper can transform your aftersales department contact our sales team using the 

Bumper appoints International Sales and Partnerships Manager 

Owning a car can be costly, but not all repairs hit your wallet equally. Routine jobs, such as oil changes and air filters, are simple. What really stings are the big-ticket repairs.

In the UK, the most costly car repairs typically include catalytic converter replacement, head gasket failure, and transmission repairs, each of which can potentially cost thousands of pounds, depending on the vehicle.

If you’re hearing strange noises under the bonnet, read on to see the most expensive car repairs in the UK and their typical price ranges.

The most expensive types of car repair explained 

Wondering what the most expensive types of car repair are in the UK? 

Here, we explain the biggest repair costs and what makes them so costly. Remember, you can use 

 to split the cost of repair into interest-free monthly instalments.

Replacing or repairing a faulty alternator typically costs between 

The alternator keeps your car’s electrical systems in balance and maintains the battery’s charge, ensuring it stays in good condition. If it fails, your battery may run out of juice prematurely, causing startup problems. 

Signs of a failing alternator include difficulty starting the car, a burning rubber smell, or whirring and squeaking noises from the engine. Quick replacement can prevent bigger, more costly issues down the line. Don’t put it off!

Fixing or replacing a faulty catalytic converter can cost 

for parts, with labour potentially bringing the total to 

The catalytic converter helps reduce pollutants in your car’s exhaust. Signs of a failing converter include increased fuel consumption, poor acceleration, higher emissions, rough engine running, or even the engine cutting out. 

If your car fails its emissions test, the catalytic converter likely needs attention.

Clutch and related transmission problems 

Replacing a car clutch typically costs around 

The clutch allows your car to engage and disengage the engine from the gearbox smoothly. Signs of a failing clutch include a loose or spongy pedal, a higher-than-normal biting point, difficulty shifting gears, or a persistent burning smell while driving. 

Because clutch replacement is a labour-intensive job, addressing issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your car runs smoothly and safely on the road!

Repairing a faulty head gasket typically costs between

The head gasket seals the engine’s cylinders and keeps coolant and oil from mixing. Signs of a problem include high temperature gauge readings, sudden loss of power, thickened engine oil, or white smoke and liquid coming from the exhaust. 

Like other repairs on this list, head gasket issues are difficult and expensive to fix. Spotting them early can save your future self from a massive repair bill.

Replacing a timing belt, or ‘cambelt,’ typically costs between 

The timing belt synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring smooth power transfer from the engine to the wheels. 

If it snaps, tears, or cracks, it can cause serious engine and powertrain damage. Because of its location, replacement is time-intensive — as soon as you notice an issue, contact a mechanic.

Replacing a car radiator typically costs between

A vehicle’s radiator maintains the engine's optimal temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring proper oil viscosity. 

A common problem is a leak. Leaks are usually caused by rust, but poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or low-quality fluids can also be factors. 

When a leak occurs, replacement is usually better than a temporary patch, as ignoring it can lead to far more expensive engine problems.

What is the most difficult part to repair?

Opinions vary, but the engine’s head gasket is often considered the most challenging part to repair.

Accessing it requires extensive disassembly, and incorrect installation can lead to severe engine damage. Experience and time are essential for a perfect fix, making it one of the trickiest and most labour-intensive repairs on a car.

What is the most expensive damage to a car?

Engine and transmission failures rank among the most expensive types of damage a car can sustain.

For example, a blown head gasket or a failed transmission can cost thousands of pounds to repair or replace, depending on the vehicle, often surpassing routine maintenance or minor collision repairs.

What is considered a major repair on a car?

Generally, major repairs involve critical systems essential to a car’s operation, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, or braking system. 

These repairs are nearly always costly and require specialist mechanic knowledge. They also take longer than minor fixes.

Examples of major repairs include issues with:

Luxury and high-performance vehicles, such as Range Rovers, BMWs, and specialist sports cars, often have the highest repair costs.

This is simply because their parts are more specialised and the labour time and knowledge needed to fix them is intensive.

In addition, general diagnostics are complex, which can result in repair bills far exceeding those of standard cars, sometimes reaching several thousand pounds.

Taking good care of your car and maintaining it properly can help prevent or minimise the damage from failures like the ones listed above.

But there's no way to avoid every issue. Some car components simply break down over time, and there’s not much anyone can do about it. 

As a driver, the best thing you can do is understand what are the most expensive types of car repair in the UK and be aware of how your vehicle works, including how the major components fit together. That way, it’s easier to detect if your car isn’t running as it should.

Whether you’re facing an expensive repair or a small fee, Bumper is here to help.

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

What Are the Most Expensive Types of Car Repair in the UK?

Congratulations to our Dealership of the Month for May 2022, North Oxford BMW. 

The team at Oxford BMW have been recognised with this award for providing an outstanding customer experience and using Bumper’s PayLater as a key part of their aftersales process. 

Since joining the Bumper network in May 2021, the BMW team has received non-stop, 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Here are a few of our favourites: 

‘Clayton was excellent. Clear and helpful advice. More good experiences from the North Oxford BMW team. Will recommend.’ 

‘Very happy with your service works very well for me. thanks’ 

Well done to Sean, Clayton, Michael and the rest of the team on your win! 

May's Dealership of the month: North Oxford BMW

The average cost of a full BMW service in the UK ranges from around £200 for smaller engines to £300 or more for larger engines.

However, these are basic averages. All BMWs follow a regular maintenance schedule based on mileage or time since the last service — so other factors might affect your car’s costs!

See the average BMW service costs and what’s usually included below.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for a BMW service with costs varying by engine size and tips to save by combining with an MOT. 

We’ll explain them in more detail in the paragraphs below!

A major or full BMW service typically costs from £200 for smaller engines and around £300 or more for larger engines over 3 litres. 

Prices can vary depending on your location and chosen garage, so it’s worth shopping around — you might even save by combining your full service with an MOT. When under warranty, service intervals are mandatory, but once it’s expired, there’s more flexibility. 

How much does an interim BMW service cost?

An interim BMW service typically costs around £150 for smaller engines and from £300 for larger engine sizes.

Prices vary between garages, so it’s worth comparing quotes, and you can often save money by combining your interim service with an MOT.

Whether it’s minor upkeep or major work, you can use 

 to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

BMW service packages cover everything from routine maintenance checks in the Interim Service to more extensive wear-and-tear replacements in the Full Service.

BMWs follow a scheduled service plan based on mileage or time. 

Interim Services are every six months or 6,000 miles, and Full Services are typically annual to maintain reliability and value.

If you’re pressed for time or money, you might be tempted to skip a BMW service. 

This is not advised, as skipping a service can cause wear and tear, engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and lower resale value.

Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your BMW running safely and smoothly. Don’t put Interim or Full Services off!

In general, yes, BMW maintenance costs are higher than standard cars due to premium parts and specialist servicing. 

However, as with any car brand, service costs vary by engine size, garage, and service type, but regular upkeep prevents expensive repairs in the long run.

DIY BMW servicing is possible for basic tasks like oil or filter changes, but BMWs require specialist knowledge for major work. 

Incorrect servicing can damage parts and affect warranties. If you have no experience, attempting repairs yourself can cause serious engine problems or safety issues. 

When in doubt, it’s always safer to leave complex work to qualified BMW technicians.

3 reasons to keep your BMW’s service schedule up to date 

Skipping a service might save you a few quid today, but your BMW won’t thank you tomorrow. Here are three reasons why you should book the service.

1. Regular service helps ward off part failures and breakdowns 

Driving any car causes wear and tear. There's no way to avoid it, even with a premium, finely tuned machine like a BMW. 

What you can avoid is the damage and long-term impacts that wear and tear can cause. 

Driving with a clogged oil filter and dirty engine oil reduces lubrication, causing friction, overheating, and potential damage to engine parts. An oil and filter change costs around £50, while replacing damaged pistons can run into hundreds, and a damaged engine could cost thousands. 

All in all, regular servicing keeps your BMW’s parts in check, addressing issues before they escalate.

2. Your BMW's resale value will be higher 

Every car depreciates in value over time. You can't stop it, but you can reduce its impact. 

A recent study by AutoTrader found, for example, that an incomplete or missing service history can lower a BMW’s value by as much as 20 per cent compared to the book value. 

Skipping a service might seem like a saving, but it can cost you when selling. Buyers of premium cars want a full service history, and without it, you could lose thousands in resale value.

Keep a complete record, and buyers are far more likely to pay full price!

A car that doesn’t run at peak efficiency needs more energy to move, and that energy comes from petrol or diesel.

BMWs are no exception. If they aren’t in tip-top shape they’re more costly to keep fueled and more likely to break down. You may believe you're saving money by delaying a service interval, but you're also losing out at the pump.

Unless you drive like a demon, a well-maintained BMW is simply less likely to burn unnecessary fuel. When every part is working as it should, the engine is under less strain and doesn't require more energy to perform at the same level.

Really, prices vary by garage, location, service type, and engine size. But staying on schedule keeps your engine healthy and fuel efficiency high, so it’s best not to put them off!

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer