1. E30 inspection plus new sump gasket. My first BM.
Agents refitted the screws without tightening them. Highway 70mph - oil over pretty much the whole car - you won't believe the amount of smoke. Could stick my fingers in to the sump which luckily did not drop off completely. Listen up BMW - the oil works better INSIDE the car... Also - not good business practice getting carcinogenic substances all over your customers arm.
2. E36 inspection. My second BM. Brake fluid over half the bonnet, right side fender, front bumper. Ahoy BMW - brake fluid too - goes inside. They polished the car after I went back complaining. But first tried washing it against my written instruction on the job card not to and parking the car in the shade hoping I wouldn't notice. Not only inept but unscrupulous too. Halved the lifespan of the paintwork - at my expense.
I learn quickly - no motorplan BMs after that. Have had a rag top BM as one of my cars ever since 1992 but serviced by Carlow W Power - non agent that actually lets me supervise their work. I'm an extremely amicable and knowledgeable (about cars if nothing else) chap and they accept my quality control in the good natured way it's meant. It has been a cost saver quite a few times - for them and for me - I point it out - Carlos shakes his head, says thanks and that's it. They do it my way - the right way. Sooo... they are not necessarily good - just the owner is an old Portuguese chap and willing to talk openly. To be honest - most of their guys are excellent. I can spot a monkey very quickly so after an incident I get their top guy every time.
Oh, have some car skills - did a few big ends - would love to set the valves on the Z4M myself - read the how to - fascinating.
But I had to have Dusty, my Sapphire Black MR. Carbon fibre decals, Eibachs, Carbon fibre stubby. All b&w. Pics of the skidpan gymkhana on bmwcarclub.co.za.
The oil change was about a month ago - but the agents broke her. Some folks just never learn.
So I have to go back to an inattentive, arrogant, and dishonest agent - and down here in South Africa we have a wonderful choice of two.
The one I have not tried has a horrible reputation.
It irks me no end - wish I could just open her up and fix it myself - but that would void the warranty.
Very frustrating.
