BMW Main Stealers - is it me?

Just had our Volvo 'done' yesterday at the main dealer. Its 2 years old and only 14k miles on the clock. Yet the service 'needs' air, fuel, pollen oil and oil filter changes. Now logic would say, that the annual schedule is 18k miles per annum ( its called the 36 k service visit) , the filters arent needed for another 22k miles, which is about 3 years more driving. £410 for this visit, as they gave me the invoice :? . Luckily its on a 3 year service agreement , but to be honest, I wasnt paying and they could do whatever the schedule says :lol: They said my front N/S tyre is at 4.5 mm and gave me a cost to replace it. We have Continentals on the car, so they quoted me for 3 different makes of tyres and not one continental to be seen :roll: Nothing like mixing tyres on axles then................
So, Volvo arent any better than the rest.
 
Having main dealer service history doesn't bother me, always DIY, Indie or a mates garage. As long as the car has full history...that's good enough for me!
New cars and all the cobblers that goes with them.....not for me! But I understand it must be difficult not to get ripped off .
 
stupot1 said:
Having main dealer service history doesn't bother me, always DIY, Indie or a mates garage. As long as the car has full history...that's good enough for me!
New cars and all the cobblers that goes with them.....not for me! But I understand it must be difficult not to get ripped off .
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Know what you mean - once our old Galaxy tdi passed the 100K mark I did a lot of the stupid stuff myself - anything that needed specialist diagnostic / tuning equipment the Ford dealers did - when the duel mass flywheel fell apart at 215K I did it because it was a time heavy job but not complex, this was at the suggestion of the dealers because they knew I was capable and it was uneconomic for them to do because of labour charges. Since retiring early I now do more and more. I still use them for MOTs on our classics and my Zed. They are a smaller dealer and this might be the key here - you talk to the service manager not a receptionist; and I'm still happy to use them after 30 years. Never felt like I was being done over and for expensive 'Ford boxed' items I often found the same item on line (saving £££) from an OEM supplier and they did a fit only job.
 
I just left local the main dealer this morning for an air con service and had an issue with the pricing they quoted over the phone vs what they actually wanted to charge.

Spent about 45 mins faffing about arguing my point and then asking to speak to the manager who then decided to go back and listen to the call in order to verify the price.

Eventually got my way but the process in getting there was comical.

Just wished my indie was local for these small jobs!
 
I don’t think independent garages are any better. I’ve been to two separate renowned independent garages who specialise in BMW and both haven’t been to my own standard!
 
Thrustyjust said:
They said my front N/S tyre is at 4.5 mm and gave me a cost to replace it. We have Continentals on the car, so they quoted me for 3 different makes of tyres and not one continental to be seen :roll: Nothing like mixing tyres on axles then................
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Why do they think that the tyre should be replaced with 4.5mm on it, and why is it only one tyre?
 
Issue I think these days most of the larger dealerships are part of a chain and any good old fashioned personal service goes out the window. I've noticed this with my BMW dealer, years ago were a family concern and then were bought out and now you're just a number. I also think they're more interested in fleet sales and associated business than Mr Jones with his prized motor. Having said that I'm really impressed with my Hyundai dealer who are still a family business, nothing is too much trouble and they go out of their way to ensure your happy so I'll probably be going back when I change the motor.

Tim.
 
Nictrix said:
Thrustyjust said:
They said my front N/S tyre is at 4.5 mm and gave me a cost to replace it. We have Continentals on the car, so they quoted me for 3 different makes of tyres and not one continental to be seen :roll: Nothing like mixing tyres on axles then................
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Why do they think that the tyre should be replaced with 4.5mm on it, and why is it only one tyre?
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Because it was the NSF that gets the grief from the world of roundabouts around us and was the only one sub 5mm. I suppose I might put that on their 'feedback' email I have just received :P Where's the Continental ?
I suppose its better than Skoda ( a part of the VW group, which with all its scandals , might wanting to recoup via customers)
S.C. Mr TJ ?
TJ. Yes, thats me.
S.C Your car is now 2 years old and needs an air con service.
T.J Oh, really. So how much is that?
S.C Its £270
T.J Woooah, really ? So what do I get for an air con service ?
S.C Er ( not expecting anything other than 'Book me in Danno' ) We , check the charge , change the pollen filter , spray cleaner in it
T.J Urm, if I told you I work in air con , now advise me if its 'really' due a service ?
S.C Er....................... Um....................... er............. no, maybe not. But you are due a service on the car.
T.J Yes, that is correct. So what do I get for the second service ?
S.C Its an oil and filter change ( 3.5 litres), check rear brakes and a pollen filter
T.J Hang on, you just tried to charge me for a pollen filter for the a/c service ?
S.C Er...............
T.J So, how much is that ?
S.C £360 ........................

Needless to say , I took it to a local chap we trust and came out with Shell Helix in it ( better than the VW drum of syrup) , an oil filter, an air filter and a pollen filter all done for £120 inc vat.
I even emailed customer services at Skoda to ask about their servicing costs as it varied between the next local 4 dealers by up to £100 and I got the grand total of feck all response.
So many people get their fingers burnt and allegedly over 60% of punters dont even look at the bill, just hand over a credit card. Sad state of affairs to which main dealers vulture on.
 
buzyg said:
ronk said:
£900

How on this earth did they justify that?
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I was new to BMW and ///M ownership at the time and knew no better. That's how. :fightwall:

Didn't happen twice though. :wink
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Highway Robbery- at least Dick Turpin wore a mask!
 
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