BMW tech crashed my car! What would you do?
- Thread starter Johnh1976
- Start date
My 2 cents
Could they get the car 4 wheel aligned before doing anything else , just to see how it sits now,
This should show that if the other rear wheel is now bad that the shock has gone across the complete drive train and may like others have said effect the diff
It may be that like with crash protection and crumble zones the parts that are damaged have weak points built in , which might have saved more valuable components,
Could they get the car 4 wheel aligned before doing anything else , just to see how it sits now,
This should show that if the other rear wheel is now bad that the shock has gone across the complete drive train and may like others have said effect the diff
It may be that like with crash protection and crumble zones the parts that are damaged have weak points built in , which might have saved more valuable components,
Johnh1976 said:Yes I agree,
I'm going to let them repair it and then ask to see the principal as I have taken legal advice and need to discuss my options with him regarding what compensation will work best for me.
Bottom line is a crashed car is worth less market value and we need to negotiate what that value is!
Of coarse I will let everybody know the outcome
No - don't let them touch your car until you've had a full meaningful conversation with the DP
When it's been repaired they will say it was a mere scratch and all evidence will be sprayed over - the DP is your first call on Monday I suggest !
When you do go in and I sincerely hope you do, go in with a partner or something recording the conversation in suit pocket as an aide memoire!
That has had a serious impact. As said earlier, the force may have caused misalignment of the whole drive train. It isn't accidental damage.
If you allowing them to repair it you need to makes sure that the dealer accepts that it remains liable if the issues are not fully and completely repaired to your satisfaction.
I would have thought the tech and dealer are criminally liable for the damage. That could not have been caused unless the tech was driving dangerously. Tell the DP you will report it as criminal damage unless they fully under-right all repairs now and in the future until you are satisfied by a 3rd party inspection that all is fixed. Don't let them near the car until you get that agreement. The dealer will pay for that inspection. Because of the nature of the damage, you need to get that full independent inspection report - that needs to be a full engineering report not just a visual check.
They will agree - they won't want it making a criminal case. It is beyond a civil liability issue because the way it was caused. Gently remind them you expect to be put back in the situation you were when you left the car with them otherwise you may have to report the dangerous driving. If however it was done within the dealership, they will have security video. Tell them you want a copy so you can demonstrate in future how the damage was caused unless they give you a future guaranteed value for trade in.
There is great risk that if you let them repair it, the moment you drive away they will blame and further issues on you and that you caused it.
You need to protect yourself against it. Also insist that the whole issue including their liability is in the service history..
In the end it will be cheaper and less hassle for them to get you an identical replacement. You shouldn't be impacted in any way because they can't control their staff. You shouldn't have to take a hit so they can protect or mitigate impact on their bottom line. Stand up for your rights. I would contemplate getting a solicitor involved. It might be the best £50 you'll spend this year.
If you allowing them to repair it you need to makes sure that the dealer accepts that it remains liable if the issues are not fully and completely repaired to your satisfaction.
I would have thought the tech and dealer are criminally liable for the damage. That could not have been caused unless the tech was driving dangerously. Tell the DP you will report it as criminal damage unless they fully under-right all repairs now and in the future until you are satisfied by a 3rd party inspection that all is fixed. Don't let them near the car until you get that agreement. The dealer will pay for that inspection. Because of the nature of the damage, you need to get that full independent inspection report - that needs to be a full engineering report not just a visual check.
They will agree - they won't want it making a criminal case. It is beyond a civil liability issue because the way it was caused. Gently remind them you expect to be put back in the situation you were when you left the car with them otherwise you may have to report the dangerous driving. If however it was done within the dealership, they will have security video. Tell them you want a copy so you can demonstrate in future how the damage was caused unless they give you a future guaranteed value for trade in.
There is great risk that if you let them repair it, the moment you drive away they will blame and further issues on you and that you caused it.
You need to protect yourself against it. Also insist that the whole issue including their liability is in the service history..
In the end it will be cheaper and less hassle for them to get you an identical replacement. You shouldn't be impacted in any way because they can't control their staff. You shouldn't have to take a hit so they can protect or mitigate impact on their bottom line. Stand up for your rights. I would contemplate getting a solicitor involved. It might be the best £50 you'll spend this year.
sp3ctre said:
100% correct and as I've clearly stated before and others have too.
The moment they start work on your car you're finished. The DP will simply state - 'sorry, but we've repaired it to BMW standards, there's nothing more I can nor will do'. That's assuming he even then speaks to you.
You simply must get whatever it is you seek agreed and settled before a finger an repair is authorised or started.
Okay guys I went back to the dealer today to get an appointment with the dealer principal. They gave me his details so I have asked him for a meeting, hopefully he will get back to me tomorrow.
I went to have a look at my car also and took more photos. What really pissed me off is that they have left it under a tree where all the birds are shixxxng on it! These guys basically don't give a toss about other people's property, suffice to say I lost it a little :x
I went to have a look at my car also and took more photos. What really pissed me off is that they have left it under a tree where all the birds are shixxxng on it! These guys basically don't give a toss about other people's property, suffice to say I lost it a little :x
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Johnh1976 said:
I hope this leaves you "fired up " for the eventual meeting !
I'm sure they don't give a hoot about your car and can only be rubbing salt into the wound by the additional and subsequent mistreatment !
When you see the DP, unless he offers the deal of the century, then in my opinion, it would be prudent to give it some consideration before acceptance.
Update
Went to see the dealer principal today
I asked him what happened? I told him it was obvious the car has lost control of which he agreed. He went to explain that the tech who was driving it also has an M135i so is use to it and apparently he hit an object on the road that caused the car to lose control.
I then explained that many people have given advice on what I should do and it would seem I have a case for compensation due to the car being worth less after an accident.
He explained that in his own opinion the car will not lose value! I of coarse went on to say I think it would!
Thinking as quickly as I could I replied that if you believe it has not lost value then buy it off me for a bit less than I paid for 3 months ago and resell it for a profit if you can and source me another car. His mood suddenly changed and he agreed that would be the best idea.
He went on to add that he was embarrassed about what has happened and will do everything he can to make sure I'm happy. Anyhow he is going to get some figures over to me this week so until then I can't be 100% about a great deal just yet but it's looking good
Of coarse I mentioned that the forum is watching
Hi all,
My 14 plate with 15k miles is going in to Cooper BMW tomorrow as I have the whine in reverse. Will be interesting to see what they say. I'll keep everybody posted.
Update.
Took my car in and also asked them to repair a very small car park dent behind the drivers door. Courtesy car was a mini clubman diesel which has to be one of the ugliest cars around!
In the afternoon I got the expected call from the dealer. Except he was apologising to me saying their tech had scraped an alloy which will need replacing along with some suspension. Obviously BMW will repair to their standard and will repair the dent for free.
I said to him i wasn't to fussed and accidents happen, as long as they give me a BMW to replace the M135i I'm okay. But then I get thinking how did he manage to damage the wheel? Thoughts of a young tech guy thrashing around in my car started entering my head.
Anyhow, they have given me a 220d convertible manual which is okay but not a patch on my M135i. The service guy expects I'll be without the car for over a week.
Went to see the dealer principal today
I asked him what happened? I told him it was obvious the car has lost control of which he agreed. He went to explain that the tech who was driving it also has an M135i so is use to it and apparently he hit an object on the road that caused the car to lose control.
I then explained that many people have given advice on what I should do and it would seem I have a case for compensation due to the car being worth less after an accident.
He explained that in his own opinion the car will not lose value! I of coarse went on to say I think it would!
Thinking as quickly as I could I replied that if you believe it has not lost value then buy it off me for a bit less than I paid for 3 months ago and resell it for a profit if you can and source me another car. His mood suddenly changed and he agreed that would be the best idea.
He went on to add that he was embarrassed about what has happened and will do everything he can to make sure I'm happy. Anyhow he is going to get some figures over to me this week so until then I can't be 100% about a great deal just yet but it's looking good
Of coarse I mentioned that the forum is watching
Hi all,
My 14 plate with 15k miles is going in to Cooper BMW tomorrow as I have the whine in reverse. Will be interesting to see what they say. I'll keep everybody posted.
Update.
Took my car in and also asked them to repair a very small car park dent behind the drivers door. Courtesy car was a mini clubman diesel which has to be one of the ugliest cars around!
In the afternoon I got the expected call from the dealer. Except he was apologising to me saying their tech had scraped an alloy which will need replacing along with some suspension. Obviously BMW will repair to their standard and will repair the dent for free.
I said to him i wasn't to fussed and accidents happen, as long as they give me a BMW to replace the M135i I'm okay. But then I get thinking how did he manage to damage the wheel? Thoughts of a young tech guy thrashing around in my car started entering my head.
Anyhow, they have given me a 220d convertible manual which is okay but not a patch on my M135i. The service guy expects I'll be without the car for over a week.
Did you buy the car from them ?
Do not take a dive in price - if it had not been for his staff farting about in your car, you would not be contemplating spending more cash!
I would not overplay the forum yet - and I would suggest you don't accept his first offer and unless otherwise stated, it's a guilty plea!
Do not take a dive in price - if it had not been for his staff farting about in your car, you would not be contemplating spending more cash!
I would not overplay the forum yet - and I would suggest you don't accept his first offer and unless otherwise stated, it's a guilty plea!
Be fair but firm !
It's been said - you do not have the problem. Play your cards close - the DP will want to minimise his costs but of course that's his problem and not yours!
You should come out with a newer car at no extra cost - the first service or a service package should be a given - just make sure you you take it elsewhere!
It's been said - you do not have the problem. Play your cards close - the DP will want to minimise his costs but of course that's his problem and not yours!
You should come out with a newer car at no extra cost - the first service or a service package should be a given - just make sure you you take it elsewhere!
And this forum is definitely monitered...
I made a comment about my M coupe when it was in for warranty paintwork on the tailgate,and they had the car 3 months..
I said something along the lines of "someone is going to need dental work" if i dont get my car back,and the DP of the dealer mentioned it when we had a conversation and asked me to delete the comment....
I made a comment about my M coupe when it was in for warranty paintwork on the tailgate,and they had the car 3 months..
I said something along the lines of "someone is going to need dental work" if i dont get my car back,and the DP of the dealer mentioned it when we had a conversation and asked me to delete the comment....
So they are saying that the tech hit an object in the road which caused him to lose control.
What sort of object causes you to lose control enough that the car spins and hits a pavement?
Is there other damage at the front end of the car that has not been looked at?
Sounds like bull but obviously they wont tell you what really happened, or more to the point the tech wont tell his bosses what really happened.
What sort of object causes you to lose control enough that the car spins and hits a pavement?
Is there other damage at the front end of the car that has not been looked at?
Sounds like bull but obviously they wont tell you what really happened, or more to the point the tech wont tell his bosses what really happened.
Does the log stored in the car show that the traction / stability control was on or off when the innocent technician had his most unfortunate mishap?! Insist on an answer to this question.
A friend span his Elise into a kerb with near identical external damage to that shown in your pictures. His less than one year old car was declared uneconomical to repair and written off due to damage to the drivetrain.
A friend span his Elise into a kerb with near identical external damage to that shown in your pictures. His less than one year old car was declared uneconomical to repair and written off due to damage to the drivetrain.