BMW servicing... (Long post)

Unfortunately, I've already paid for them.

That's more or less what they said to start with, but changed their minds.

I looked at them (easy job on an E39) and they were new.

That's what I'll do if the letters to their head office and BMW GB don't bring about a satisfactory conclusion.

I've no idea if all their branches are as bad, but this sort of 'the customer is a fool and always wrong' tends to come from the top.

You don't mention how long ago this happened to you, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's fairly recent. IME, dealers treat older models with contempt, and act like they're doing you a favor by repairing your long-out-of-warranty car. (One would be tempted to conclude this is partly because they're not getting warranty reimbursements from the manufacturer, were it not for the outrageous labor charges they use to make up the difference on non-warranty repairs. It's more likely they can't be bothered with people who want to keep their old cars going instead of buying a newer car.) Perhaps we may conclude from your experience that factory shops do the same.

However, I also had a local hotshot indie shop screw me on an old Honda. So even when dealing with indies, be careful. If they emphasize the jazzy big-bucks work they do on high-end cars, late models, and expensive upgrades/restorations, they may wipe their feet on Joe Blow's old family getabout just as much as any dealer does.

Mike

"MikeWrite" haute in die Tasten:

Two years ago, and they did not hide their opinion that I'd better buy a new car.

My independent meachnic was reported to me by a colleague, who had her 15 years old Opel Corsa serviced there.

Frank

There was a time that owners of cars over 4 years old in the UK were given a small discount on parts and servicing for returning to BMW dealerships after the warranty ran out..

Hmm. I'll bet BMW don't reimburse at the same rates the punters get charged, and then there'll be no profit on the parts needed. And if a fault has to be fixed under warranty, I doubt also BMW will allow the tea boy to experiment with different things as seems to happen to the poor private owner...

"Mike Hall" haute in die Tasten:

I have never seen such a thing in Germany with BMW. However Mercedes does such things on a regular basis. They want to keep you as a customer, even if your car gets old.

Frank

It is a good idea really.. they get money and the owner ensures that full service history is maintained..

They still do - it's called 'Four Plus'.