1,200 Mile service @ 800!?

Hellride · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 05:50:30 AM

Today did not go as planned at all.

Went to the dealer this morning to get a complimentary car wash (after all Jet Black is hard to keep clean) and they noticed I was at 800 miles and the computer was calling for the service already. I was skeptical to do it a full 400 miles early, but agreed - not without reminding them not to change the transmission fluid. They already knew about that so I felt a bit better about giving up the car for the day. Has anyone heard of such a thing? 400 miles is a lot of miles.

After reading about service joy rides, I made sure they knew how many miles were on the car (easy enough since it was being done so early). Still, I had my concerns as I have NEVER had a good experience at any dealership service department, let alone with a new model vehicle with very specific needs. Nevertheless, this is one of the largest western US BMW dealers in the country and they have treated me very well so far - what could go wrong?

Took my loaner and had fun on my day off till I got the call my car was ready. Fought traffic to get back and was getting so excited thinking about taking it beyond - or close to - 8400 RPM!! Even with the service being completed, it will be hard to ignore all the BMW break-in warnings.

I had also asked them to rebadge the trunk "3" as it had already begun falling off. Perhaps a teen in the neighborhood with badge envy? Who knows. But when I got the call, they said they had fixed that too and it "looked great." Cool. Was getting washed now and will be ready when I get there. Awesome! Can't wait.

My sales rep is great and made sure she'd be there at pick up to ensure it all went down well. It didn't. Not even close.

They pull my car around the corner and the first thing I see is the "3" hadn't even been touched. Still holding on to the trunk lid for dear life. Hmmmm... Then the car looked horrible - definitely hadn't been washed, certainly not "hand washed." Marks all over, smudges, etc. So, I get in drive it right over to sales and find my rep. The only thing I notice that went well? No odd extra miles. Well, that's positive.

While talking to my rep, I notice another issue. The hood is not even closed! One side is, the other side isn't. Crooked? This is how they release a car to their "preferred customers?" I was fuming. My sales rep took my keys, asked me to wait and she drove it back to service to "take care of this." I like her.

Long story short, I talked to two managers, had my car returned to service for a proper wash, ordered a new "3", verified they even did the service and waited. My sales rep gave me her cell before she left and told me to call if anything didn't go well...

Ugh.

The car pulled the corner again and still looked horrible. HORRIBLE. No wash, streaks everywhere as if they hosed it down and used a dirty rag for a quick dry. Then I noticed SCRATCHES in the front fender?!?!? Called my rep, brought the service manager out again and asked as politely as I could, WTF?? I can't begin to tell you how bad a first impression they just made.

So, again my rep will handle. Unfortunately, it means I will have to give my car up for a day yet again to get re-buffed, washed, and paint re-sealed (Cila-Jet).

Sorry to add yet another sad story about the first service, but I thought I'd share. Anyone know of any brand of car that actually has a good service department? 4 years/50,000 free service?

Get what you pay for. I expected so much more from BMW.

Socale92 · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:01:06 AM

my car called for service early too and the dealership even called me but i waited til 1200...

Hellride · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:11:29 AM

I figure I'll drive as instructed to 1200 miles anyway. Saves me the service stop in 400 miles, I guess.

Socale92 · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:22:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellride

I figure I'll drive as instructed to 1200 miles anyway. Saves me the service stop in 400 miles, I guess.

i think u need a new dealership...

JIO · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:40:31 AM

When I take my car in for service, I have signs that I leave on the dash and the seats that say: "Please don't wash!!" My dealer's detail guy uses a very high pressure washer to remove dirt. One of my friends took his car in and the pressure washer peeled the paint off the hood. They had to repaint the entire hood.

I never let them touch the car...I'll wash it thank you.

m3madmaxm3 · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 09:37:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellride

Today did not go as planned at all.

Went to the dealer this morning to get a complimentary car wash (after all Jet Black is hard to keep clean) and they noticed I was at 800 miles and the computer was calling for the service already. I was skeptical to do it a full 400 miles early, but agreed - not without reminding them not to change the transmission fluid. They already knew about that so I felt a bit better about giving up the car for the day. Has anyone heard of such a thing? 400 miles is a lot of miles.

After reading about service joy rides, I made sure they knew how many miles were on the car (easy enough since it was being done so early). Still, I had my concerns as I have NEVER had a good experience at any dealership service department, let alone with a new model vehicle with very specific needs. Nevertheless, this is one of the largest western US BMW dealers in the country and they have treated me very well so far - what could go wrong?

Took my loaner and had fun on my day off till I got the call my car was ready. Fought traffic to get back and was getting so excited thinking about taking it beyond - or close to - 8400 RPM!! Even with the service being completed, it will be hard to ignore all the BMW break-in warnings.

I had also asked them to rebadge the trunk "3" as it had already begun falling off. Perhaps a teen in the neighborhood with badge envy? Who knows. But when I got the call, they said they had fixed that too and it "looked great." Cool. Was getting washed now and will be ready when I get there. Awesome! Can't wait.

My sales rep is great and made sure she'd be there at pick up to ensure it all went down well. It didn't. Not even close.

They pull my car around the corner and the first thing I see is the "3" hadn't even been touched. Still holding on to the trunk lid for dear life. Hmmmm... Then the car looked horrible - definitely hadn't been washed, certainly not "hand washed." Marks all over, smudges, etc. So, I get in drive it right over to sales and find my rep. The only thing I notice that went well? No odd extra miles. Well, that's positive.

While talking to my rep, I notice another issue. The hood is not even closed! One side is, the other side isn't. Crooked? This is how they release a car to their "preferred customers?" I was fuming. My sales rep took my keys, asked me to wait and she drove it back to service to "take care of this." I like her.

Long story short, I talked to two managers, had my car returned to service for a proper wash, ordered a new "3", verified they even did the service and waited. My sales rep gave me her cell before she left and told me to call if anything didn't go well...

Ugh.

The car pulled the corner again and still looked horrible. HORRIBLE. No wash, streaks everywhere as if they hosed it down and used a dirty rag for a quick dry. Then I noticed SCRATCHES in the front fender?!?!? Called my rep, brought the service manager out again and asked as politely as I could, WTF?? I can't begin to tell you how bad a first impression they just made.

So, again my rep will handle. Unfortunately, it means I will have to give my car up for a day yet again to get re-buffed, washed, and paint re-sealed (Cila-Jet).

Sorry to add yet another sad story about the first service, but I thought I'd share. Anyone know of any brand of car that actually has a good service department? 4 years/50,000 free service?

Get what you pay for. I expected so much more from BMW.

Sorry to hear about your **** service mate, sounds like my local dealership in England! I had my first service done at 770 miles with no problems, i was told as long as its done it does'nt matter, i was told the sooner the better! Hope you have better luck next time!

Auto Paint Guard · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 11:12:42 AM

I had a similiar experience with my Carbon black M3. From that day forward I too have a sign on my wheel stating, DO NOT WASH. I had so many swirl marks I flipped out. Good Luck next time.

Into Eternity · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 12:51:07 PM

Sorry to hear about all that. I think you have to be very specific and demanding with a bit of an attitude that you will not accept sub par service, with the appropriate level of courtesy and respect in doing so. You might want to find a smaller dealership for future service, a good one is a rare find. And the washing thing, do not ever let the dealership touch your car again, put a sign on the dash and the drivers seat and let the service rep know as well and repeat it until they write DO NOT WASH on the service paper. They probably have a pressure washer with some angry kid tired of washing cars he will probably never afford handling it. And they will dry off an entire car with one rag which has probably been used on tires and rims and engine bays and well you get my point.

Hellride · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 05:32:20 PM

Thanks folks! Sage advice. Despite this, I'm hoping for a lasting relationship with this service department. After all, we've got another 4 years to go.

Madmax, did you continue to run under 5K RPM despite having the service done at 770? I'm so eager to drive it, but unsure. The service department didn't sound like they really knew either. I'm leaning toward the manual.

fast1 · Sat, Aug-02-2008, 05:48:34 PM

Do you really feel confident that some guy who's paid minimum wage will take good care of your car? You should never let the Dealer wash your car. Furthermore, you should always have the service rep carefully inspect your car inside and out before they work on your car, and of course you should thoroughly inspect your car before taking delivery.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 05:50:30 AM	#1
Hellride Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 20 Reputation: 0	1,200 Mile service @ 800!? Today did not go as planned at all. Went to the dealer this morning to get a complimentary car wash (after all Jet Black is hard to keep clean) and they noticed I was at 800 miles and the computer was calling for the service already. I was skeptical to do it a full 400 miles early, but agreed - not without reminding them not to change the transmission fluid. They already knew about that so I felt a bit better about giving up the car for the day. Has anyone heard of such a thing? 400 miles is a lot of miles. After reading about service joy rides, I made sure they knew how many miles were on the car (easy enough since it was being done so early). Still, I had my concerns as I have NEVER had a good experience at any dealership service department, let alone with a new model vehicle with very specific needs. Nevertheless, this is one of the largest western US BMW dealers in the country and they have treated me very well so far - what could go wrong? Took my loaner and had fun on my day off till I got the call my car was ready. Fought traffic to get back and was getting so excited thinking about taking it beyond - or close to - 8400 RPM!! Even with the service being completed, it will be hard to ignore all the BMW break-in warnings. I had also asked them to rebadge the trunk "3" as it had already begun falling off. Perhaps a teen in the neighborhood with badge envy? Who knows. But when I got the call, they said they had fixed that too and it "looked great." Cool. Was getting washed now and will be ready when I get there. Awesome! Can't wait. My sales rep is great and made sure she'd be there at pick up to ensure it all went down well. It didn't. Not even close. They pull my car around the corner and the first thing I see is the "3" hadn't even been touched. Still holding on to the trunk lid for dear life. Hmmmm... Then the car looked horrible - definitely hadn't been washed, certainly not "hand washed." Marks all over, smudges, etc. So, I get in drive it right over to sales and find my rep. The only thing I notice that went well? No odd extra miles. Well, that's positive. While talking to my rep, I notice another issue. The hood is not even closed! One side is, the other side isn't. Crooked? This is how they release a car to their "preferred customers?" I was fuming. My sales rep took my keys, asked me to wait and she drove it back to service to "take care of this." I like her. Long story short, I talked to two managers, had my car returned to service for a proper wash, ordered a new "3", verified they even did the service and waited. My sales rep gave me her cell before she left and told me to call if anything didn't go well... Ugh. The car pulled the corner again and still looked horrible. HORRIBLE. No wash, streaks everywhere as if they hosed it down and used a dirty rag for a quick dry. Then I noticed SCRATCHES in the front fender?!?!? Called my rep, brought the service manager out again and asked as politely as I could, WTF?? I can't begin to tell you how bad a first impression they just made. So, again my rep will handle. Unfortunately, it means I will have to give my car up for a day yet again to get re-buffed, washed, and paint re-sealed (Cila-Jet). Sorry to add yet another sad story about the first service, but I thought I'd share. Anyone know of any brand of car that actually has a good service department? 4 years/50,000 free service? Get what you pay for. I expected so much more from BMW.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:01:06 AM	#2
Socale92 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,311 Reputation: 0	my car called for service early too and the dealership even called me but i waited til 1200... Last edited by Socale92; Sat, Aug-02-2008 at 06:08:45 AM.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 11:12:42 AM	#7
Auto Paint Guard Auto Clear Guard Join Date: Aug 2002 Age: 34 Posts: 219 Reputation: 0 Location: FL	I had a similiar experience with my Carbon black M3. From that day forward I too have a sign on my wheel stating, DO NOT WASH. I had so many swirl marks I flipped out. Good Luck next time. __________________ 2003.5 M3 SMG CB/CIN

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Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:11:29 AM	#3
Hellride Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 20 Reputation: 0	I figure I'll drive as instructed to 1200 miles anyway. Saves me the service stop in 400 miles, I guess.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 06:40:31 AM	#5
JIO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Age: 64 Posts: 537 Reputation: 0 Location: Eugene, Oregon	When I take my car in for service, I have signs that I leave on the dash and the seats that say: "Please don't wash!!" My dealer's detail guy uses a very high pressure washer to remove dirt. One of my friends took his car in and the pressure washer peeled the paint off the hood. They had to repaint the entire hood. I never let them touch the car...I'll wash it thank you.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 12:51:07 PM	#8
Into Eternity Into Eternity Join Date: Mar 2004 Age: 36 Posts: 900 Reputation: 0 Location: Kottweiler-Schwanden	Sorry to hear about all that. I think you have to be very specific and demanding with a bit of an attitude that you will not accept sub par service, with the appropriate level of courtesy and respect in doing so. You might want to find a smaller dealership for future service, a good one is a rare find. And the washing thing, do not ever let the dealership touch your car again, put a sign on the dash and the drivers seat and let the service rep know as well and repeat it until they write DO NOT WASH on the service paper. They probably have a pressure washer with some angry kid tired of washing cars he will probably never afford handling it. And they will dry off an entire car with one rag which has probably been used on tires and rims and engine bays and well you get my point.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 05:32:20 PM	#9
Hellride Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 20 Reputation: 0	Thanks folks! Sage advice. Despite this, I'm hoping for a lasting relationship with this service department. After all, we've got another 4 years to go. Madmax, did you continue to run under 5K RPM despite having the service done at 770? I'm so eager to drive it, but unsure. The service department didn't sound like they really knew either. I'm leaning toward the manual.

Sat, Aug-02-2008, 05:48:34 PM	#10
fast1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 107 Reputation: 0	Do you really feel confident that some guy who's paid minimum wage will take good care of your car? You should never let the Dealer wash your car. Furthermore, you should always have the service rep carefully inspect your car inside and out before they work on your car, and of course you should thoroughly inspect your car before taking delivery.