kErb

I had the car serviced by the local BMW dealer mid-week, and thought you might like to hear about the experience.
All that was needed was the basic oil service for which I was quoted ?125.00+vat. Dealer collected the car as arranged, and rang me mid afternoon to say that all the work had been done - "that will be ?298.00 please". This took me back a bit as it was more than double the original quote, at which point they explained that they had replaced 2 x mircofilters at circa ?29 each plus ?18 to fit even though they weren't due for 2000 miles; without bothering to ask me first!! They thought they would "save me the trouble of having to come back in again" despite the fact I pass them every day on my way to work.
Once I had explained to them that I knew where the filters were and how long they took to fit the offered to remove the fitting charge!!
I realise that times are hard, but helping themselves to the contents of my bank account doesn't sit well with me. On the flip side I didn't trust what they might do to my car if I told them to take the filters back out. After a little negotiating on my part we eventually settled for ?197.00 inc vat and mircofilters.
Did you know that before they offered me the "Plus Four" discount they actually charge ?15.25 per litre of oil x 8.25 litres making ?125+vat just for the oil. Irealise that the BMW stamp is important to have in order to maintain the value of the car, but at these prices I'm not convinced its worth the bother. I may just use the BMW specialist next time.

Patrick E61

Perhaps it is just the law here in Finland, but at my BMW service department, they must first give me a work order (that I sign) that explains exactly what work they are scheduled to perform. If they decide to do something "extra" without contacting me, I do not pay for it.

Microfilters are not that big of a deal - aside from them charging you to install them - but clearly, they shagged themselves by not asking you if it was Ok to change them.

And that is a rather expensive oil change!

kErb

You are right the filters themselves aren't isn't such a big deal, but they should have asked first. Still a 33% discount from the original bill isn't to me sniffed at.

garychairson

If the BMW dealer wants future return business. They should hear from us and play the game fairly. after all, they are just making their protential customer to go to all these speicalist. what is the point of that. i think their long term business plan is not working regardless what economical climate we are all under. Here is the fact! imagine if they do all the servicing and repairing under normal garage price + 10% more. their business will increase much more and so thus the profit goes up proportionally. that is long term business rather than deep cuting customers wallet and make them go away.
secondly, i believe the BMW technology is not bad at all, for changing parts or repairing are easy. do more in a day, cheaper for us. that is what we call mutual benefit.
Sometimes, it is not the money factor, i can afford to buy a BMW from new and paid in full there and then. do i really care about how much it really cost to fix or maintain it!!? but the fact is taking a mick out of me is the reason why i dont want to pay. eveyone make a living but not like this over the top.
There is a fine line btw genius and stupid. if you can define it. you can go for miles with respect!