Bay Area Dealerships and Respect
08-29-2010, 09:38 AM
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Guys, having read the following thread on M5Board and similar ones over the years:
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...est-drive.html
I am wondering if you guys have thoughts on dealerships in the Bay Area that are reputable and where something like this crap above would never happen. I'm still under warranty and probably need to take my M5 in soon for service. I'm terrified for my wheels and my front lip from the test drive or even the valets.
Is there standard procedure on taking pictures, etc in order to protect myself just in case something happens? I believe most of the dealerships survey the car prior to accepting it to note down flaws that they can claim they are not responsible for but is there anything else I need to do?
I would want to take my car to German Motor Specialist in Sunnyvale as they've done awesome work for me in the past when I had my full AC Schnitzer E36 M3 but apparently they cannot do in warranty standard maintenance.
The closest dealerships to me are East Bay BMW (Pleasanton) and BMW of Fremont. The Mountain View and Stevens Creek ones are also not that far for me.
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...est-drive.html
I am wondering if you guys have thoughts on dealerships in the Bay Area that are reputable and where something like this crap above would never happen. I'm still under warranty and probably need to take my M5 in soon for service. I'm terrified for my wheels and my front lip from the test drive or even the valets.
Is there standard procedure on taking pictures, etc in order to protect myself just in case something happens? I believe most of the dealerships survey the car prior to accepting it to note down flaws that they can claim they are not responsible for but is there anything else I need to do?
I would want to take my car to German Motor Specialist in Sunnyvale as they've done awesome work for me in the past when I had my full AC Schnitzer E36 M3 but apparently they cannot do in warranty standard maintenance.
The closest dealerships to me are East Bay BMW (Pleasanton) and BMW of Fremont. The Mountain View and Stevens Creek ones are also not that far for me.
08-29-2010, 10:26 AM
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My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
I believe steven's creek is the one used, spoken about with positive feedback...
you should pm EuroCarFan..I'm pretty sure his dealership is pretty good...if not, he should be able to recc one to you
you should pm EuroCarFan..I'm pretty sure his dealership is pretty good...if not, he should be able to recc one to you
08-29-2010, 01:31 PM
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Thanks. Yeah, I was going to ask Tony but thought I'd make a post as well. I haven't had issues with any in the Bay Area so far but I also never really thought about this.
08-29-2010, 03:50 PM
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Hey John,
I've only used Stevens Creek since I had my old 545, mainly because it's the closest one to me. I've only encountered one issue where they curbed one of my Radenergie wheels and although they didn't inspect the car before I left and I called them back a day after I received the car to complain of the road rash, they said they would cover the repairs and didn't give me any grief. Nowadays, they do inspect the car when you drop it off and I inspect it when I pick it up.
Another reason I've been happy with them is that they seem to be "mod-friendly". They obviously know my car is modded but haven't given me any grief at all about my warranty.
Knock on wood. haha
I've only used Stevens Creek since I had my old 545, mainly because it's the closest one to me. I've only encountered one issue where they curbed one of my Radenergie wheels and although they didn't inspect the car before I left and I called them back a day after I received the car to complain of the road rash, they said they would cover the repairs and didn't give me any grief. Nowadays, they do inspect the car when you drop it off and I inspect it when I pick it up.
Another reason I've been happy with them is that they seem to be "mod-friendly". They obviously know my car is modded but haven't given me any grief at all about my warranty.
Knock on wood. haha
08-29-2010, 04:43 PM
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Haha, cool. Maybe I'll take it there then when I'm down in the SV area for work. Anyone have any thoughts on East Bay BMW? They're closer so I thought I'd ask.
08-29-2010, 04:45 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
Whatever you do, stay away from BMW of SF. They are TERRIBLE!! They ruined my E39.
08-29-2010, 05:39 PM
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Although I didn't purchase from them, I've been going to East Bay BMW for all warranty service. They readily replaced my battery under warranty with only two years and 4,000 miles on the clock. They did advise me to get a battery tender though, which I did.
The only negative I experienced with them was I asked them to skip washing the car as I had just washed it the night before, although my rims were dirty on the inside. Apparently they took a power washer to them which resulted in a very minor scratch I didn't notice before. I didn't raise a fuss since I couldn't swear it happened there and they did get the rims really clean.
They do inspect/survey the vehcile upon drop off but I'll be asking them not to wash/power wash my car next time.
The only negative I experienced with them was I asked them to skip washing the car as I had just washed it the night before, although my rims were dirty on the inside. Apparently they took a power washer to them which resulted in a very minor scratch I didn't notice before. I didn't raise a fuss since I couldn't swear it happened there and they did get the rims really clean.
They do inspect/survey the vehcile upon drop off but I'll be asking them not to wash/power wash my car next time.
08-30-2010, 09:49 PM
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Had good experience with the Eastbay one so far...minor service only though. Didn't like Stevens Creek much but this was way back then. Also had good experience with the Fremont one but didn't like their rental policy though.
08-31-2010, 01:57 PM
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My independent bimmer shop actually recommend that I bring my 5er to Steven's Creek. Issues with the transmission. I should hopefully get the car back next week - I'll let you guys know how it works out and the overall experience.
By the way, the day before I dropped off my car, I installed a set of new M6 reps. Of course that means the rims are in prestine shape with no curb rash. Let's see if the rims are still in good shape when I pick it up. Lastly, if it means anything, they gave me a loaner car as well.
I'll keep you all posted.
By the way, the day before I dropped off my car, I installed a set of new M6 reps. Of course that means the rims are in prestine shape with no curb rash. Let's see if the rims are still in good shape when I pick it up. Lastly, if it means anything, they gave me a loaner car as well.
I'll keep you all posted.
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