omi7

I had my 530 in for service for a day and they loaned me a 325i. Anyway half an hour after I returned it and drove away, the service lady called me saying that there is a scratch/scrape on the bumper that happened under my care. Now I didn't do any inspections before or after i was given the loaner because I figure it was for a day only ... I didn't park by any curbs and couldn't recall any situations that would've caused the damage (not saying that its impossible that it was me, just unlikely). Anyway now they want me to take care of the repair of it, and with no way of verifying it myself I don't think I have a choice here in the matter.

My question is whether the dealer's service department lie about it? (say, maybe it is previous damage that they're making me pay for?)

AMG Killer

Since bmw has free maintenance etc. Thats just a way for the dealer to make money lol

jtp1947

I realize you did not do an inspection before you drove away, but did you initial anywhere saying there was no damage to the car? If you didn't, have them prove to you that it wasn't there when you picked it up.

amigo525

Not so funny..sorry you learned that hard way. From now one me going to take pictures of any car they lend me. Just in case!

silver530sportwagon

Since they inspected the car after you left, when you were not present, how do you, or for that matter, how do they know it did not happen after you dropped off the car. They should have inspected the car while you were still there, just like a car rental company does.

znod

Exactly, I would tell them that if they expect to hold you responsible now/in the future, then they would have had to/will have to inspect the car before you leave.

omi7

Yeah I wasn't careful about the whole thing at all. The service rep did a look around the car before i drove off and noted no damage, but since no pictures are taken her inspection report is the only source of information.

Concerning my driving off before they inspect, again i was careless as I had a meeting soon. So when she said to leave the loaner in the spot and go pick up my car I just went ahead and did that, assuming everything will be taken care of with the same quality and efficiency as the engineering of the car itself. I think she did the inspection after the line of cars in front were moved, and hence there was no movement of the car after I parked it at the service center.

Learning is good, I will take a good look before and after from now on. Still love my car though!

kscarrol

Very simple, get the sales rep invloved. If she noted no damage and there is actually a report (I don't care if there are no pictures), I don't see how they can hold you responsible. It then becomes her word against the word of whoever drove the car after you. Either she was careless in inspecting or the valet/service tech who took the car after you caused the damage. Sounds like they sould be responsible for the damages. IMHO!

omi7

Closure: The service rep just called me and apparently the damage came off after a polish so I will not be charged afterall. The world is a beautiful place once again.

Thanks for everyone's advice. I'm definitely going to be more observant next time.

kscarrol

Good news! I think we all learned a little lesson from this thread, I know I'll be more careful when taking delivery and dropping off my next loaner...