As much as I love my Bimmer, I would not get one if I don't have a second car in North America where your car mean so much to you. If I don't have a reliable car than I can't go anywhere.

Anyways is a good thing you still love your Bimmer so much, I didn't have that much patient with my E46 and I got out of my lease after 2 years because of the faulty system which drives me nuts. But one thing I learn through BMW ownership is stick with what you believe is right, I always manage to get a loaner whenever my car is in the shop. My SA said the car needs to be in the shop now, I told him you have a loaner? he said not yet so I said call me when you have one because I shouldn't be on the losing end just because your product is not serving its purpose. If there's any problem because I didn't take the car to the shop than is your responsiblity.

 

Wow... dealers... *sigh* its good to vent. its ok.

 

Thanks for very well-written explanation. I have a thought for you. There usually are different levels of SA. The first thing I did when considering service was to talk to the service manager about who the very experienced ones are and which of them might suit me best--given my circumstances and interests. I found one I like a lot, and I always use the same advisor. I can guarantee that there are many benefits to be derived from using the same well-seasoned SA. From there, the idea is to treat him very well even if some problems arise--and some problems have for me. I always get paid back pretty much 10 fold for this attitude. It's amazing what at least some SAs will do for you if you get to know them and treat them well.

 

Ya I agree... I always go back to the same SA and he takes very good care of me.

 

Ya I agree... I always go back to the same SA and he takes very good care of me.
[/quote]And, I get to know many people at the dealerships--service manager, techs, appointment schedulers, parts manager, etc., etc. But, I am able to do these things because my job allows me to be a waiter when I want. I just take my computer, etc., do what I need to do, and enjoy the excellent company, coffee, donuts, and huge HiDef TV.

My Mazda dealership used to park my cars on the roof so they wouldn't get dinged, and I could use any tech I wanted (always the best one). Anytime I made an appointment, they put my cars as far to the front as possible. I was allowed to go pretty much anywhere in the service area unescorted. I have not gotten quite that far at BMW, but, hey, I just got started. Attitude, attitude, and attitude. I don't manipulate; I just always treat everyone well--virtually no matter what. It's an amazing process.

 

Disconnecting the battery shouldn't have reset the FTM (flat-tire monitor) module. The only thing I have to redo after a battery disco/reco is the Active Steering calibration. Odd.

 

That's interesting. I am confused. Did disco/reco-ing the battery generate a need to reset the FTM module? If disco/reco-ing had restet it, would the result likely have been a false warning? And, apparently, you are saying that the "normal" thing that happens when one disconnects the battery is that the active-steering calibration needs to be reset, right?. How do you reset the calibration?

 

That's interesting. I am confused. Did disco/reco-ing the battery generate a need to reset the FTM module? If disco/reco-ing had restet it, would the result likely have been a false warning? And, apparently, you are saying that the "normal" thing that happens when one disconnects the battery is that the active-steering calibration needs to be reset, right?. How do you reset the calibration?
[/quote]Interesting. Check out this thread.

 

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[/quote]Thanks for very well-written explanation. I have a thought for you. There usually are different levels of SA. The first thing I did when considering service was to talk to the service manager about who the very experienced ones are and which of them might suit me best--given my circumstances and interests. I found one I like a lot, and I always use the same advisor. I can guarantee that there are many benefits to be derived from using the same well-seasoned SA. From there, the idea is to treat him very well even if some problems arise--and some problems have for me. I always get paid back pretty much 10 fold for this attitude. It's amazing what at least some SAs will do for you if you get to know them and treat them well.
[/quote]
Exactly.Very well said

 

I don't have my 530xi yet, but it is on order. However, both BMW dealerships that I looked at come and get your car (even from 30 miles away) for any service and leave you with a loaner. I take it this is not standard at all dealerships.