panicp

Sorry but are you guys actually having a go at me? I came for help and advice not to get insulted.

Texas, following your post, I immediately, checked out the garage and took my car there today. In fact, when I told the (dodgy) mechanic in question that I was taking my car for a 2nd opinion, he became really obstructive, said I couldn't take my car today and started making all sorts of excuses that he would not be at the garage because he had to pick his daughter up from school. I TOLD him that was unacceptable and would most certainly be taking my car back this afternoon. At that point, he informed me he would be charging A$220 do make a "diagnosis" - despite the fact that I have obviously questioned his diagnosis. He also said I might not be able to drive the car as it was making a louder noise now! When I arrived to pick the car up, I found he had charged me an extra A$30 for 2L of oil as he said it was low on the dipstick (despite the idrive saying it was full)!!! The car drove just as it did when I took it to the garage. (By the way, I wasn't able to check hoses as advised previously because it was at his garage and I work 8-6. I got out of work early today just to get it out of there and STRAIGHT to the garage Texasmr2 suggested.

This mechanic is clearly dodgy. Very dodgy.

Don't worry - I have already sounded out trading standards and in Oz it is permissible to charge for a "diagnosis". So for now, I have paid and kept my mouth shut.

So Texas - I took the car to the garage you posted. Thanks for that. They have a good reputation. I discussed all of the problems and concerns with an obviously decent bloke there. They will be looking at the car tomorrow. I'm pretty sure the previous mechanic might have actually sabotaged my car for his own gain.

I have asked them to make an accurate record of everything they find. I have contacted trading standards in Oz and if his "diagnosis" is found to be BS, he will be sued. Although I had to effectively pay to get my car back, have no fear that this guy will get his comeuppance when I know the full facts. Oz consumer law is pretty tight.

I have not spent any money on a new part although, I have found a reputable supplier charging A$1950 (new mitubishi) rather than A$4250 from BMW. (FYI, while trying to order the part both in Australia and in the UK (cheaper but issues shipping), I would not be given a price unless I had the last 7 VIN or the actual part number. I finally got the part number by phoning my dealer in the UK who gave it without issue. Everyone else behaved like it was a jealously guarded secret). Nevertheless, I got it prior to the latest post.

I will await a report from a competent mechanic before I do anything else.

I have listened to you all and particularly Texasmr2 followed your advice.

Despite all the nightmares and the terrible day I'm having, I'm genuinely at a loss to understand why you guys are having a go on here? Seriously?

I cannot understand why when someone like me who is not a mechanical expert comes in good faith to a site for BMW owners, why people start to make posts like : "not listening" or "Well if he want to spend his money let him"

Thanks for your advice thus far and I will let you know what actually happens but tbh, it leaves a really nasty taste in the mouth to read the last few posts as above, when in fact I have listened to advice by the letter and not spent a penny other than what I was literally forced to pay to actually get my car back.

Looks like I've been the victim of a particularly nasty and greedy rogue trader and I would have thought you guys might be more supportive but I guess you already made up your minds I'm some sort of idiot who deserves all he gets.

oh well. Thanks anyway

texasmr2

I do not think anyone here, especially myself, were having ago at you mate, we just want to help you. Sometimes there is a language barrier as to ones true meaning but trust me we have your best interest at heart. Do not take things so literal.

Now regarding the shady mechanic/repair shop do you guys have a BBB (Better Business Bureau) like we have in the states? If you do you should file a complaint against that shop. I hope everything works out for you so please keep us updated, ok?

Cheers,
Gregg

panicp

Thanks Tex - they have an equivalent trading standards and believe me I am keeping every single bit of evidence against this guy.

I will definitely post with the outcome tomorrow (approx. 10 hrs from now) when the guys at Auto werks have had a chance to look at the car.

Thanks again for the tip - they look like a really decent trustworthy outfit and believe me, I have genuinely listened to (and acted on) every post on here whenever or however I could.

Dave

seanjordan

Tex is right. I have been on this site for years now and we all have helped each other. Sometimes we "the Helpers" get frustrated too and statements posted are only said to get the OP to understand what is being said. But in the end it is the OP decision if he wants to listen or shell out the big money. My statement was simply saying that we have no idea what your situatution was only you do. We can only give advice. The statement was not meant to lash out on you just simply let everyone else know only you know what is going on and might not have any other choice or just have the money to waist.

I hope this time the issue is solved with no issues and please do not turn away from this site because of a simple misunderstanding.

texasmr2

Dave do you have an update?? We are hanging by our nails .

Cheers mate,
Gregg