I just don't understand why dealers don't realize how much more service business they could do if they became competitive in hourly rates / prices as indy shops are? Most customers perfer going to a dealership but many don't because of the stupid and completely jacked up costs. Why are these asinine stealers charging $120 per hour when the guy across the way who has a mechanic just as capable is charging $48 an hour? IT BOGGLES THE MIND. As a business-freak, it astounds me that they don't scoop up market share by doing this.

 

they just assume BMW owners are rich enough and not bother with looking at alternative when it comes to maintenance. That and along with the fact that their overhead cost is way higher than the the guys across the way. Of course it's the SA job to sell the idea that their mechanics are more highly trained especially with all these new electronic gizmos in the newer cars.

 

Howitzer,

I'm still very new to the E60 so I have a newbie question for you. I notice that for your wheels, what does it mean when you stated M6 offset?

Thanks

RCT

 

i think a big part is the overhead. dealerships are usually located on properties that a lot more expensive than indies. they often have newly-built building that are still being paid-for. additionally, they have to paid your SA a salary and commition as well as paying the secretaries, managers, the coffie and donuts, the HDTV in the lobby, the after service car wash and a whole lot of expenses that has nothing to do with servicing the car.

it sucks and i try and stay away from the stealership as much as possible. unfortunately, they seem to be making things more and more difficult so that we have no choice but to go back..

 

166 wheels

M5 offsets: Fronts ET 12, Rears ET 28
M6 offsets: Fronts ET 12, Rears ET 17

M6 offsets sit closer/more flush to the rear fenders than M5 offset 166's...



Howi: +1 with overhead....

 

Sounds like the Apple business model. Once you buy in, you're stuck buying every small component and nickled and dimed, but add a few zero's to those figures.

 

does bmw USA or bmw Canada have a say in what they are "supposed" to charge as a posted price?

 

it's overhead. bmw spends more money sponsoring events, advertising, have to include costs for ext. warranties, higher salaries, etc..