HORROR STORIES FROM THE STEALERSHIP OR LOCAL SHOP

[mig25]

Please share some of horror stories ,mishaps or overcharged services from your local stealership or local garage.
I want all owner's to know what you went thru, so they will be aware the next time they bring their cars for service.
I recently bought an X5. Previous owner was quoted over 2K to replace transfer case.
I found the issue was front differential dry not the transfer case at all.
Shop replaced the output oil seal, but used a hammer to install new seal damaging the housing.
All the oil leaked out.

[Serb404]

BMW in Indiana will charge over 100 just to check error code for me one time

this was before I found my local mechanic who also owns an e53

[David.X5]

I get dealer abuse vicariously from my neighbor. No chance I would take my car to a BMW dealer for service.

Anyway, the top two stories are: (I helped Him out). He has a 2009 528. Nothing fancy.

1) it wouldn't start one cold morning. He had it towed to the dealer. They wanted $1000 to replace the battery. About $400 for the actual battery; but then they told him it was standard practice to replace the battery cables every time they change the battery! Another $300 in parts and $300 in labor... Needless to say I sent him to buy a good quality battery for $150 and we installed it coded it to the car together.

2) just recently got a call from him from the dealer. Car was running rough and he got the CEL light. Dealer wanted $1400 for 6 spark plugs and coils. Wasn't sure he really needed new coils, but sent him links to the usual online vendors and he bought the parts for $250 and we swapped it all out in under an hour.

I am curious if this happens to other people - About once a week I start talking to someone about BMW's and they will ask something along the lines of "I like them, but I heard they aren't reliable" or "I sold mine - how can you afford to maintain it".

[mig25]

OMG ! $1000 for a battery. This what I call armed robbery

[X5only]

Had loud whining noise from the transfer case. Dealer and Indy wanted to replace it at ridiculous prices of course ($1,400 or more I vaguely remember). However, as I was just about to leave the dealership, the service advisor mentioned in passing that it may just need an oil change. I pretended not to hear him Circled back to the parts counter and got myself transfer case oil. 300 miles after I changed the oil and reset the transfer case via GT1, the whining noise completely stopped.

[StephenVA]

Only go to the dealer to pick up parts. I overhear enough service writer comments to make a good laugh on the way home, every time I am at the counter waiting for the parts.

There is a local BMW indy shop I trust and have known for years who is always open for a conversation and to offer up a few tips for DIY. He also works on lots of X5s for those who do not have the time nor skills. The vehicles that are dragged in there will with NO maintenance other than Jiffy Lube service scares me. Opening those hoods is like opening a coffin that has been in the ground way too long.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by David.X5

I get dealer abuse vicariously from my neighbor. No chance I would take my car to a BMW dealer for service.

Anyway, the top two stories are: (I helped Him out). He has a 2009 528. Nothing fancy.

1) it wouldn't start one cold morning. He had it towed to the dealer. They wanted $1000 to replace the battery. About $400 for the actual battery; but then they told him it was standard practice to replace the battery cables every time they change the battery! Another $300 in parts and $300 in labor... Needless to say I sent him to buy a good quality battery for $150 and we installed it coded it to the car together.

2) just recently got a call from him from the dealer. Car was running rough and he got the CEL light. Dealer wanted $1400 for 6 spark plugs and coils. Wasn't sure he really needed new coils, but sent him links to the usual online vendors and he bought the parts for $250 and we swapped it all out in under an hour.

I am curious if this happens to other people - About once a week I start talking to someone about BMW's and they will ask something along the lines of "I like them, but I heard they aren't reliable" or "I sold mine - how can you afford to maintain it".

I know a guy with a e60 530. The dealer wanted nearly 2k for coils and spark plugs. I just laughed and sent him the parts online.

There is a member on here who had the dealer overfill his X5 with oil and caused some issues that took forever to sort out. I can't remember the thread but I am sure some else here does.

[StephenVA]

There are lots of M5 owners who had motors trashed due to inexperienced techs working on V8 HiPo motors who had no training whatsoever.

[Dking078]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

I know a guy with a e60 530. The dealer wanted nearly 2k for coils and spark plugs. I just laughed and sent him the parts online.

There is a member on here who had the dealer overfill his X5 with oil and caused some issues that took forever to sort out. I can't remember the thread but I am sure some else here does.

That was one messed (and sad) story. Dealer screws up... "not our problem!"

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...is-engine.html

At least it ended well.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by Dking078

That was one messed (and sad) story. Dealer screws up... "not our problem!"

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...is-engine.html

At least it ended well.

That's the one. Luckily it turned out the way it did. I wonder if he still has his X. Saw a black 4.8is in his area last night.