Key Programming & Dealer Practice

caseyschulte · #1 03-24-2006, 04:00 PM

My wife and I recently picked up her new 2006 X5 4.4i from the dealer. Our sales guy cut us a good deal, but apparently didn't feel the need to put in much effort beyond that as a result - no courtesy call the week before the X5 came in, no checking with us to ask if we wanted anything extra installed at the dealer, no requesting the Key Memory form, etc. Because I was totally crushed at work, I forgot to remind my wife to fax in the Key Memory form.

Anyway, we get there and he's about to pass us along to his assistant to walk us through the car. I ask him about the key memory - he says, "Oh, you can just stop by any dealer and they'll do that for you." It's Saturday, but I figure that a bunch of people pick up their cars then, so I figure they have someone around that can take care of the programming. No dice - can't do it. I'm annoyed, but trust him on this. Well, I must be an idiot - the local stealers want $140 to re-program. I call my salesman, and he tells me to just stop by any time - knowing damn well that I'm an hour and a half away (without traffic).

Should I be annoyed? Is it my responsibility to harass them about this stuff, or would any good dealer have taken care of this?

Vitriol · #2 03-24-2006, 04:06 PM

my stealer programmed my key when they were walking me through the car. he first asked me what i wanted (the checklist) and then while he walked me through, they programmed the keys. i would assume that any good bmw dealer would take care of it for you, but service varies from dealer to dealer. im sure if you went to another dealership, where you did not buy the car, they will charge you as they have no way to tell if its been programmed already when you bought hte car.

sorry that you had that kind of experience. you pay a lot for the car and you expect top of the line service

rayxi · #3 03-24-2006, 04:25 PM

Too bad your dealer brushed you off like that. Did you speak to the sales manager about it? Make sure you communicate your dissatisfaction when BMW NA calls you to do the customer survey.

The initial key programming and car programming are part of the delivery. If you go to a different dealer they will charge you. If you reprogram it after delivery your dealer may charge you. The best time to ask is when your vehicle is in service for other things. It increases the chance they'll do it for free.

motordavid · #4 03-24-2006, 04:42 PM

I'm with Ray & Vitriol above, and you should stop
by the Stlr on your next conveinent trip and get
them to do your programming selections...

In the meantime, I would call the Stlr, talk to
the idiotsaleguy's boss and remind them it is
a part of the new car delivery process and service.

Have them make a note, so when you do get by,
they will do it for you, gratis, as should be expected.
GL and congrats on your new ride!
BR,md

IFlyX5 · #5 03-24-2006, 05:36 PM

And when you call his boss, don't forget to let him know that if it doesn't live up to your expectation, they'll get a 1 on their CSI Survey. 1 is a failing grade on their report. That will push them to do a better job this time.

X5Flyboy · #6 03-25-2006, 08:26 AM

O-k-a-a-y, what's this "Key Memory form"? Is it a Premium Package thing, or what? I p/u mine in 20 days and all the letters and paperwork don't say anything about a "Key Memory form". I ain't got no stinkin' form!

djbock · #7 03-25-2006, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burkleymh

O-k-a-a-y, what's this "Key Memory form"? Is it a Premium Package thing, or what? I p/u mine in 20 days and all the letters and paperwork don't say anything about a "Key Memory form". I ain't got no stinkin' form!

Here it is:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/g...mory-form.html

HIRISC · #8 03-25-2006, 12:34 PM

That's the first I heard of this form. Picked up a new 4.4 from my local dealer on 3/9..

We also have an Acura TL - the key determines a bunch of settings for the accompanying driver - temp/mirrors/seats/audio.. I was thinking it was strange that the 2nd key for the X5 didn't change any settings.. (nobody else drives my X).

All in all, not impressed AT ALL with my dealer. They 'forgot' to install the myriad of options that somehow can't be installed at the factory - SIRIUS/SAT/HITCH/MP3 Player prior to delievry, so I had to come back again twice (drop off/pick up). Then I'm trying to get the SIRIUS to work, no activation for my alleged free year of SIRIUS - I call SIRIUS and they tell me no free service is listed for my ESN. Call my salesman and he says it's only included on BMW's that are equipped with it from the factory - X5's are dealer install only.

Service get's top marks - delivery will fail the BMWNA call.

I'll be forwarding the link to my salesman/manager to help jar their memory (pun intended).

I've only been in three times - no mention of it......Idiots

X5Flyboy · #9 03-25-2006, 06:15 PM

THANK YOU! I am off to the dealer. This is the only slip-up my dealer has had with me and it's not a biggie. If I can get daytime running light activated, it's more money off my insurance. I had thought that option was not available.

rayxi · #10 03-25-2006, 08:29 PM

For all you ppl getting the key programming. Ask them to give you a printout of the all settings (car and keys) for your records. Besides keeping it for future reference it confirms that they programmed it according to your form (don't just assume that they did).