What a BMW Dealer!

EKS PYB · #1 11-17-2006, 05:49 PM

I just won an auction on ebay for an original bmw cd changer but it doesn't come with the brackets. So i started calling around the local Southern California BMW dealers to find if they have any in stock so I can get them now and have them ready when the changer gets to me by next week.

Low and behold, I called three Dealers just to compare prices and I have to admit, I can't believe these dealers get away with the way they run their business.

BMW CD Changer Bracket
Part # 82110009302

New Century BMW $35.95
Assael BMW $64.71
Crevier BMW $35.95

How can they almost double the price for the same item? I hope that thing is Gold Plated or something because that is just ridiculous.

I called these places in the same order as I listed them and to make sure I was talking about the same thing and the guy in parts from Assael confirmed the Part # that I had from New Century.

Shouldn't there be someone who keeps these dealers in check?

Quicksilver · #2 11-17-2006, 05:56 PM

That's why they call em stealers. I had a similar issue. $300.00 to program a car that should be done under warranty.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...lp-please.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk03X5

How can they almost double the price for the same item? I hope that thing is Gold Plated or something because that is just ridiculous.

Eurosport · #3 11-17-2006, 06:01 PM

ya happens all the time crazy prices because they are independent and they know someone will actually bite

i was looking for a rear wiper arm one time, went to parts department at this one dealer,
i ask price for the arm, he says $54 plus tax
retail for the arm supposed to be $38ish with no discount (per realoem, other online sources etc.)

i tell the guy, why are you guys charging so much for your parts, you know i can get this for $38 retail right?

his reply was: it's called convenience

I laughed at him showing him my watch: 6:30AM (car was in service)
i hardly call this convenience, he got all pissed that i didn't buy his wiper arm

i didn't need the wiper arm that day, but was just looking ahead for a bosch rear wiper update etc.

thing is people that are not so passionate about their cars, or informed, or whatever, will keep buying at outrageous prices, and the rest of us that actually know wholesale, retail, and cost prices are getting screwed.

while there: one lady pulls in with her 00 540, with 8k miles(damn drive the car). she asks the service advisor that she needs to order new tires, and have her clock adjusted (time just changed). so basicly she's asking to be screwed, instead of going to a tire shop first of all, and second to read owner manual? lol
i'm sure that's the reason of the high prices, they just know people don't know better

ps: i apologize for the long story

LeMansX5 · #4 11-17-2006, 06:39 PM

Assael BMW
Nice name!

EKS PYB · #5 11-17-2006, 06:41 PM

hey lemans,

that's funny because when I was typing this post originally...i don't know why but I typed the name with caps as well...but i of course changed it...i don't know why i'm worried about offending them...

you and me think alike!

dkl · #6 11-17-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk03X5

hey lemans,

that's funny because when I was typing this post originally...i don't know why but I typed the name with caps as well...but i of course changed it...i don't know why i'm worried about offending them...

you and me think alike!

So, you never heard anyone called them by their "A-hole" nickname? They pretty much have the worst reputation in So Cal.

X5 Meister · #7 11-17-2006, 11:39 PM

With all due respect to dkl, Assael BMW has been known as ASSHOLE BMW for at least 10 years now. They don't "pretty much" have the worst reputation in So. Cal. they DO HAVE the worst reputation in all of California. Their service department is a joke and they charge the absolute highest margin over any BMW dealer I've ever dealt with. I'd say that they are the 2nd worse BMW dealership in the entire USA.

If you want to read some interesting stories (and submit your own reviews) go to www.dealerrater.com

EKS PYB · #8 11-18-2006, 02:40 AM

my thoughts exactly...someone should police these dealers and shut them down or at least crack down on them.

maybe i should send a request to Channel 2 news...Mike Boguslowski...have them do an investigative report or something...that should clean up all the dealers huh...NOOOOOOOOOT!

X5 Meister · #9 11-19-2006, 01:23 PM

Simple answer to how they can stay in business, most people just don't care enough to do anything about it. A sales guy at Crevier once told me that 95% of their new BMW's are leased. When you have a 3 year lease on a car you certainly don't give a hoot about regular maintenance and if you spent any time driving around orange county you'd see that the VAST majority of people driving around in S-class Mercedes and 750's are not car enthusiasts looking for the Ultimate Driving Machines, etc. They are too-rich-for-their-own-good socialites going to the local shopping mall to one-up each other in a new Versace outfit.

So when Buffy brings in her M6 convertible because the computer told her to, do you really think she'll notice if the dealer didn't do the job 100% correct?

X5 Sport · #10 11-20-2006, 06:33 PM

Well vote with your feet and dont give that dealer any of your cash! I would say as it is the only dealer that I have been to in the states Crevier BMW seemed very helpfull! Theyalso help this site out a lot! And they give away really nice mints. People who went to West fest will understand that one ! As he eats another one