Need advice on dealing with repair shop.

[jmmeagher]

I've been a longtime lurker here, but have posted very little. I have an '01 X5 4.4i that is having some issues that may run into some serious coin. My extended warranty will cover some of the costs, but by the estimates of the local BMW dealer and the indie shop, I'm going to spend about 50% of what the vehicle is worth AFTER the warranty pays its share.

My questions are ...

1. Has anyone dealt with ModuleMaster.com? One way I can cut some costs is to have my DSC module rebuilt rather than replaced. That would save me almost $1000.

2. Both BMW and the indie shop are insisting on list price for parts. I understand the dealer doing that. I can understand the indy trying to get the most out of the warranty. Now that the warranty is telling him the same rack & pinion he wants $1788 for can be purchased from a different supplier for $644 (less $170 for core) he's telling me that I have to pay the difference. Shouldn't he just buy the cheaper part? This holds true for the radiator, the guibo joint, the window regulator, and the thermostat that can all be purchased online at discounts ranging from 35% to 65% off of list.

These parts are all listed as "Direct OE replacements". By using these parts, I save another $1500 to $2000.

I've used the indy shop before and they are reputable. The manager there is insinuating that he should get "list price" and that if he gets a discount, thats his profit. I have no problem paying him a markup on the purchased parts. I just don't want to get fleeced for a 150% markup from what I can buy these parts for on my own.

He's also whining about the rebuilt DSC, although he had no knowledge that they could be rebuilt.

Any ideas on how to deal with this? I'd like to work with this guy because I know they do good work. I'm just not willing to overpay for parts to the tune of $3000 when he's getting $90 per hour for his labor.

Am I being out of line here? I used to run a construction business and when I sent out to have work done, the service managers would pass along all discounts because they were grateful for the repeat business.

Any advice would be helpful.

[mrbmwx5]

1, go with this one i had mine repair thru them and it been working great.Advanced Hints and Tips : BMW ABS problems

[motordavid]

On ModuleMaster, my Vette Indie used them for me last year on an EBCM
module repair; the VetteSpeedShop uses that company all the time: great
work, they do the modules rather than replacing an entire unit, and fair price.

As to the parts: I am surprised your indie won't go with the other supplier
on the steering rack...as for ordering parts off the net for him to install,
I can see his balking. Try to find a common ground: the cheaper rack
and his other parts.

As for the "economics" of what you car is worth vs repair, etc., no one can
know your situ like you do, but a few grand "fix" is a helluva lot less expensive
than a big down payment and monthly nut, on a new ride, imo.
GL,mD

PS: I'm in Naples 5 months a year for winter; who is the Indie here
locally?

[jmmeagher]

Thanks, MD.

I'm in Fort Myers and have used Till's Imports. They did a nice job on a Porsche 968 Cab that I used to own. I'm sure there is someone closer to you in Naples.

I hear you on the fix. The dealer initially quoted me over $9.5K in repairs for a vehicle worth about that much. That was without some of the smaller things like a window regulator and washer pumps.

The indy is quoting about $7.5K, but that includes more work than the dealer quoted. My out of pocket would be about $4K. By using a rebuilt DSC and the cheaper steering gear and radiator, that puts me down around $2K out of pocket.

I understand about the difference between a newer car and repairing this one. My only issue is that I've put about $2500 into it already this year and an additional $4K would hurt. I've only owned the vehicle for 15 months. $400 in repairs per month makes a new car payment for me.

[motordavid]

That is stiff, when you add it all up...
I'm a RetiredBum, so keeping cars for quite awhile is sort of a
defense against bleeding the ol'portfolio.

I alternate bringing the old X5 and the Vette here for the season,
but I have used Pine Ridge for an oil change and a couple of cheap
items. I have heard good things of Till's. My BMW Indie back in
western NC is getting pricey, too. They can sort of push it, as the
dlrs are very pricey and everyone is lining up at the Indies.

Good Luck with your negotiating and decision.
BR,mD

(<b>Pine Ridge Imports Of Naples, Inc. - ) Pine Ridge Imports Of Naples, Inc.

[jmmeagher]

Thanks for the info and the help. I hope you enjoy your winter down here.

I want to be clear with anyone down in this area. I've had no problems with Till's Imports. They are very professional and I would recommend them.

I'm also not trying to buy all the parts on line. I'm just asking them to buy it at the discounted price and I will pay a reasonable mark-up on that price. We'll see where it goes.