Why I don't trust Dealer or Indy shops

[bmw540san]

While I understand many here don't have the choice as they're not DIY or simply don't have the time or tools / garage, I try to do everything myself.

Why, you ask? I simply lost fate in finding honest dealer or Indy shop.

The few times I had to use Dealer or supposedly good Indy shop, I was always left disappointed. Sure, part of it is OCD when it comes to cars but if I'm paying between $70-120 per hour, ballooned labor time and overpriced parts, I do expect perfections.

Latest case in point:

While it's not a huge deal, it does speak of lack of professionalism. Getting ready to change oil and the rest of fluids on my newly acquired X5 and the drain plug is just about stripped. Fortunately, I've ordered new as I've seen that on pre purchase inspection.

So the truck was only serviced at the dealer and reputable Indy but yet they can't take their time to use proper size socket or they're just in the big hurry to maximize the profit. Or better yet, they don't take time to use torque wrench and the next time they almost strip it because it's to tight.

So if you can, always inspect the work of place you just trusted your vehicle and you just might not be so impressed after all.

On that subject, the little access door for drain plug is missing too and I simply cant find it on realoem.com.

Anybody knows the part# ?

[OptimusPriM5]

Thats because they didnt come with the trap door if this is for the 4.6is. I asked and thats the answer I continued to get. However the trap door does fit but cant recall if its the the one from the 4.4 or 3.0 after lengthy threads being read and researched on my part I found it to be true since they used the same stiffener plate. Facelift models as I understand it are different config and piece may not fit. Ill dig and see if I kept the part number tonight for you.

EDIT: I am pretty sure this is the number 51 71 8 268 897

[cn90]

My 2006 X5 3.0i does not have trap door either.

[SMOKEY53]

Age old saying, if you want something done right - do it yourself.

[electricalserv x5]

Yeah , I been screwed many times by Crappy Indys that just want Your money and F-ck You if You want Your BMW fixed..................I have to option now and I am happy and catious too......

[ants_oz]

Being a qualified mechanic, it's a no-brainer for me to do all I reasonably can (within the scope of the tools and facilities available to me) myself.

Unfortunately, there are things you have to entrust to others. And when they are finished, I generally pick holes in what they've done and mutter to myself about how I wouldn't have done it that way, or I would have done a neater job, or whatever the case may be.

But that's cars. The fact of the matter is, unless you have the skills required along with a VERY well equipped facility, there will always be jobs you can't do yourself. It sucks, it's annoying, and it's a dead pain in the ass when you pay for something and they bugger the job.

That's cars I guess.

[lhordmclain]

Dealership is a cash cow, I think the business model for service dept. is to earn more than the new and used cars sales dept.

* so service advisors will over sell the maintenance and repairs
* charge for diagnostics or inspection for vehicles even with extended warranty ( say it's free because not included), they don't want to waste their time.
* or unless the customer complain, don't fix it

Is it the owner of the dealership or BMW NA who is letting this happen ?

Some SA and mechanics are disgusted by these policies - they want to help owners to fix the vehicle(s) in a cost effective manner. Indy shops are born

Some Indy shops thinks and act like a dealership (cash cows).

And other Indy's are reputable and honest, they will only fix what is needed to get your vehicle back on the road and mention some repairs that can wait. But at the end of the day it's business, the shop needs to earn money / be profitable.
- installing OEM or aftermarket parts, and charge for OE price
- hire emerging mechanics ( cheaper rate )
- good mechanics (higher rate)

Edit: "If you're good at something, never do it for free! ...." - joker


DIY is a full commitment, not for the lazy / impatient owners. Some are quick learners - instruction based, some are naturals - self taught / no manuals.
Some have limited facility/space and tools/equipment, even if they are able, the need to defer to an Indy or dealership.

[ants_oz]

Don't know what it's like in the USA and elsewhere, but in Australia the new car sales dep't is not a money-making area for the dealership. Dealerships here are basically funded by the service dep't.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by OptimusPriM5

Thats because they didnt come with the trap door if this is for the 4.6is. I asked and thats the answer I continued to get. However the trap door does fit but cant recall if its the the one from the 4.4 or 3.0 after lengthy threads being read and researched on my part I found it to be true since they used the same stiffener plate. Facelift models as I understand it are different config and piece may not fit. Ill dig and see if I kept the part number tonight for you.

EDIT: I am pretty sure this is the number 51 71 8 268 897

It looks that number is for 3.0. I'm not sure if it will fit but I just remembered that I have some left over aluminum sheat piece from making the electric fan shroud support and I'll just fabricate the door out of it. Thanks for the effort anyway.

[DillonInCO]

How do you know the oil was always changed at the dealer and a reputable indie? I'd almost bet money it was one of those quick lube places, or a previous owner, that did it. I trust the work of BMW dealers around here, I just don't use them because they're too expensive. A good indie has diagnostic tools that I don't, and probably never will. I'm fortunate to be good friends with someone who works at one, so I trust them completely.