BMW Service Department vs Shade Tree Mechanic

[FunfDreisig]

Problem Diagnosis

1PM Today (Thursday) -- BMW owner calls BMW Dealer Service Advisor --
* Leaves message about the 'check engine light' (AKA Exhaust-gas values light) being on, asks for advice on whether to continue to drive the X5 and requests an appointment.

1PM - 5PM - BMW owner (AKA Shade Tree Mechanic) --
* Double checks for prices of Actron CP1980 ODB II code reader online and by phone.
* Takes a shower,
* Drives nearly 40 mi round trip to buy an Actron CP1980 at closest AutoZone
* Opens astonishingly well sealed HD plastic packaging (significant time lost but managed to avoid cutting off critical appendages).
* Reads key aspects of manual and installs 9v battery (not included).
* Hooks up Actron CP1980 and figures out that it won't read squat without the engine running.
* Retrieves DTC code "P007B, No DTC Definition Found, See Service Manual".
* Searches internet for P007B DTC code and finds a website that attempts to decipher it.
* Guesses that if BMW made even a minimal effort to keep their codes similar to "generic" codes, the problem is probably the Air Temp Sensor that others on this forum have reported (e.g. Craig)

6PM - BMW Dealer Service Advisor (finally) returns the call from the BMW owner -
* And schedules the very first available service appointment NEXT WEDNESDAY (6 days later if you're counting!) to check out the problem.
* BMW Owner offers to bring the X5 in tomorrow (despite 100mi round trip) to allow the BMW techs to check the codes and order the appropriate parts.
* BMW SA advises BMW Owner that checking the codes will take SEVERAL hours and that as long as the X5 "was running OK", it would be better to drive the X5 with a warning light illuminated until Wednesday.
* BMW Owner learns that warning lights on the dash are not all that important after all.

6:05PM - BMW owner (AKA Shade Tree Mechanic) --
* Decides to drink a lot of beer (and take at least 6 more showers) before showing up at the dealer to pick up a loaner,
* Get told, later that day, that the problem is the Air Temp Sensor that the dealer will order any time now.
* And that the BMW techs will clear the code(s),
* Sending the BMW Owner off with a busted Air Temp Sensor for the foreseeable future.

Funf Dreisig

[Denalio]

Personal experience???

[ard]

And here I thought your dealer was Shade Tree BMW....

Do you have an SA with whom you already have a relationship. It will make ALL the difference in the world. Took me 4 people at 2 dealers to find mine. And when he moved to another dealer, I moved. (just for warranty)

GL

A

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by Denalio

Personal experience???

Yes. Rather personal.

Funf Dreisig

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by ard

...
Do you have an SA with whom you already have a relationship.....

We HAD a fantastic SA (service dept mgr.) where we used to live. But we haven't found one yet since we moved.

Funf Dreisig

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

Thanks again.

BTW that was quick. I may have to resort to Italian pastries and a short skirt to get better service at my dealer. Although I still think that in my case, the short skirt might just frighten the staff

Funf Dreisig

Time for pastries and short skirts. It can't hurt to frighten them.

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by cmyX6go

Time for pastries and short skirts. It can't hurt to frighten them.

Some how I think these may work better for you than me

Frankly, I'm thinking that I should develop my own personal influence technique -- say beer and a hand gun

Funf Dreisig

[motordavid]

Damn funny, slice of life read, Funf!

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

Some how I think these make work better for you than me Funf Dreisig

I dunno, they might tell the tech, "whatever you do, fix it right the first time and check-out everything else... we do NOT want him back in here for a follow-up repair!!"

[Redridge]

thats some good stuff Funf.... dealers are just so slimy, good call on the showers.