$100 license plate bulb

eurogreek1 · #1 01-29-2011, 08:24 PM

I just got screwed with a $100 charge at Ralph Schomp BMW in Littleton, Colorado. They told me that there was an after market bulb in there and they wouldn't cover it under warranty! BS!! They didn't even bother to call and let me know the situation before they decided to replace it! They said they would have covered it if it was oem.

I took it in about 3 weeks ago because the license plate brakets were hanging down and since then, the error poped up every time I turned on the X.

They ended up giving me a vocher for a free interior or exterior detail but I don't need it. I don't need a hand out! The X is in mint condition!

What does everyone think?

ard · #2 01-29-2011, 09:25 PM

I'm confused...why did you pay $100? Did you or did you not agree to be charged?

When you drop off a car, you sign a word order/estimate... What did it say?

Finally, when you looked at the bulb they replaced (aren't they required by law to give you replaced parts upon request?) was it "aftermarket"?

A

eurogreek1 · #3 01-29-2011, 10:36 PM

I asked the advisor why he didn't call me and he said the job was done before he could call! BS!! I should have asked to see the old lights but I didn't! Stupid move on my part!! If I would have got the call about the charge, I would have done it myself!!

ard · #4 01-29-2011, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurogreek1

I asked the advisor why he didn't call me and he said the job was done before he could call! BS!! I should have asked to see the old lights but I didn't! Stupid move on my part!! If I would have got the call about the charge, I would have done it myself!!

You are not answering my question.

You do not have to pay for work that was not authorized, simple as that! "didn't have time" and "work was already done" are all fine reasons for the dealer to eat the charge... they are NOT reasons for YOU to pay.

Again, WHY did you pay?!?!

A

PS I always write "no telephone authorizations" when I sign work order that has a chance of turning into a charge...they can fax whatever they need.

eurogreek1 · #5 01-29-2011, 11:10 PM

The answer is I'm an idiot!! Bottom line! I should have refused to pay!
Is BMW supposed to call me before work is done?

ard · #6 01-30-2011, 12:23 AM

"BMW" doesn't actually work on any cars.

The dealership is a company that is independent of BMW... I only stress this issue so folks can wrap their heads around the whole "3 way" relationship... (owner, manufacturer, dealer)

Once again, it all depends on what was on the paperwork you signed when you dropped it off. In most states the mechanic must get prior approval to make repairs, period.

The 'mechanic' is the dealer or Joe Blow at the shop down the street.... When you drop off a car, you sign a work order. Read it. DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED - they are asking you to enter a legal agreement, read it. (Actually read the one now, then you'll know what it says for next time.)

If there is anything other that $0, you want to know precisely what they are doing. Many an SA will say "The warranty will cover it, but just in case I put down $100". Red Flag. You are absolutely on the hook for $100.

There is often a area on the work order where they can enter telephone authorizations for increases- date, time, initials and amount. I cross this out as mentioned above.

If when you pick up a car, the bill is more than was authorized, simply decline to pay more. If they insisted, pay with your best credit card, note at each signature and on the copy of the work order they ask you to sign, something to the effect "Disputed amount, not authorized"

Was it an aftermarket LED style bulb?

deutsch100 · #7 01-30-2011, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurogreek1

I just got screwed with a $100 charge at Ralph Schomp BMW in Littleton, Colorado. They told me that there was an after market bulb in there and they wouldn't cover it under warranty! BS!! They didn't even bother to call and let me know the situation before they decided to replace it! They said they would have covered it if it was oem.

I took it in about 3 weeks ago because the license plate brakets were hanging down and since then, the error poped up every time I turned on the X.

They ended up giving me a vocher for a free interior or exterior detail but I don't need it. I don't need a hand out! The X is in mint condition!

What does everyone think?

I have owned MANY BMWs...when did the license plate brackets become monitored, so an error could pop up every time you turned the X on? Do you mean license plate lights? Brackets are just pieces of metal, that would have no electrical connection or warning system. Quite confused

ard · #8 01-30-2011, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I have owned MANY BMWs...when did the license plate brackets become monitored, so an error could pop up every time you turned the X on? Do you mean license plate lights? Brackets are just pieces of metal, that would have no electrical connection or warning system. Quite confused

I took that to mean the brakcet was hanging and he took it in..and after they fixed that it started having the bulb issue.

Kloogy · #9 01-30-2011, 06:28 AM

I'm more confused than both of you. I certainly wouldn't have paid anything. Ard just described to the letter, how to deal with Automobile repairs. Good point reminding folks that BMW does not = your Service Dept

alvam · #10 01-30-2011, 12:04 PM

I've been to Schomp for all my 335 work and never had an issue with them. Always under warranty for everything so far but I'm not much of a modder other than wheels. He didn't indicate whether he did put an aftermarket bulb in so I guess I am confused as well. He sounds pretty ticked though.

I ordered my new x5 from Murray this time around because I didn't like Schomps no haggling mindset.