Know now why everyone leases

[Quicksilver]

$700 battery replacement. Just got a coupon from the dealer for a Car wash, inspection, and oil change $79.00.

[J.Belknap]

I'm calling bs. $1,200 for oil and a battery?

[jsoto]

OT, but how *long* does it take to program the battery. Let's say a INDY is $100-$125.
Does it really take 2 hrs to program the battery ?

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by jsoto

OT, but how *long* does it take to program the battery. Let's say a INDY is $100-$125.
Does it really take 2 hrs to program the battery ?

It takes 15 minutes to a person who knows what is doing.I include computer start-up and coffee time in this estimate

[Price]

Originally Posted by jsoto

OT, but how *long* does it take to program the battery. Let's say a INDY is $100-$125.
Does it really take 2 hrs to program the battery ?

Of course not, the actual job runs probably 0.05 secs, and charging 2 hrs. is borderline criminal. But at the same time shops have to recover overhead costs, so I'd say say 1/2 ... 1 hr would be fair if it also includes physical battery replacement. For DIY you have to have the cable, laptop and spend some time installing, configuring and learning, so it's all relative.

[jsoto]

heh, seems similar to my ~disagreement~ in cost when my Indy started charging like a dealership. X hrs for LCM programming, etc, etc

[c21jk]

47.00 dollar oil change. 40.00 oil castrol synthetic at wal mart 7.00 mann oil filter amazon. Maybe 20 minutes and take my time.

[4MoJoe]

Have always had better luck with an Indy for post warranty work (maintenance and repairs). In Portland they wanted $120 for oil change and scope and the indy was $79 on our '06 325i.

FWIW - In comparison to the Portland dealer I had been going to for warranty work and service on my X5 35d to today with the San Diego dealer there is light years difference between the attitude and attention paid to the customer...that is it was more impersonal here and I felt like a number. And I should be happy I got a loaner but a Camry?! If my car was out of warranty I would certainly seek out a indy.

I think a little due diligence and help from members here can give Govol's a direction to finding a great indy that will take care of his X5 and not drain the bank in the process.

[SeriousE53]

To echo what many others have already said, a $500 oil change should be a crime and pains me to hear about. Sterling BMW is not a bad dealership, but like any business transaction it's important to be educated and have an understanding of what is going on to avoid getting ripped off.

This type of misinformation and negative feedback also damages the brand and furthers the negative perception of BMW cost of maintenance and reliability concerns.