When you know too much...
 

I dropped off the X today to get my steering squeek looked at. Also wanted an alignment if needed and then for them to look at the never-working passenger side mirror.

When talking with the SA, I also asked if he could looking into if my car has had the water pump replaced and if the transmision software was updated since mine is a CPO and just wanted to make sure I knew the history of common issues.

Well he kinda looked at me funny when I asked about this. He also kinda seemed puzzled that I mentioned how the mirror is a common problem for E53's as well as what I thought the steering issue was. So my question is...is it best to just act dumb sometimes?

Clearly after living on this site as much as some of us do, we clearly are going to pick up on a few more things than others. I certainly dont know everything but would like the chance to open up a dialog with the service rep. But maybe I should just say "here, its broke, figure it out" and thats it?

Which dealer are you going to? Arlington?

Not exactly. In my view, i like to explain my problem and see if they will address it without my intervention. If they miss the mark i will then suggest that "I've heard" ect ect then see if they are willing too work with me. If not then i try to explain the issues as you have done. But you gotta know that some SA's don't know a lot about common problems related to your vehicle so i guess saying to the SA " i know you may have heard about these issues may let him be smarter then he really is. :thumbup:

Service techs need to feel stupid...I love making them look like idiots...like the one that tried to convince me there were 7 different fuse boxes...just so he didn't have to get out of his chair and show me if the fuse that blew was in the front or rear fuse panel

Yup as usual. Kevin is usually pretty good, but I had a different guy this time. Maybe its the fact that they are so increadibly slammed they just want to get you in and out.

I also nicely asked if there were any E42 loaners. That was a big shut down. "No sir, we just have enterprise." I would love to watch someone with a nice new 750il being given the keys to a neon. :rofl:

I always type up all my issues so I don't forget and clearly bitch about each one!

SA's aren't alway experts on every problem. I think going in with knowledge only makes the whole thing quicker and easier. If you can give them an idea of what you believe is wrong, that helps them and you. Your thoughts may lead them to consider something they wouldn't have previously - which they may disregard or follow-up on depending on what they know. If they know they are dealing with someone who has knowledge, they are less likely to BS you and to better explain what and why they did/do whatever service.

IMO, it's a win/win situation to go in with a knowledge base and to make sure they understand that you have a 'reasonable' perspecitve.

I have also learned today that no matter how you present your knowledge or lack there of, it does no good when they dont answer the phone or call you back. However the look on their face when you show up and ask the status of your car is is priceless. :)

Alan's been my SA at BMW Arlington for over two years, he always hooks me with the discount and coupons and knows the X5 issues pretty well. Sometimes he does ask me to go on test rides with the tech. to explain any issues in person, which I don't mind at all. Never gotten anything but Enterprise for a loaner there.