BMW Service, the Good and Bad

Not all dealerships are alike. I bought a used 1997 BMW a year ago when I moved to SW Florida and have had terrific service at the Naples, FL dealership. Unlucky for me, there is another dealership that is closer to my work so I took my car there. Only 36,000 miles so the low mileage performance is all there.

I took my car to the "other" BMW dealership for a simple oil change and because the airbag light was on. They also replaced a $40 bulb in the tail light. The total bill was over $700. Whaaaaaat???
So they call me and said my car was ready. I went after work to pick it up and waited and waited and ... a half hour later they said if I could just wait a bit they would also wash the car. WAIT a bit??? Wait even more??? Just bring my car.

I jumped in my car and saw the "check engine" light was now on. I returned and the not-so-friendly advisor said to bring it back in a few days if the light was still on. Huh??? I would call that unsafe, maybe careless or dangerous. What do you think?

I drove home and found fluid leaking from under the car. I imagined it was just some oil that dripped off. WRONG!!! I dropped off the BMW again at the same dealership and there is a broken transmission bracket and a severed transmission line. Plus, they want to replace another part that MIGHT cause a problem. For $1,000! I assure you that I baby this car and did not hit anything. Who do you think damaged my car?

BMW has failed, big time!!! I can't wait to get the bill so I can post a mega-rant on http://www.skidmarkoftheweek.com/.

Just to make things worse for them, I will not fill out the comment cards or surveys they send. Let the owner figure out on his/her own why they are losing business.

They can't really think I would trade-in my car on another BMW after this. Maybe they don't care.

I am Rob G. asking you to DriveLikeMe.

Tell your friends and neighbors to be cautious. I learned the hard way. That's all I can say.