Can I trust my service department?

[Canyon Junkie]

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I'm very cautious when having my car serviced and have had bad experiences with dealers before. After reading some of the stories about joyriding I've decided that I will wait in the service department while they perform the 1200 mile service on my m3 sedan. I kind of knew this BS was coming, but damn, you drop 70k on a car... is BMW the only one like this?

I've been quoted:
"a couple hours" (2 hours) -Ralph Schomp BMW in Denver, CO
"most of the day" (4-5 hours) -Gebhardt BMW in Boulder, CO
and
"all day" (6 hours) -Classic BMW in Dallas, TX ...just for reference

I called BMW North America and the representative said it is up to the dealer. After more discussion, he became a little suspicious and inferred that the high-hour quotes from dealers either meant that they are overcharging the manufacturer or... who knows... joyriding, doing a really good job, doing more "testing" after the maintenance is performed.


So how long did it take on your car?

[Radiation Joe]

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you.

[Canyon Junkie]

If BMW North America has a reason to be suspicious, maybe being aware in this situation is a good thing...

The real question I'm asking:

How long did this service take on your e90/92 M3?

Thanks,
Chris

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you.

my DCT is trying to kill me. (i think somebody actually said that on this forum).

can't help the OP...no M3 yet. the reason for high quotes might be 1) they want to drive your car 2) they are lazy and are slow to perform services 3) they give you a long window so that if they get it done early you think they do a good job and if they screw up they have time to fix their mistakes and you are none the wiser.

[mkoesel]

Did you ask what BMW states for the standard time to complete the service? BMW will only reimburse the dealership for a certain amount I would think. Someone at BMW must know what that is. Once you know the number, then just find a dealership that is willing to return your car within it. If you explain that you are waiting, they may work with you. Probably some dealerships just quote longer times because they are playing it safe. For a big dealership that is very busy, this is even more likely. Just find one that is willing to dedicate the time to your car and get it done as soon as possible.

[King Tut]

Just because you waited 4 to 5 hours doesn't mean they worked on it for all of those 5 hours or that they charged BMW. Instead of speculating, why don't you call your dealership and ask them how long it will take and get on the schedule. Then you can wait or not. Obviously dealerships work on the cars where the owner is waiting first.

[M2381]

I waited 2 hours for my 1200 mile service. But at the same time, I asked them not to wash the car and the dealership was not that busy that day so I had 2 guys working on my car. The guy told me it usually takes around 3 1/2 hours

[Canyon Junkie]

Originally Posted by King Tut

Just because you waited 4 to 5 hours doesn't mean they worked on it for all of those 5 hours or that they charged BMW. Instead of speculating, why don't you call your dealership and ask them how long it will take and get on the schedule. Then you can wait or not. Obviously dealerships work on the cars where the owner is waiting first.

As posted earlier:

I've been quoted:
"a couple hours" (2 hours) -Ralph Schomp BMW in Denver, CO
"most of the day" (4-5 hours) -Gebhardt BMW in Boulder, CO
and
"all day" (6 hours) -Classic BMW in Dallas, TX ...just for reference

[sayemthree]

trust NO ONE!

mine took 2 hours - then one more to fix the overfilled oil (due to no dipstick)

[ihyln]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

trust NO ONE!

mine took 2 hours - then one more to fix the overfilled oil (due to no dipstick)

I found to have even LESS oil than before the 1200mile service. What is the SOP on this, seriously? Lack of a dipstick is assinine.

[Davinhci]

1.5 hours

[Mr.AK]

That's like asking,"can you really trust a woman." Answer: Depends on how dumb/oblivious you wanna be about it.

[Canyon Junkie]

dropped the car off this morning at 8:30. supposed to get it back by 2 or 3. the service advisor and i did a complete walk around and documented the odometer reading. he said they're only going to drive it 2 or 3 miles.

when i gave him the plastic container and asked him to save an oil sample, i think he understood i was very serious about the car.

[RealSanaii]

Originally Posted by Canyon Junkie

dropped the car off this morning at 8:30. supposed to get it back by 2 or 3. the service advisor and i did a complete walk around and documented the odometer reading. he said they're only going to drive it 2 or 3 miles.

when i gave him the plastic container and asked him to save an oil sample, i think he understood i was very serious about the car.

My dealer didn't even put a single mile on the car. Maybe 0.2 miles to drive from the lot to the service dock.

[inmotion]

it all depends on how busy they are. For the most part, it's not really necessary to treat them like they are out to get you. They rely on our service rating for bonuses, so it is in their best interest to do a good job.

[RealSanaii]

Originally Posted by inmotion

it all depends on how busy they are. For the most part, it's not really necessary to treat them like they are out to get you. They rely on our service rating for bonuses, so it is in their best interest to do a good job.

And please their customers and treat them right as well.
So far, I'm loving my dealer's service department.

Big step up from the Audi dealership I had to go...

[booforty]

Always use an authorised BMW dealer and get each visit recorded in your service book

[TimB]

I would not stress it. The service guys drive cars that are much more expensive then the M3. M5's, M6's, 760's.

Just note the mileage to see if its excessive.

I know sometimes they do have to put some miles on it to see if an issue was resolved.

And hey if they wreck it! They bought it! Order another one in Leguna Secca Blue!

[Canyon Junkie]

Originally Posted by TimB

I would not stress it. The service guys drive cars that are much more expensive then the M3. M5's, M6's, 760's.

Just note the mileage to see if its excessive.

I know sometimes they do have to put some miles on it to see if an issue was resolved.

And hey if they wreck it! They bought it! Order another one in Leguna Secca Blue!

It was more dropping it off that was painful. I'm fine now. It is true, they do drive more exotic cars than the M3, and it's made to be revved up and driven hard.

[Eurotrash8]

I just got mine back with an extra 15km on it and the service manager won't call me back.

[positiveions]

I sure don't. But what can we do. I wish BMW had installed some kind of software that will decrease the horsepower with the ignition key.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Eurotrash8

I just got mine back with an extra 15km on it and the service manager won't call me back.

Very typical. Don't count on any satisfaction, either. Their level of integrity is likely on par with a watch salesman in New York or a Nigerian on eBay.

You guys don't have free service in Canada, am I right? I would strongly consider a private shop for service if I were you, unless it will void your warranty.