Service department took my car for a ride

ep99 · 08-03-2009, 08:51 PM

Went to Maranello BMW to do my 2000 km break-in oil change.

Normally i don't pay attention to the mileage.
But i saw the service guy scan in my mileage with the key.
2082 km

Got out of the dealership on my way home when i noticed the mileage.
2107 km

Looks like someone in the service department had fun with my 2009 M3 coupe with DCT or is that the normal test drive range...around 25 km???

Gearhead999s · 08-03-2009, 09:03 PM

Did you insert the key on the trip to the dealership or did you use the comfort access?The key reader will only read the milege that was recorded the last time the key was inserted in the slot.

foosh · 08-03-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ep99

Went to Maranello BMW to do my 2000 km break-in oil change.

Normally i don't pay attention to the mileage.
But i saw the service guy scan in my mileage with the key.
2082 km

Got out of the dealership on my way home when i noticed the mileage.
2107 km

Looks like someone in the service department had fun with my 2009 M3 coupe with DCT or is that the normal test drive range...around 25 km???

So, did you want them to make sure they had the oil at the right level or not? It takes about the distance you reported to register the oil level after a change.

Service departments just can't win with certain people. If they do it right, people whine, and they whine when they do it wrong.

ep99 · 08-03-2009, 09:24 PM

Gearhead999s

Got to admit...this is the first time i have the comfort access option and i love to use it.

foosh

I certainly didn't expect the Service department to do something this unprofessional....but then again....

foosh · 08-03-2009, 09:27 PM

I see you're brand new to this board. You do realize that there is no dipstick, and the only way to check the oil is electronically, right?

As I said, it takes 20-30 miles to register after an oil change. However, if that is a problem for you, it is within your rights as a customer to instruct them to not test drive your car to verify service is successful. They will ask you to sign a waiver, relieving them of responsibility, because testing is an important part of most service jobs.

artifice · 08-03-2009, 09:27 PM

I think after the service they do a test drive... they usually do a 10-15 mile check to make sure your car does not through lights and that your levels are proper. I think this is correct but i'm not 100%

Gearhead999s · 08-03-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ep99

Gearhead999s

Got to admit...this is the first time i have the comfort access option and i love to use it.

foosh

I certainly didn't expect the Service department to do something this unprofessional....but then again....

What is unprofesional about making sure the work is done properly?I would much prefer to have a few extra kms on the car and the work done properly than to have to go back and get it corrected.

CanM3 · 08-04-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Did you insert the key on the trip to the dealership or did you use the comfort access?The key reader will only read the milege that was recorded the last time the key was inserted in the slot.

Thats what I thought as well, but it isnt true. Last time I was in the dealership, I handed my key to the CSR. I told him that I havent had the key in the slot in sometime, he replied 'doesnt matter, it downloads the mileage to the chip on a regular basis'. After he wrote down the mileage from the fob reader, it was within 2 km of the car odometer.

Also, when I was pulling wrench for a living, I had a specific route I would use for all my test drives...it was just over 15km long, and allowed me to get onto an inner city highway for short period. This allowed the car to get to a normal operating temp....pretty much essential to check for any leaks, noises etc etc after a service. And as mentioned before, pretty essential for the new M3 as it uses the idiotic electronic dipstick....which wont even attempt to read the oil level until it is up to temp. You can force it to take a reading, but it wont be as accurate as it should.

Do they use this same system for the M5/6's as well??

Gearhead999s · 08-04-2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanM3

Thats what I thought as well, but it isnt true. Last time I was in the dealership, I handed my key to the CSR. I told him that I havent had the key in the slot in sometime, he replied 'doesnt matter, it downloads the mileage to the chip on a regular basis'. After he wrote down the mileage from the fob reader, it was within 2 km of the car odometer.

I am not sure about that as I had a X5 4.8 for a while and remember having an issue with milege readings taken off the key.It was finaly determined that the key had never been updated in over a year,as it had never been used in the slot.It was a difference of over 20,000kms and as it was a Repo,this caused quite a problem with the person who took it over who thought we were playing games.

ep99 · 08-04-2009, 08:07 AM

I have no problem of them doing a good job.

Just don't want someone else to joyride my car except me...that's all.

foosh · 08-04-2009, 10:05 AM

Then make sure and tell them not to drive your car under any circumstances, as I said above. They won't be able to verify the repair, but you can sign the waiver and accept the consequences of a possible return visit or worse. They'll make a note in your service record, that you refused the test drive part as prescribed by BMW repair protocols for each procedure.

As an aside, I find it amusing that people think technicians are somehow chomping at the bit to get their hands on an M3 for a "joy-ride. It is not an Enzo, it's not that terribly special, and it's not the detail kid they just hired last week doing test drives.

The reality is the majority of techs have driven them many times by now, and they'd probably welcome the opportunity to skip the test drive in most cases. I'd highly recommend that you try to find a way to "get over" this phobia you have, or your ownership experience will likely cause you much anxiety.

mPlasticDesign · 08-04-2009, 11:10 AM

I don't think you have anything to worry about. When you go to pick up your car after the 1200mile service and your back tire and rim look like this, THEN you can go TNT on them. This actually happened to me.

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STALKER · 08-04-2009, 11:22 AM

I find all the GTA's dealers are slipping down hill big time.

Gearhead999s · 08-04-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Metak

I don't think you have anything to worry about. When you go to pick up your car after the 1200mile service and your back tire and rim look like this, THEN you can go TNT on them. This actually happened to me.

Attachment 292698

Did you let my wife drive your car

Thats what the RR 19" looks like on my wifes 335!

mPlasticDesign · 08-04-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Did you let my wife drive your car

Thats what the RR 19" looks like on my wifes 335!

This was done by one of the dealership employees. They were hoping I would just drive off without looking at it. That's why I always do a walk around before I get in and drive off.

guardodoc · 08-04-2009, 05:40 PM

You don't have to drive it, just let the engine run. Wouldn't it be better to be in the service bay when you find out that the oil is "over max" or too low instead of in this case up to 12 km away ?
What exactly are they "testing" when they drive your car after an oil change ?
Irvine BMW damaged my car during service. Took three weeks in the body shop to repair. The likelihood of damaging it would be less if they didn't unnecessarily drive it.
I read the SIB on the 1,200 mile service for the DCT and there was no mention of a "test" drive.

CanM3 · 08-05-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guardodoc

You don't have to drive it, just let the engine run. Wouldn't it be better to be in the service bay when you find out that the oil is "over max" or too low instead of in this case up to 12 km away ?
What exactly are they "testing" when they drive your car after an oil change ?
Irvine BMW damaged my car during service. Took three weeks in the body shop to repair. The likelihood of damaging it would be less if they didn't unnecessarily drive it.
I read the SIB on the 1,200 mile service for the DCT and there was no mention of a "test" drive.

It would take a looooong time to warm the oil up to operating temp sitting at idle....thats unrealistic. If a tech puts in 9 litres and then takes it for a drive, the level may not be perfect, but its not going to be in a dangerous area either way.
There has been many threads of guys picking their cars up after a service and having the car puke oil out of the filter canister on the front, or the oil cap seal gets cut.....

guardodoc · 08-06-2009, 02:09 PM

My service tech put in 10 Liters. When I drove away it read ">MAX"
When I went back he told me that the parts guy told him that it takes 10 Liters. I'm in Southern California, so the car warms up pretty quick at idle.
Best regards.
P.S. Look in the service bays and see how many of the techs are reading SIBs.

ecksreturns · 08-06-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foosh

Then make sure and tell them not to drive your car under any circumstances, as I said above. They won't be able to verify the repair, but you can sign the waiver and accept the consequences of a possible return visit or worse. They'll make a note in your service record, that you refused the test drive part as prescribed by BMW repair protocols for each procedure.

As an aside, I find it amusing that people think technicians are somehow chomping at the bit to get their hands on an M3 for a "joy-ride. It is not an Enzo, it's not that terribly special, and it's not the detail kid they just hired last week doing test drives.

The reality is the majority of techs have driven them many times by now, and they'd probably welcome the opportunity to skip the test drive in most cases. I'd highly recommend that you try to find a way to "get over" this phobia you have, or your ownership experience will likely cause you much anxiety.

I agree with what you say , but that highlighted statement was a bit out of line . I am sure it could have been conveyed in a more subtle manner

ep99 · 08-09-2009, 10:26 AM

Thanks ecksreturns...but got to admit foosh is right.

M3 is nothing special these day...ever since i had one...i've noticed a lot of M3 out there on the road.
I'm sure most of them are former 3-series owners like me that enjoy BMW before and try to upgrade to a better class....thinking it would be unique.

And i'm sure after i get my first door or hood ding...i would stop caring about the car.

08-03-2009, 08:51 PM	#1
ep99 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Service department took my car for a ride Went to Maranello BMW to do my 2000 km break-in oil change. Normally i don't pay attention to the mileage. But i saw the service guy scan in my mileage with the key. 2082 km Got out of the dealership on my way home when i noticed the mileage. 2107 km Looks like someone in the service department had fun with my 2009 M3 coupe with DCT or is that the normal test drive range...around 25 km???
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08-03-2009, 09:03 PM	#2
Gearhead999s Major General 819 Rep 7,887 Posts Drives: RR Velar R=Dynamic M2C R1200GS Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Did you insert the key on the trip to the dealership or did you use the comfort access?The key reader will only read the milege that was recorded the last time the key was inserted in the slot.
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08-03-2009, 09:24 PM	#4
ep99 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Gearhead999s Got to admit...this is the first time i have the comfort access option and i love to use it. foosh I certainly didn't expect the Service department to do something this unprofessional....but then again....
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08-03-2009, 09:27 PM	#5
foosh Major 27 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E93 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Annapolis, MD iTrader: (0)	I see you're brand new to this board. You do realize that there is no dipstick, and the only way to check the oil is electronically, right? As I said, it takes 20-30 miles to register after an oil change. However, if that is a problem for you, it is within your rights as a customer to instruct them to not test drive your car to verify service is successful. They will ask you to sign a waiver, relieving them of responsibility, because testing is an important part of most service jobs. __________________
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08-03-2009, 09:27 PM	#6
artifice Major 49 Rep 1,190 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Colony, TX iTrader: (0)	I think after the service they do a test drive... they usually do a 10-15 mile check to make sure your car does not through lights and that your levels are proper. I think this is correct but i'm not 100%
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08-04-2009, 08:07 AM	#10
ep99 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I have no problem of them doing a good job. Just don't want someone else to joyride my car except me...that's all.
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08-04-2009, 10:05 AM	#11
foosh Major 27 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E93 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Annapolis, MD iTrader: (0)	Then make sure and tell them not to drive your car under any circumstances, as I said above. They won't be able to verify the repair, but you can sign the waiver and accept the consequences of a possible return visit or worse. They'll make a note in your service record, that you refused the test drive part as prescribed by BMW repair protocols for each procedure. As an aside, I find it amusing that people think technicians are somehow chomping at the bit to get their hands on an M3 for a "joy-ride. It is not an Enzo, it's not that terribly special, and it's not the detail kid they just hired last week doing test drives. The reality is the majority of techs have driven them many times by now, and they'd probably welcome the opportunity to skip the test drive in most cases. I'd highly recommend that you try to find a way to "get over" this phobia you have, or your ownership experience will likely cause you much anxiety. __________________
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08-04-2009, 11:10 AM	#12
mPlasticDesign Major General 684 Rep 5,069 Posts Drives: BMW 230i Msport w/LSD Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Astral Projecting: ∞ 23.516 -122 02.625 0242.101 ĕv'rē-hwâr' iTrader: (16) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 997.2 [10.00] 2019 Hyundai N (Sold) [10.00] 2013 BMW M3 (Sold) [10.00] 2011 1M Coupe (Sold) [8.78] 2008 E90 M3 (Sold) [8.60] 2007 Z4 Mcpe (Sold) [9.50] 2005 BMW M3 (Sold) [10.00]	I don't think you have anything to worry about. When you go to pick up your car after the 1200mile service and your back tire and rim look like this, THEN you can go TNT on them. This actually happened to me. __________________
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08-04-2009, 11:22 AM	#13
STALKER Brigadier General 169 Rep 3,833 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3, Golf R Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (5)	I find all the GTA's dealers are slipping down hill big time. __________________
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08-04-2009, 05:40 PM	#16
guardodoc Second Lieutenant 35 Rep 293 Posts Drives: M3 e92, 1986 325e 2021 X5 40i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Clemente iTrader: (0)	Checking oil. You don't have to drive it, just let the engine run. Wouldn't it be better to be in the service bay when you find out that the oil is "over max" or too low instead of in this case up to 12 km away ? What exactly are they "testing" when they drive your car after an oil change ? Irvine BMW damaged my car during service. Took three weeks in the body shop to repair. The likelihood of damaging it would be less if they didn't unnecessarily drive it. I read the SIB on the 1,200 mile service for the DCT and there was no mention of a "test" drive.
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08-06-2009, 02:09 PM	#18
guardodoc Second Lieutenant 35 Rep 293 Posts Drives: M3 e92, 1986 325e 2021 X5 40i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Clemente iTrader: (0)	Oil My service tech put in 10 Liters. When I drove away it read ">MAX" When I went back he told me that the parts guy told him that it takes 10 Liters. I'm in Southern California, so the car warms up pretty quick at idle. Best regards. P.S. Look in the service bays and see how many of the techs are reading SIBs.
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08-09-2009, 10:26 AM	#20
ep99 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Thanks ecksreturns...but got to admit foosh is right. M3 is nothing special these day...ever since i had one...i've noticed a lot of M3 out there on the road. I'm sure most of them are former 3-series owners like me that enjoy BMW before and try to upgrade to a better class....thinking it would be unique. And i'm sure after i get my first door or hood ding...i would stop caring about the car.
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