BMW dealer

[PRD]

The other day I went into a BMW dealer and:::::::::

[Redd]

.... saw the light and walked back out .... lol

[ChrisB]

Woke up realising it was a nightmare. My past experiences of BMW Manchester are nothing but tales of arrogance, incompetence and I will never step foot in there again.

[Brizzlerob]

::::: walked around tutting and shaking my head before smugly walking out and heading home on my amazing GTR with a big smile on my face and a glow in my heart.

[Redd]

BMW certainly charge for their services, here are some pictures on what I discovered when I came to service my GSA.... (I have bought the software to do the diagnostics and reset the service indicator, however I may sell the BMW shortly)

The drain plug washer was cut (incorrectly fitted), the shaft drive over filled and the drive shaft split totally dry... to name a few issues.

Not impressed!!!  The bike was 'maintained' by one of the so classed top BMW dealers.

[Lonewolf]

I've always found my local BMW dealer in Baildon to be top notch, (Allan Jeffries). I cannot however say the same for Williams BMW in Manchester and I will never visit their premises again. However although Williams screwed up, after a conversation with the top man there and a discussion about their failings in respect of my encounter with them, they paid me a substantial sum of money in cash, enough for the Mrs and I to go away on holiday for ten days, they paid for everything.


In contrast Pross on here has recently had issues with a  Kawasaki dealer and they were arguing over just a few hundred pounds regarding a fault his bike had developed and wouldn't budge during negotiations for a gesture of goodwill etc, leaving one very unhappy customer. Some dealers just don't see the bigger picture.


The best outcome I have ever had was from a dealer, BMW who stood the cost of a new GSA engine and all labour costs, almost £8k because of flaking paint that you couldn't even see unless you got down on your hands and knees, they did this because of their excellent reputation and that they wanted me to have a positive experience with them. I'd only paid £11k for the bike in the first place so they obviously took a significant hit on that one. But their actions impressed me, so much so, that I eventually bought another bike from them and I continue to use them as do many people I work with simply because you know that if you have a problem, they'll rectify it.


There are good and bad with all brands and if you can find a great dealership, I like to build a solid relationship with them and they'll look after you in the long run, regardless of the manufacturer.

[Redd]

Agree, the test of a dealer/shop/supplier is all about how they deal with the issue in question.

I generally find that I prefer to do my own maintenance where ever possible these days, cheaper and a better job ;)

[flatfour]

Two weeks ago my BMW K1300GT was serviced by the main dealer in Peterborough. The requirement was for an annual service (brake fluid and final drive oil were changed last year) and I asked them to fit new tyres if they were likely to be needed within the next 3000 or so miles.

The appointment was for 10:30 a.m. (to suit me, allowing work and school traffic to clear) and, as usual when I arrived some 15 minutes early, the technician assigned to the job took the bike in immediately to start work. The tyres were not changed as the Service Manager said that they were only half - worn and the service charge was £169.58.

I also asked for the left - hand switch gear to be replaced, as the suspension adjusting switch was sometimes a little sticky, this was done without question under warranty at the same time.

On Wednesday of this week, I was with someone that I work with from time to time who, for 17 years was Service Manager at a Kawasaki main dealer. He looked at my invoice and said that the charge was less than an annual service on a GTR would have cost.

The point that I am trying to make is that the BMW dealer could have fitted tyres (that had been brought in in case they were needed) and I would not have questioned it, they could also perhaps have called me in to inspect the switch that I asked to be changed in case it was rejected as a warranty claim. They did neither, and just worked in my best interest.

In most cases, there is probably little to choose between the charges to maintain most motorcycles whatever the brand and, if you treat the dealer well, they are likely to respond in the same manner.

[Lonewolf]

Colin, I completely concur. Some of you on here may remember Winston, he made the switch from the GTR to a K1600 many years ago, I was keen to follow suit but I was apprehensive due to perceived prohibitive running/service costs of BMW. Like you, I soon discovered that BMW do not seem to do work unless it is actually required, whereas some manufacturers will just do it regardless thereby hiking the service costs up.

[pross]

I agree 100% it depends on your dealer.
I have found out the hard way about my dealer and Kawasaki.
With my out of warranty problem they are now telling me as I had signed for the goodwill offer that's that the case is now closed.
( The Kawasaki dealer at Cradley didn't explain I was signing for acceptance ) I thought I was signing my bill/ invoice they won't budge now as I have signed the offer agreement 🤬🤬🤬
A mixture of the dealer not informing and conning me and Kawasaki customer service agreeing with the dealer 

[Boomer]

... bought a car?