Did you buy the car here?

Shaneyfelt · Sep 22, 2003

I have gone in two times since I purchased the 330xi last December (2002). I just scheduled my 15,000. For the third time, and after the first question from the rep - "Did you buy your car here"? What is up with that? In 25+ years of owning a car/truck/suv (no van here), I have never ever been asked that question by a dealer or repair shop, let alone three for three - its like they can't wait. What is up? Anyone else get that at a BMW dealer repair? Am I missing something? Is that their hint to go else where? It is easy for me to go there, but if they are not interesting in serving, I certainly want to go somewhere else.

Any thoughts? [confused]

PuShAkOv · Sep 22, 2003

It should never matter. All warrenty charges are straight from the BMW Co. and all paid service charges should be equal to all. Its not like they do something special for people who buy them. If you are in the process of buying a BMW and they are looking for your business... thats another story.

csejl · Sep 22, 2003

that's not right... i bought mine in idaho. i live in utah. there is only one bmw dealer in utah. i went to the service department and jokingly asked 'em if they are gonna hate me b/c i bought my car somewhere else. they laughed and said they don't care. they added that salesmen might but they (service people) really don't give a damn. i'd think they'd treat you right b/c bmw of america calls you to survey you. hmm...

codex57 · Sep 23, 2003

Lots of dealers won't give you a loaner unless you bought the car from them. BMW customer service really sucks.

mallards · Sep 23, 2003

maybe they were just trying to get some background info on you? =/ i know i was asked that at the many chevrolet dealerships i went to ... cause if you did your information was in the computer (this was also 4 years ago before they had everything wired together)

not sure ... i wouldnt worry too much about it ...

now if they wont give you a loaner car or something bogus like that ... then it would be time to take some names =)

Ben

///M SPEED · Sep 23, 2003

mallards said:

I agree that a lot of time they (car dealerships) just want to know if you already in their computer from prior service maintenance. This is the case so they don't have to fill everything in again and to see if the car has some kind of history there. That said I also feel BMW's customer service sucks. I have found some of the service people to cool, but after you buy a BMW their sales force is some of the rudest people and doesn’t want anything else to do with you. This has been my case with three different local dealers. BMWNA needs to address this issue. I have seen many many threads/post with the same statements I am making now.

Shaneyfelt · Sep 25, 2003

I got my answer when I picked the car up. "BMW Loaner Car Information" - Loaner cars are available under the condictions listed below. One of the conditions - "The vehicle to be serviced was purchased at John Markel BMW, Inc."

Conclusion - The rest of you dead beat BMW drivers who purchased your car from who knows where, pound sand!

So, one must now weight the cost of a loaner with their offer. I did not know that, but I do know now. They were $1,300 high. The other factor I now must weight - the moment I am out of the 50,000 mile warranty, they are directly competing with the other repair shops who also provide no loaner. Oh sure the big BMW sign is cool, but at what cost. Oh sure the claim that they use "the perfect part" is cool, but at what cost. I am a long way away from that, but it without a doubt will be a large consideration.

Very interesting marketing placement. For me going in at the intervals are not worth the extra $1,300+tax.

Anyway that is the reason for their question each time.

PuShAkOv · Sep 25, 2003

I think BMW dealership pays for the loaners... it is part of "service" and the warrenty, so it would only make sense that they will cover the charge ONLY if you did business with them... am I wrong?

bmwrocks · Sep 29, 2003

You are 100% correct Pushakov. The loaner service is from the dealership, not BMW. I guess it would suck if you bought your BMW out of town because you got a better deal, then took it in for service at your local BMW center, expecting to get treated like any other customer at that dealership. Remember you are not the same as the guy who bought his vehicle at the local dealership and rightfully so.

I can see it from their perspective, just another reason to weigh in buying locally even if the price is slightly higher just to get the premium service.

Shaneyfelt · Sep 29, 2003

I concur with you. I have thought about it more and without a doubt when the free built in maint is over I see no reason to do business with them unless they are equal to or close to another service center (Independent or otherwise). No one else will be providing a loaner either after the 50,000 period is over. Thus, they are on the same plane as the others. Sure the huffing and puffing of BMW qualified and BMW only parts, etc are snorted, but at what price. Two years is along way away for me and things change, but I see it unlikely to choose the much more expensive option when the only difference is a claim and status.

$1,300+sales tax difference was to much to get the premium in my case, but the more shocking thing is nothing was mentioned.

Oh well, calmer days ahead. Now to the fun...

[driving]

Did you buy the car here?

Shaneyfelt

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PuShAkOv

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csejl

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codex57

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mallards

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///M SPEED

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Shaneyfelt

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PuShAkOv

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Shaneyfelt

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