Bad main stealer - WATCH OUT

Jack735 wrote: I am a bit sorry to learn that because the site is sponsored by BMW GB it is felt that the members of the forum cannot truthfully criticise shoddy workmanship by BMW, where it exists, or in fact other suppliers of services. I would be surprised if BMW would like to be seen in such a way. It is widely recognised that it is those companies who listen and learn from mistakes that keep customers happy and profits up. BMW couldn’t produce such fantastic cars. Absolutely agree that anyone criticised anywhere, including here, should have the right to reply. Perhaps complaints should be somehow be addressed to a group (not necessarily moderators because I can appreciate how busy you guys are!) who would then, not vetting the complaint, copy it to the dealership and BMW GB for a response within say 3 weeks. After that time, unless resolved to each parties satisfaction, both complaint and response(s) would be posted. [Register of interest(?)

Here, here! I pretty much agree with everyones opinions on here so far. Am I to gather from general views that this club is run to 'enhance' the 'correct' views that we are supposed to hear or to let the 'public' air their 'honest' views and opinions. I might have to ponder that one before renewing my membership.

I'm all for a right to reply and would welcome any channel for this to take place. I agree that int's unfair to accuse and not be given a fair trial, but as I'm not allowed to name, the dealer responsible cannot reply? where do we go from here. Thanks for the number for BMW GB. It will go there for further investigation for sure. In the mean time, my friend is trying to sell his 'Friday afternoon car' but everytime he goes to advertise, something goes wrong with it! Ever heard of a haunted car??

Regards

Mike

P.S. I'll try and give you guys a progress report when action is taken.

jack735 wrote :-  I would say a bad customer is one who complains unreasonably.

Hi Jack this isnt a dig or anything just merely another point of view, as you know that these cars when new cost more then what some people earn in a year, and if you buy one and are plagued by endless faults then i dont think any complaint or any amout of complaining makes you a bad customer in the slightest, if i spent that sort of money on a car then i would expect it to be perfect, not a lemon.

Isn't a club supposed to work for its members, not its sponsors? Surely BMW UK doesn't own all the dealers- they are all independently owned. If there is poor service the dealer should be named here. Otherwise whats the point in any business offering good service if they do not get increased custom from this? The club needs to grow a backbone and stand up for itself.

I know the club may need the sponsorship but insisting that threads like this be edited has cost them my membership fee for next year.

Dave.

*** UPDATE ***

The dealer principal has recieved a letter of complaint for the ongoing saga. He is out of the office at the moment but will contact my friend in due course. BMW GB has also recieved a copy of the letter. Lets hope BMW can polish their tarnished reputation with this guy and spring into action. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for all your comments, it's always good to know that you in a majority when it comes down to issues suchas this one. It's made interesting reading!

Cheers chaps

Mike

540 V8 - hope it gets worked out

Peter - spot on about the bad customer.

Someone mentioned that a club should work for it's members, not it's sponsors.  That is spot on.

If the club is sponsored by BMW, and the forum is the main outlet for members views, then surely someone in BMW keeps an eye out for threads like this so that they can respond.  Or, seeing as the majority of us drive cars over 4 years old which the dealers wouldn't sell from their forecourts, are we not important enough to them, despite a lot of people here using them for parts and servicing?

I'm lucky - I find that my local dealer is very good, and I've been treated very well on my rare visits to them.  But I have had bad service from garages in the past (as I did when I bought my e39), and it is very frustrating.  The guy I was dealing with there used the line that the car I was buying was €60,000 when new, but I was getting it for €12,000 (it was a 7 year old car with 69k at that stage!), so I shouldn't complain!!!

kbannon wrote: ... the forum is public ...

Quote "The views expressed here are those of individuals and are not necessarily the views of the BMW Car Club, BMW (GB) Ltd. or BMW (AG)." Unquote

Enough said?