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rr_ww 
Really Senior Member II 
Joined: 04-May-2003 Location: Location Location Status: Offline Points: 971 |
 Topic: You want a job done right..Posted: 15-September-2004 at 16:32 |
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DO IT YOURSELF!
I swear I cannot find car "engineers" who are any good! First of all my alarm fitter. On the 3rd visit to sort out the false alarming, decided its too much hasle to put the illumination bulbs for the headlight height adjuster knob back in place, so just leaves them floating around on the dashboard closure panel. Managed to turn my tape holder round 180 degrees? Leave the rear console loose because theyve stripped the 10mm plastic nut under the ashtray! Oh and they broke the corner off the rear ashtray! Genius! Plus when Ive looked at the alarm and its installation theres some SERIOUS errors made which I will have to correct. Not wasting anymore time with these fools! Didnt bother phoning and complaining as Im sure Id just get the "Prove it" rubbish  A week later I had a "courtesy call" from the owner of the shop making sure all was well. I just lied and told him it was 100% Why bother getting into a slagging match. Its not going to achieve anything anymore!
Then my Park brake scenario. I'd had a look myself at the various parts and decided that I didnt have the neccessary tools or time to do the job easily. So booked it in to "a well known specialist of BMWs" a company that to date Id heard nothing negative about! Well they put mole grips on the threads of the handbrake cable! (out of shot to the left in the pic below) Couldnt manage to adjust the cables so it pulls evenly on both rear wheels. "It just needs to bed in a bit give it 100 miles of use" er its a park brake not the actual brake shoes! And when I continued my checks on their "workmanship" found they appear to have crimped the rear part of the cable so badly its fraying internally now. 
Of course when you phone them and ask them. You get the "we had no option but to put mole grips on the threads" (Never heard of a technique called double nutting?) and as for the blatently crimped cable? "That wasnt us" Oh and BTW "specialist" why did you feel the need to put 10K on my car when you were only replacing the park brake shoes? Oh and why did it end up costing £40 more than the price I was quoted on the phone when I booked? And to think I was contemplating having future work carried out there! 
I wont name and shame the companies concerned on here. For the sake of the club and the forum rules. Its just a take of the proverbial! I know its not a new car, but it was bloomin expensive and I am having it wrecked by these idiots who have no idea on their job! What annoys me is that to bodge it probably takes longer than doing it properly. A very angry Rich! Edited by rr_ww |
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Rich.
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Rags
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 02-March-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 943 |
Posted: 15-September-2004 at 18:01 |
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Sometimes DIY, or using someone you know is the best bet.
But when that goes pear shaped, there is nothing you can do.
See you on sunday mate. |
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BMG M3
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 26-April-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1594 |
Posted: 15-September-2004 at 18:15 |
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The club has rules on saying who gave you crap service ? I thought that half point of such forums was that the good guys get named, and thus used by members and build a good rep . While bad guys get a bad rep and don't get used .
There, and I didn't even mention ' timing chain ' once ...DOH ! 
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Rags
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 02-March-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 943 |
Posted: 15-September-2004 at 18:21 |
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Actually, you are right Brian. Why can't we name and shame. I was giving a good account of the service and obvious knowledge of Phil Crouch of Birds. The same should be said of the bad service you might get. As long as the facts are stated, and no abusive language is used, what is wrong. Too many big name outfits are getting away with shocking service.
An example, kwik fit. They still make millions but I would rather let an untrained monkey and Stevie wonder change my tyres than these 'people'. Rags |
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Italian M3
Really Senior Member I 
Joined: 29-April-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 333 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 09:22 |
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I hope you are not going to let them get away with putting 10K on your
car. To be honest it is not just BMW or certain specialists, the whole industry is going down the pan, I use my mechanic down in Vauxhall under the arches for everything except major engine work, he is an old boy and has worked on pretty much any car out there. I remember when my step father had his 996 carrera 4 in to change the rear bumber after somebody had reversed their tow hook into the car. Everything was fine but when the car was delivered back to the house the driver reversed it into the drive and backed into my mothers car causing paint cracks in the NEW bumper and then proceded to hand my step father a petrol receipt for £30 of petrol that was put in in north london somewhere! The funny thing is we live in south london and the garage is in south west london!! There is no level of pride anymore. |
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Still fast at 2Ltrs!! Undercover M3!!
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ultegra
Really Senior Member I
I Hate Sunday Lunch Joined: 18-November-2003 Location: Itinerant Pikey Status: Offline Points: 319 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 10:32 |
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<test commences> timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain timing chain <still here
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Chris Enright
M Coupe Silver ex M Coupe Black ex 318is Silver 318is White ex M3 GT ex 318is Red ex 318is Blue 316i shell - watch this space... 
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UweM3
Moderator Group
Joined: 11-February-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 5445 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 11:14 |
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I know what you mean.
Before my engine rebuild I was worried about my lack of experience with S14 engines and decided to give it to the pro's. Result: Month and Month of aggro, a second rebuild with new block and still no settlement of finances. That is going on now for more than 12 month from the first deadline of the finished work. For the money spent I could almost have bought a brand new Sport EVO engine  and a whole season of track days has gone past with me unattended (no money left!) Never ever I let anybody do an expensive job for me. And if I can't find a proper bodyshop one day, I'd rather paint it with a brush.
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E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg.....
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m3Cecotto
Bavarian-Board Forum Sponsor 
Joined: 29-September-2003 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 791 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 11:48 |
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A perfect example of "sticking to the facts" and "no abusive language"? You really should think carefully before posting anything other than plain simple fact in a public forum. If I worked for kwik fit and I saw your post, I might object to being unfavourably compared to an untrained monkey with poor eyesight. I might also object to my membership of the human race being questioned. That's all very well and, without wanting to make a generalisation myself, the likelihood of your average kwik-fit fitter going to see his local, friendly defamation lawyer quicker than.........well, quicker than a kwik-fit fitter, is unlikely. However, if I OWNED Kwik-Fit and depended on it to produce my livelihood and that of hundreds of my employees, I might be tempted into a trip to see Mr. Carter-Ruck's partners and see if we can find out what your house is worth. If I was one of Mr. Carter-Ruck's partners, I might take the view that what is posted here is posted in the name of the BMW Car Club GB and as the club is approved by BMW GB, then BMW GB might be responsible for what you say, and again, without wanting to presume, as I don't know you, I'd imagine that Mr. Carter-Ruck's partners would rather be suing BMW than you - despite what your house may be worth. I agree with the principle that you espoused - stick to verifiable facts and nothing insulting or objectionable and we should name and shame. It's just that you broke your own rules within seconds. :-) |
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215DMX
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 14-May-2003 Location: Croydon Status: Offline Points: 1780 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 12:41 |
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could be of some use
http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmw.html |
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M3Pilot
Really Senior Member I
Joined: 31-October-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 340 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 13:49 |
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I know what you guys mean. I have yet to find anyone that I am 100% happy with.
I did find a great body shop guy, and anyone who saw my last car knows how good his work is. The only down side was that he's bloody expensive. But it's somethings worth doing........... |
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s14man
Senior Member I 
Joined: 08-June-2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 104 |
Posted: 16-September-2004 at 15:50 |
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On the point of monkeys, there's a saying I heard from my local mechanic (not the monkey type), pay peanuts get Monkeys. Also, we must not forget comparing people to a monkeys in some cases can be an insult to the person, but it can also can be an insult to the monkey. How many monkeys do you know of that, charge you for work that they haven't done, walked around your car hissing like a snake saying "it will cost you a bit" when they very well know it will take them 5 mins to put the problem right. But on a serious point, besides friends who can't stitch me up as they're my "friends" I have never ever come a cross a mechanic that I can recommend to any one else, it seems we are living in a world that most people are trying to stitch you up. There seems to be no honesty, no trust, and no respect out there. |
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mozzie
Newbie 
Joined: 18-April-2004 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 11 |
Posted: 17-September-2004 at 07:42 |
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Can't comment much on the BMW scene as I am still looking for an E36 M3 (always owned Golf GTIs), but I used to go to BRMotorsport in Warwick - and I lived in London! The service was excellent - they would let you watch them while they worked, would only charge you for work that really needed doing, used to take you for a test drive in the car afterwards (a real experience!!) - fantastic service -- this may sound sick, but I actually used to quite look forward to getting the car serviced. I had one of the mechanics work on a fuel pump problem until 9pm on a Friday night - real gent and so keen to get it right FIRST time. They were audi/VW specialists, but sounds like what's needed is the equivalent for BMW.
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lancelotII
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 24-November-2002 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 853 |
Posted: 17-September-2004 at 09:36 |
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Ok. (Devil's advocate mode on.)
If the service was guaranteed to be as you required, top notch, on time, fixed first time etc etc. Would you be prepared to pay, say twice the normal rate i.e £60 p/hour........... |
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B 7 VP
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 04-November-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1115 |
Posted: 17-September-2004 at 10:23 |
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rr-ww , Sorry to hear of your bad experience,s with Auto service people.Disagree with you , on your acceptance of Bad workmanship and services.Thats WHY, WE get the service that these people think we will accept.The opportunity to tell the followup phone call Rep a few truths after your Alarm work was bodged, and you lied ,is perhaps the reason for the lack of service,and the doing you a favour attitude we are given. If you are not satisfied with the work, have complained and faults are not corrected--you will be finding someone else to do the work.With the second service peoples Invoice, you go to the small claims court and pay small sum, and lodge claim against first people + expences.All this takes a small amount of time, BUT-- if drivers cannot be bothered, they can look forward to the same problems again , and the bad service people will think they are the Untouchables-they aint!! Approved BMW Dealers are in a differant world , thankgoodness.IF we are unhappy with any part of the service,s--We have BMW GB Customer Relations.Contact them after you have discussed your problems with the Senior manager / Dealer Principal , IF you have not received a solution/offer to your prob.Your complaint Will be dealt with, and contact made with Dealer concerned.All this is why we pay the high costs we do, and Future Sales PR is inbred in C/R dept.The club is supported by GB, in many ways, not as financial as in the past.To post up a Cr-p account of a bad service at the dealers, without the other side,s version , is unfair.Always two sides to the subject, and one drivers bad report often brings other --I can reccomend ^^^^^ dealers.We are getting a list of Good service providers ready,inc Dealers and Independant people-Personal reccomendation only. WE get the services that we are prepared to accept.
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SAFETYFAST
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rr_ww
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 04-May-2003 Location: Location Location Status: Offline Points: 971 |
Posted: 17-September-2004 at 13:15 |
I know what you mean, Im not optimistic enough to think I will end up evens though! re : the mileage its a case of "prove it" I didnt take photos of any of the mileage (or any of the other things) before the work was carried out partly my fault because when a company has a good reputatation you kinda think (hope) its irrelevent. The 10K is interesting because as I sat at the lights quite close to the garage. It was 123495. I remembered it because it was consectutive numbers 1 2 3 4. Car as it came back 123505! I get the impression some of you think its Munichs. (timing chain remarks above) Id like to say its 100% NOT ML. Maybe I should have just gone there in the first place. Again not heard much wrong with them, but with my luck I'd be the first... |
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Rich.
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Tubbs
Groupie
Joined: 19-March-2003 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 78 |
Posted: 17-September-2004 at 14:05 |
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I've really got to agree with B 7 VP. I've used my local BMW dealer for the past 2 years and they've always given me excellent service. What's perhaps more surprising is they haven't been significantly more expensive than independent specialists. Some examples are a £90 oil service & £220 front discs and pads on an e30 M3, £280 rear disks + pads + handbrake shoes on an e34 M5.
I know the argument is that they hardly ever see the older M powers so don't know what they are doing. However, it's always the senior techs that work on my cars whenever there's a problem that needs diagnosing. For the standard servicing I've no doubt the junior service bods are let loose on them, but as long as they don't break anything I'm happy with that (at least they get to learn something about proper cars  ).
An interesting side effect of BMW techs no longer being "specialist" is they are open to suggestions from owners. An example being the odd fault I had recently with my cruise control, I spoke to the service advisor whilst he was chatting with the tech and hey presto! Fault cured. Not too sure how open he would have been to my suggestions if he worked with them every day? Edited by Tubbs |
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Ex M Power owner :(
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Rags wrote: