I Have had various bmws M3 M5 currently a 135i msport And always dealt with SYTNERS in sutton coldfield who have been ok.Granted the services are not the cheapest,you have to realise this before committing to buy one and yes a independent garage who specialises sometimes are cheaper but buyers like to see main dealer stamps on resale on top end BMWS.
I found out recently that dealing with another main dealer who also caters for the bmw mini was as the following.
My mini is a john cooper works not the old R53 R56 supercharged the newer R57 Turbo.A replacement engine doesnt bear thinking about costwise.
I have had simple things fail example door locking actuator and chose to repair them myself as at the time i wasnt aware the mini was still under a mini warranty.
Recently i get a whining coming from the front,no play in wheels but i changed both the front wheel bearings and no improvement.Then a few miles and trips later coming down The A5 the vibration through steering wheel extremely violent,time to pull over.Calls me mate who promptly recovers me to the unit.Once again Check Bearings all good.
I jack front end off the floor rev up and go through the gears.bangety clink.
Drop one wheel on the deck,jack the other side locking one side of the lsd spin it up the other side the gearbox on passenger side banging and clanging i suspect problem with diff.
I ring MINIMATT up a independent mini specialist i had a few dealings with who advises the boxes are pretty bulletproof we use them in the race series was his reply drop it down if you get stuck.
I ring my nearest bmw mini main dealer they take the reg and supringly inform me say it is under manufacturers warranty it as the tlc pack and extended warranty until october 2014.PHEW I THINK.
THE FUN BEGINS
After dropping it off at a certain bmw dealers i get a call a few days later from some girl on reception.Mr Turner we think there is a problem with the gearbox we need to remove the gearbox strip it and find the Fault.
I reply is this covered under warranty.The girl replies we are not sure until it is stripped.The cost £99 plus vat initial inspection plus £845 plus vat to remove gearbox inspect and refit.Now that cost does not suprise with bmw but the confusion is if bmw are going to cover it and if once i commited to letting them strip it if they decide it is not covered i am liable for the costs.
THE PLOT THICKENS
That is not to fix it,to simply strip it inspect and refit,so basically the fee over a thousand pound is just to find the fault that they are not sure is covered under warranty or not.
I explain initially using a diplomatic manner this is not acceptable and there explanation is not very transparent.
The reply was Mr Turner i am not sure what you want us to do for you.My reply simple a gearbox is under warranty or it isnt,which one is it so i can move forward without having to pay a £1000 and still have the same problem.Her attitude remains less than impressive so i ask for a service manager.
I will continue story later.
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