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Before I bought my new car, I brought my 2014 model in for service. As usual I asked for a loaner car. I was told I was not eligible. What do you mean not eligible? We only provide loaners for model year 2019 and newer I was told. Since when? I was incensed.
When I brought my car in and waited for three hours, my frustration grew. I have been a customer for many years and spent many thousands of dollars at the dealership.
I looked for the manager who then explained that was the new policy, but there could exceptions- presumably for customers like me.
Later while still waiting, I saw several people at a table in the general managers office and stuck my head in. Could you just explain your new policy on loaners I calmly asked.
It turns out many customers were bringing older cars in for repair or service and taking a loaner, often over a weekend and then when they received the estimate for the work, declined to have it done thus getting free use of a new Mercedes for the weekend. Rather unscrupulous to my way of thinking but frequent enough for the dealer to change policy and upset long-term customers.
No doubt these are the same people who misplace shopping carts. 😎
I have so many bad experiences with BMW dealerships, that I would not go there again.
1/ Got a brand-new BMW, the tires pressure keeps dropping I have to refill every two weeks, dealership said that is normal (?) and refuse to do anything (for a 75K car 10 years ago). The problem finally went away when i put on 4 new tires at Costco.
2/ I lost one of my key, the service advisor said the key would cost $550 plus $200 for programming. While waiting for an oil change, I stop at the part department, gave them the VIN, they order the replacement, no $200 programming.
3/ They said my oil is leak during the oil change, cost $3000 plus to fix, that was 2 years ago, the car still running no issue.
4/ I purchased 6 years/100K maintenance and extended warranty, about 1 month left on the policy, I took the car to the dealer for oil change and final check before the policy is expired, the dealer refused to do it because since the last oil change, it is only 8K miles instead of 10K.
5/ Will never by another BMW, by the way, I did not have any issue with Infinity dealer. So, I guess it is depended on the location.
6/ In general, it is hard to defend the tactic of car salesman with so many people with so many bad experiences.
That’s worrying. I am thinking of buying a new car, but reading Consumer Reports the only one that generated any interest was a BMW sports car. More research needed…
I doubt all BMW dealers are like that.
I have had my car to different dealers in different states and never had an issue. In Florida I had it serviced and the dealer arranged and paid for an Uber to and from my hotel.
Deleted for personal reasons.