BMW Dealer service/warranty work opinions..

mannin32 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 08:16 PM

Well I am selling my A4 and I am planning on getting a newer car 01-02 so it is still under warranty, right now I am looking at...
E46 325Ci (01-02)
B6 A4 1.8t (2002)
B5 S4 2.7t (2001)
B5 A4 1.8t (2001)

Very undecided right now since I love quattro but still rear wheel drive is so much better.

Anyway I have some questions about how dealers are with warranties since on Audiworld there are horor stories like the one below all the time and I never seem to hear them here just wanted to know if BMW dealers are a$$es like Audi dealers.

"My dealer tows my car to their place b/c the check engin light is flashing. I checked the plugs and swapped the coils -- no dice. So the Dealer says "it was the ignition control unit". Tune-up part, I think not, but again "the warranty is kinda grey in this area." Classic. So now they want me to pay $150 for module (is this used?), and an hours labor! I told them to bill my auto club for the tow ($150). THen they have the nuts to ask if they can change the timing belt for only $500 (and no this doesn't include water pump, T-stat, etc...)." -- Taken from AudiWorld

sfzBimmer · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 08:23 PM

BMW dealers vary in regard to service. I've heard of some dealers that don't care what mods you have, as long as they're not affecting the part in question. On the other hand, there are some dealers that will refuse warranty work on the basis of things like strut bars (wtf?!) Ask DTM members in your area which dealers are the best.

mannin32 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 08:40 PM

I am not even talking about how they handle cars with mods, I am only going to mod a little, wheels, susp, intake, exhaust, small mods I am just curious to see how BMW dealers treat warranty service?

Larry · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2003, 10:49 PM

If you change something from OEM to something aftermarket it voids that portion of your warranty. Like springs that would void your springs.... because if something were to go wrong you would want those aftermarket parts back right, so why would the dealership be responisble for something on the car that was not there when you bought it.. The dealer won't cover wear and tear items (usually) unless there was a recall or in some cases the dealership will pick up the tab. rare but its been known to happen. If you really want to know what is covered FOR SURE read your contract its in there.