BMW used car not using their own workshop

[Veedub]

I went to see that space grey e92 m3 at Sandton Auto. The pics on Autotrader showed that the engine light was on. The sales guy says that it was the throttle actuators. Their own workshop was too expensive, so they sent to car to Tune Tech to replace them.

I always took comfort when buying a used car from the same brand dealer, that they would sort out any mechanical issues onsite and to OEM standards.

Looks like even BMW think that BMW are too expensive and are now outsourcing basic mechanical work.

Not sure how I feel about this.

Anyways, the car was a bust. Clutch was never changed (it's an "07 model so that becomes an expensive exercise), has cheap import tyres at the rear, drivers seat bolster was poorly repaired and bearings need to be done. Someone also already had finance approved on it.

 

[TurboLlew]

I know that they farm out electronics repairs to other places... but the mechanical work is a first for me. How could that possibly have made sense also considering Tune Tech rates are often more than dealer rates? (I suppose maybe they were not confident in their mechanical abilities maybe LOL)

 

[GravityLee]

I know that they farm out electronics repairs to other places... but the mechanical work is a first for me. How could that possibly have made sense also considering Tune Tech rates are often more than dealer rates? (I suppose maybe they were not confident in their mechanical abilities maybe LOL)

TT probably repaired the actuators by replacing the gears, which BMW would not do, they will only replace.

I assume that this will not be an “Approved Used” car.

Crazy that franchised dealers are selling this kind of stock.

 

[Veedub]

The sales guy said that their workshop quoted I think it was R49k and TT charged them R42k. Replaced both actuators. The potential buyer also asked for a quote on bearings and they got quotes from their own workshop, BMW Bedfordview and TT.

 

[GravityLee]

The sales guy said that their workshop quoted I think it was R49k and TT charged them R42k. Replaced both actuators.

I for one definitely believe that.

 

[Thami4u]

The sales guy said that their workshop quoted I think it was R49k and TT charged them R42k. Replaced both actuators. The potential buyer also asked for a quote on bearings and they got quotes from their own workshop, BMW Bedfordview and TT.

I replaced actuator bank2 on mine in 2020 for R18k for the part only. It takes about an hour or less to do the job, R42k is still on the high side unless inflation...

 

[Technician]

I'd probably be happier or have peace of mind if I knew the car was done at TT.

 

[Veedub]

Adding another question here, instead of starting a new post. There is a dealer called Concours in Midrand (by the new Food Lovers Market, across the road from ABM).

They have really nice cars, but their website sucks. What I did notice is that their contact email address is Auto Bavaria Midrand. I also see some of their cars listed on Autotrader under the ABM dealer name.

Anyone know what the deal is here?

 

[TurboLlew]

Adding another question here, instead of starting a new post. There is a dealer called Concours in Midrand (by the new Food Lovers Market, across the road from ABM).

They have really nice cars, but their website sucks. What I did notice is that their contact email address is Auto Bavaria Midrand. I also see some of their cars listed on Autotrader under the ABM dealer name.

Anyone know what the deal is here?

They are the 'independent' section of BMW Midrand - owned by the same people: Similar setup to JSN Exclusive and BMW Bryanston from what I gather.

 

[zabbo]

I went to see that space grey e92 m3 at Sandton Auto. The pics on Autotrader showed that the engine light was on. The sales guy says that it was the throttle actuators. Their own workshop was too expensive, so they sent to car to Tune Tech to replace them.

I always took comfort when buying a used car from the same brand dealer, that they would sort out any mechanical issues onsite and to OEM standards.

Looks like even BMW think that BMW are too expensive and are now outsourcing basic mechanical work.

Not sure how I feel about this.

Anyways, the car was a bust. Clutch was never changed (it's an "07 model so that becomes an expensive exercise), has cheap import tyres at the rear, drivers seat bolster was poorly repaired and bearings need to be done. Someone also already had finance approved on it.

This is not uncommon! A friend of mine (ex BMW Tech) does work for a BMW Dealership and a couple of VW's too. He often gets the more complicated jobs, or those that require true mechanical skill as opposed to just the normal servicing and replacing of items. I guess the dealerships are better served outsourcing the more time consuming and complicated work to indies rather than worrying about it themselves.

 

[Ash777]

My ex mechanic (passed away) specialised in BMW's. He would claim that any work that was complicated or made their heads scratch would go to him from cedar isle bmw. So if your the type that believes the best place for your car is bmw, you possibly get your car worked on at my private mechanic anyway but just pay more.

 

[PsyCLown]

This is not uncommon! A friend of mine (ex BMW Tech) does work for a BMW Dealership and a couple of VW's too. He often gets the more complicated jobs, or those that require true mechanical skill as opposed to just the normal servicing and replacing of items. I guess the dealerships are better served outsourcing the more time consuming and complicated work to indies rather than worrying about it themselves.

Perhaps it makes sense from a business POV.

How often would the BMW workshops get complicated issues? I imagine most of the work is simple and mostly the routine services which will take place under motorplan. Some swapping out of components (like the entire engine and gearbox etc.)
Therefore you could get away with more junior mechanics / less experienced mechanics and get away with paying them peanuts... whilst charging premium prices for labour and parts.

On the odd occasion when you do get something more complicated which your mechanics are not able to do, outsource it and add markup on top of it.
You make money on the complicated job still and save by not having a very senior mechanics / technicians.
Why pay extra for that resource when it is seldom used and doing oil changes.

Of course, I could be wrong as well.