msm
Well-known member
So, I was lucky enough to be one of the first 5 clients to respond to the ZF special and took my car in today and thought I'd give some feedback.
Here's what I expected and what I got
Drove the car in just after 10 and drove out after 1PM. Basically got what I asked for on the special - oil change on the gearbox. Apparently the 8 speed oil change in the X6 gearbox does take a bit longer than the 6 speed. Drove another 40-50KM or so after that and the shifts felt quick and just as smooth - I'd be lying if I said better or worse, as it was really difficult to say. For the record, my car has around 116K on the clock and I've driven many newer BMW's as well - I'd say the shift feels like new (before and after this oil service). For me, this was a tick box for preventative maintenance.
Here's what I did not expect...
Hardus worked on my car - he read the adaptation values and explained almost each line to me. Luckily everything was well within tolerance and he said the box looks perfectly fine (which is probably why I could not notice any difference). He also read and cleared the codes - nothing major. Again though, he went through all of it with me and explained the common items that usually pop up and what I should watch out for. Most of the codes had nothing to do with the gearbox, but he still went through the list.
He then did the oil sample - and explained to me what he was looking for. Basically, my gearbox was in good nick and not too far gone for an oil change.
Hardus then proceeded to do the change, with a bit of waiting in between for stuff to cool, drain, etc. Had some time to chat to him as well, and he came across as both knowledgeable and professional. He also pointed out that the transfer case oil can be changed at the same time, if I want, as most of the panels to get to the gearbox also exposes the transfer case. I then requested that he do the oil change for this as well. I'm glad I did as well, as the oil that came out from the transfer case looked like it had seen better days.
Here's why I'm writing this long story
I expected professionalism from ZF - their gearboxes are in most premium brands for a reason and the size of their facility looks rather large and intimidating when I first drove in. However, I did not expect to be treated like their only client, which is the way both Nico and Hardus made me feel whilst I was there.
There's lots of small or 1 man places as well as larger companies that advertise on forums. As an example, and with no disrespect, I expect to have a conversation with the "1 man shop" on the details of the work they do - I would think that maintaining a good client relationship is key. However, on the other end, I won't expect a larger company to have someone run through a line by diagnosis or show me an oil sample with a long explanation along with it. So I expected professionalism and got it. I did not expect an awesome client centric experience.
Well done Nico and Hardus on the great work and the great attitude you have with your clients. It was truly a pleasure dealing with you today.
:ty: :ty: :ty:
Here's what I expected and what I got
Drove the car in just after 10 and drove out after 1PM. Basically got what I asked for on the special - oil change on the gearbox. Apparently the 8 speed oil change in the X6 gearbox does take a bit longer than the 6 speed. Drove another 40-50KM or so after that and the shifts felt quick and just as smooth - I'd be lying if I said better or worse, as it was really difficult to say. For the record, my car has around 116K on the clock and I've driven many newer BMW's as well - I'd say the shift feels like new (before and after this oil service). For me, this was a tick box for preventative maintenance.
Here's what I did not expect...
Hardus worked on my car - he read the adaptation values and explained almost each line to me. Luckily everything was well within tolerance and he said the box looks perfectly fine (which is probably why I could not notice any difference). He also read and cleared the codes - nothing major. Again though, he went through all of it with me and explained the common items that usually pop up and what I should watch out for. Most of the codes had nothing to do with the gearbox, but he still went through the list.
He then did the oil sample - and explained to me what he was looking for. Basically, my gearbox was in good nick and not too far gone for an oil change.
Hardus then proceeded to do the change, with a bit of waiting in between for stuff to cool, drain, etc. Had some time to chat to him as well, and he came across as both knowledgeable and professional. He also pointed out that the transfer case oil can be changed at the same time, if I want, as most of the panels to get to the gearbox also exposes the transfer case. I then requested that he do the oil change for this as well. I'm glad I did as well, as the oil that came out from the transfer case looked like it had seen better days.
Here's why I'm writing this long story
I expected professionalism from ZF - their gearboxes are in most premium brands for a reason and the size of their facility looks rather large and intimidating when I first drove in. However, I did not expect to be treated like their only client, which is the way both Nico and Hardus made me feel whilst I was there.
There's lots of small or 1 man places as well as larger companies that advertise on forums. As an example, and with no disrespect, I expect to have a conversation with the "1 man shop" on the details of the work they do - I would think that maintaining a good client relationship is key. However, on the other end, I won't expect a larger company to have someone run through a line by diagnosis or show me an oil sample with a long explanation along with it. So I expected professionalism and got it. I did not expect an awesome client centric experience.
Well done Nico and Hardus on the great work and the great attitude you have with your clients. It was truly a pleasure dealing with you today.
:ty: :ty: :ty:
