-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Disappointed
- Thread starter worshond
- Start date
ASH
New member
Look I'm not trying to promote another brand on a BMW forum, but I have to say this is also the reason or part of why I went the route of a Volvo for a family vehicle, instead of something like a 3 series. Most BMW workshops are very busy loaded with vehicles, because they sell in huge numerous, if you call a dealership they will offer you service in in a weeks time or more. Over the years, I've noticed service levels which have dropped, and you are treated like another job-card on the wall, most of the time you feel, they want you and your car out as soon as possible, instead of offering you an experience of being in a dealership. Busier workshops also may lead to a drop in quality of repair or fix right first time, due to the pressure to get the vehicles out, mistakes may creep in.
The Volvo dealerships I've dealt with so far, go so much further with the service experience than BMW, and do their utmost to ensure their customers are happy. I can back this up with personal experience as we had an issue in January with the S60 with a coolant pipe which burst after a trip from the coast to JHB, when we arrived home. Managed to get the vehicle to the dealership the same day, thinking we starting the new year, and we already have a car repair bill to sort out, and will have no vehicle for some time. Here's the part which probably will return me to the brand when it is time to trade-in, which we are looking at:-
- we had the vehicle back with us the next day all sorted out
- the repair was carried out at no charge to us even though we are out of warranty and service plan
From my experience with BMW, I was gobsmacked, at what had transpired. We didn't even purchase the vehicle from this dealership. The reasoning for this from the service advisor, why this was fixed at no charge, was because they would rather protect the brand and keep the customer, than have the customer loose faith in the brand and purchase elsewhere, rather than make a quick buck and loose the customer. I fully understand their logic being a low volume seller.
Our family vehicle does the bulk of the mileage and I really can not afford it to be out of action sitting in a workshop or be driven with a niggling issue which can develop into something serious because the dealership can not offer service. I really notice the difference because I can compare the service experience at the two brands. If we do have a problem with the Volvo, I can with confidence say, I will receive service if I call them, without having to deal with any service lead times.
Judging by the opinions I've gathered in terms of teething issues on newer generation BMWs I don't think I'll be in a new generation BMW any time soon, rather look for a Volvo or an older generation BMW which has been taken care off.
The Volvo dealerships I've dealt with so far, go so much further with the service experience than BMW, and do their utmost to ensure their customers are happy. I can back this up with personal experience as we had an issue in January with the S60 with a coolant pipe which burst after a trip from the coast to JHB, when we arrived home. Managed to get the vehicle to the dealership the same day, thinking we starting the new year, and we already have a car repair bill to sort out, and will have no vehicle for some time. Here's the part which probably will return me to the brand when it is time to trade-in, which we are looking at:-
- we had the vehicle back with us the next day all sorted out
- the repair was carried out at no charge to us even though we are out of warranty and service plan
From my experience with BMW, I was gobsmacked, at what had transpired. We didn't even purchase the vehicle from this dealership. The reasoning for this from the service advisor, why this was fixed at no charge, was because they would rather protect the brand and keep the customer, than have the customer loose faith in the brand and purchase elsewhere, rather than make a quick buck and loose the customer. I fully understand their logic being a low volume seller.
Our family vehicle does the bulk of the mileage and I really can not afford it to be out of action sitting in a workshop or be driven with a niggling issue which can develop into something serious because the dealership can not offer service. I really notice the difference because I can compare the service experience at the two brands. If we do have a problem with the Volvo, I can with confidence say, I will receive service if I call them, without having to deal with any service lead times.
Judging by the opinions I've gathered in terms of teething issues on newer generation BMWs I don't think I'll be in a new generation BMW any time soon, rather look for a Volvo or an older generation BMW which has been taken care off.
TBP88
Well-known member
ASH said:
My pops currently on his second Volvo (previously an S40 2.4i, now a v40 T5) he loves them, dealership treats him amazingly well, good service, even with tiny little niggles they'll make every attempt to sort things out.
Can't say X is better than Y, but I do think the Volvo dealers deserve some love.
:withStu:
A couple of years ago my E39 popped its radiator for the second time. I stripped my last bit of moer and bought a Lexus as a daily driver. I have taken it from 120 000 to 200 000 km. It is not a great drive, but my commute is boring any. Traffic, traffic, traffic - no need for a driving machine. The E39 has been fixed but is now a weekend toy of sorts. I have come to like boring in my daily commute. In the time I have had the Lexus nothing broke. Absolutely nothing.
A couple of years ago my E39 popped its radiator for the second time. I stripped my last bit of moer and bought a Lexus as a daily driver. I have taken it from 120 000 to 200 000 km. It is not a great drive, but my commute is boring any. Traffic, traffic, traffic - no need for a driving machine. The E39 has been fixed but is now a weekend toy of sorts. I have come to like boring in my daily commute. In the time I have had the Lexus nothing broke. Absolutely nothing.
I hear you both on Volvo and Lexus. I've owned 2 VWs, 2 Volvos, 2 Audis, 2 BMWs and 1 Toyota. BM service is the best, but the Lexus place I take the Toyota to is also very good. Mechanical reliability wise, Toyota and VW is the best, with BM, Volvo and Audi on par in second place.... Might be time for a Lexus. Is it really that boring??
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
worshond said:
It is not a disaster. Mine accelerates well enough to blow off almost any souped up Citgolf, so it is not totally boring. The sound system is sublime. Cornering is not great but there aren't any corners to carve on my daily commute anyway. Three blocks of streets, straight suburban main road, straight highway, two blocks of streets, into parkade, yawn.
Similar threads
