DETAILS OF COMPLAINT AGAINST GARAGE OF KRUGERSDORP
The garage has refused to issue me with a report of the repairs purportedly done on my two BMW motor vehicles (a 118i and a 320i).
The details of the complaint are that I had taken in my one vehicle (118i) after a breakdown on 4th July 2013; the motor vehicle was towed to the nearest workshop from where my vehicle had broken down in Krugersdorp. The garage later advised me that the clutch plate had failed and so would be replaced in whole with an original BMW spare part and also that a mounting bracket for the gearbox was broken and that too would need to be replaced. The indicative cost for the spare parts (OEM) was R5000+, with labour came up to R10,790 ( Ten Thousand, Seven Hundred and ninety rands). I was prepared and agreed to pay on condition that original BMW spare part be procured ( proof of purchase from BMW OEM to be availed to me), that the damaged part would be retained for me to see and that a full report to go into my Vehicle service History would be written up by the garage for my record. I paid a down payment of R4,500 on 4th July 2013
After I was informed that my first vehicle(118i) had been repaired, I proceeded on 9th July 2013 to bring in for a check my other BMW vehicle (320i) that had an evident oil leak but mobile. I fetched the first vehicle in exchange left my second vehicle in. For this second vehicle (320i), I was advised that the cylinder head gasket needed replacing and with labour would cost me close to R7,500. I was also informed that the power steering pump was also leaking but for this I contested and advised they left it alone and concentrated on the engine oil leak. I negotiated for a discount seeing that it was the second car I was taking into the workshop. We finally settled on R5,500. For this also, we agreed that a full report on repairs done would be provided together with proof of use of OEM BMW parts as well as providing me with the damaged parts that would be taken off the vehicle.
At pick up on my vehicle ( 320i) on 11th July 2013, I paid the remaining balance of R11 790 to bring a total of R16, 290 ( sixteen thousand, two hundred and ninety rands) in full payment of the purported repairs and for this all I requested was a written report and proof of use of original BMW spare parts. I also wanted to see what had been taken out. Again the workshop owner gave an excuse about someone that needed to do this work not been in at the time. This became the story every time I made my requested.
As evidenced from the emails I sent out to the garage owner (emails that remained un-responded to but indicated as read), I also constantly reminded the garage owner whenever I passed through the workshop to provide what I was fairly requesting.
I did not hesitate to make payment knowing in good faith that the garage would meet my demands in time. My constant requests fell on death ears as I had already made payment. I expected the garage to be honourable and deliver to me what I had long been asking of them. After all, as a paying customer, I was entitled to what I was requesting of them (or am I not? This is where I need legal guidance).
I did not quite think that being issued with a report of work done would be such an issue warranting this further action on my part (referred matter to MIOSA but MIOSA came back saying that garage was not affiliated to them, also referred matter to Consumer protection commission and is still awaiting feedback).
As I write right now, both vehicles are not even behaving well ( with one where the clutch was purportedly replaced, the clutch is over-heating and with the other one with oil leak, oil is leaking again and the power steering pump has a humming noise it never had before).
All I need is someone to guide me on my legal rights and advice whether my request to the garage is in order and substantiated. My request is simply for the garage to:
1. avail me all spares purportedly taken out of my vehicles
2. show me proof of use of original BMW spares
3. give me a report on repairs done
Any advice will be highly appreciated.
I am available for further engagement on the matter. My email address is:
[email protected] :bangdesk:
