Workshop Bill Opinion

[SMRTARSX1]

Can I have the opinion of the Public please?

My BMW broke down, suspected it was the timing chain that snapped and I sent it to a workshop in Town. Proper RMI approved, reputable workshop to diagnose. It swung, happily, but refuses to start.

They have had the vehicle for 4.5 weeks.

They established only a week ago that the chain was still there after I screamed at them to remove the tappet cover and physically look. They have not bothered to check the error codes. They broke my cylinder 1 glow plug, now they cant remove it as its stuck. They did a compression test (not sure how if Glow Plug 1 didnt come out) and state it has perfect compression.

They have called to say the vehicle is still only swinging, they dont know whats wrong, I must take it somewhere else. Now! I dropped it off in better condition I am getting it back in - The only NEW information I have is that it's timing chain didn't snap.

They have presented a bill of R5400.00 for this.

So, because I am cheeky, I called BMW up and said quote me for removal refitting of the tappet cover, a compression test and whatever parts and consumables are required.

They presented a quote of R5651.56

Now I dont want to be stingy, but I cannot help but feel that given I have not had the car for 4.5 weeks, and BMW is only R251.56 more expensive (and I know they would have done it 100% whereas I dont trust anything after my experiences with the current workshop) that I am being hard done.

So, public opinion, if this was you and your car and your bill - What would you do? Pay it? Tell them to reduce it by 50%, query why the glow plug which is now broken and wasnt before and is now your problem? Tell them to get lost given they have not actually solved anything?

Tell me please.

Mike

 

[ChefDJ]

I would basically tell them to re-invoice for a strip and quote, which should be no more than a couple grand, if that. And seeing as it wouldn't be a full quote because they dunno what's wrong, basically only pay for the strip part.

 

[MikeR]

:dunnoanymore: why are you paying for them braking a part, any damage they do should be at their expense to repair. Your car went in for a diagnostic to start with. take them to the ombudsman

 

[naren512]

are they accepting responsibility for the broken glow plug? if they are, get an estimate to remove and replace it and they need to deduct it off the costs that they have quoted you.

 

[FerdiBotha]

Get their labour rate per hour and then multiply that by the amount of hours quoted by BMW to do the job.

Most workshops are around R450-600/hour whereas BMW will probably be around R1000.

Then also deduct the removal and refitting of a glow plug (possibly by getting a quote from BMW) as well as the price of the glow plug itself.

Unfortunately you are responsible for the bill as they have assisted somewhat, although it did take them long to do so.

I do believe the bill you have received is ludicrous, though.

 

[SMRTARSX1]

Pretty much in line with what I am thinking - I wouldnt refuse to pay it outright but there must be some liability to me and them (especially with the broken glowplug).

 

[TBP88]

Just a word of warning about going the ombudsman route - be prepared to wait months (and by months I mean like a year) for resolution of the issue.

 

[Danny2]

i dont get how they can give you a bill when they created more problems and have not resolved the original issue.

 

[Nikhil]

Current bill less glow plug replacement cost

 

[Danny2]

Just a word of warning about going the ombudsman route - be prepared to wait months (and by months I mean like a year) for resolution of the issue.

They also will tell you that you can only contact them once a month for a update :biglol:

Happened to a mate of mine and after about 8 months nothing happened. Took his car and repaired it at his own cost. Its been another 6 months since then and he hasnt gotten anywhere with it