2 months waiting for BMW service.
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Dr Strangelove
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Mechanics leaving for better-paid employment is what I heard.
Some reduced headcount during Covid and finding it difficult to build up again. Also reluctant to recruit now and build up overhead when newer cars and electrics require significantly less servicing. If you want it done sooner phone them back and tell them (1) you’ll accept a short notice cancellation (if the suits you) or (2) you’ve talked to a couple of other BMW main dealers and one of them can fit you in sooner, but you’d prefer to stay, can they do anything ?
Does it really need to be a main dealer?
In my early years, I thought it did, but as time has moved on, I've realised that it doesn't really matter, and you'll save a lot of money, but getting most of the servicing done by an independent. I'd only go to a main dealer now, when it's particularly specialist work, and my independent guys can't do it (rarely happens).
There are a few well regarded independent garages that specialise in BMWs, across Dublin. A quick search online and you'll find them, along with online reviews etc.
In my early years, I thought it did, but as time has moved on, I've realised that it doesn't really matter, and you'll save a lot of money, but getting most of the servicing done by an independent. I'd only go to a main dealer now, when it's particularly specialist work, and my independent guys can't do it (rarely happens).
There are a few well regarded independent garages that specialise in BMWs, across Dublin. A quick search online and you'll find them, along with online reviews etc.
The car is under warranty plus the parking sensors are not working. Hence can only be done by main dealer.
BMW Athlone also has a 2 month waiting period and told me they would refer their customers to Belfast based on their 2 week waiting list.
BMW Blackrock told me to ring other dealers.Seems crazy customer service.
Okay, the warranty bit I get.
I'd go to Belfast, they'll set you up with a courtesy car if you ask them in advance, so you can head into the shops, or out to do the tourist stuff etc.
That's exactly what I will do.
They can get regular service cancellations, so check back in again a few times, as might be more convienient.
Booked 3 months in advance for my last one. to get the date that suits me.
Despite 5 calls to BMW Blackrock they never returned my call over 5 days.
Covid is long over.
Brendan Burgess
Founder
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It might be Long Covid
That seems rediculous tbh.
You should be able to book in for a service, within 10 days, or thereabouts.
Hospital waiting lists are now being joined by car servicing lists!
Why?
Yep, Intel are hoovering up Mechanics from everywhere in Kildare and West Dublin. Pharma Plants are doing the same. Good money, clean working environment and steady hours with the opportunity to do nixers in the evenings and at weekends.
Had the same problem last year waiting months for a service from a main sealer on the Naas road.
Also there is a call back on the car on a potentially faulty EGR valve. Last December I got an alert to day the valve is leaking however they said it would be at least June before they could replace it.
I got onto Customer Service in BMW Ireland sharing my concerns about driving the car with a leaking ERG valve and there reply was:
“In relation to the concerns you've raised about driving the vehicle.
You can arrange to have your vehicle recovered free of charge, to your local BMW Approved Centre.
This can be done by contacting our roadside assistance team on - 01637 3608.
But due to the current backlog in our approved Centre's, there's no guarantee it will be turned around any sooner”
I love BMW’s however I would not buy one again due to the customer service.
Also there is a call back on the car on a potentially faulty EGR valve. Last December I got an alert to day the valve is leaking however they said it would be at least June before they could replace it.
I got onto Customer Service in BMW Ireland sharing my concerns about driving the car with a leaking ERG valve and there reply was:
“In relation to the concerns you've raised about driving the vehicle.
You can arrange to have your vehicle recovered free of charge, to your local BMW Approved Centre.
This can be done by contacting our roadside assistance team on - 01637 3608.
But due to the current backlog in our approved Centre's, there's no guarantee it will be turned around any sooner”
I love BMW’s however I would not buy one again due to the customer service.
Because that's a reasonable time to be expected to wait, when paying for a service!
losttheplot
Registered User
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Could you get the service done somewhere else, with genuine parts, and leave the warranty repair to the main dealer. Will waiting two months put the service outside the schedule? Would they use that to void the warranty in the future.
The parking sensors not working is the main issue.If not repaired by BMW the warranty will be invalid.
Received the same warning last December. Spoke the same day to the main dealer that services my car and got a similar yarn about months waiting for a date and that providing a courtesy car could delay it further. Responded saying that the car was available for the necessary safety work at any time if given 2 days notice, that I didn't require a courtesy car and that if the necessary safety work was unreasonably delayed beyond two weeks I would be holding them fully responsible for any and all damage including consequential loss. Asked the agent to note this on the file and said that I'd be sending a registered letter later that day confirming this. Had a call back 15 mins later from the Service Manager offering me a date the following week. Work took approx three hours. Squeaky wheel and all that.