BMW Dealer AGMC - is this normal, wtf?
Discussion
Righto chaps.
Bought another car. Driving the GT3 and Diamondlease rental Lancers everywhere was getting a bit annoying. Either scraping the hell out of the GT3 splitter everywhere, or whincing letting valet parkers slip the clutch, or pulling up at a fine hotel/restaurant in a crapbox, or paying to keep a rental when on hols, all a bit annoying really. Don't get me wrong, great to have the flexibility of the rental for cheap, and it's not exactly a massive problem not wowing the crowds at Grosvenor House/Atlantis when pulling up - and renting is the best thing to do when you first arrive, but I've been here over 1.5yrs now. And, I like cars, so it started to grind after a while driving a "mundane" around. It's just not me.
Soooo, came across an X5 4.8is, 2005, 123k, full BMW AGMC dealer history (rare for the age), pretty good nick for a 7 year old car in Dubai, most are completely trashed. Le mans blue, cream leather, all the extras, panoramic roof especially nice. Needed a few cosmetic bits and pieces and an interior clean. Picked it up at the market rate, wouldn't say it was cheap. Very nice harry.
Had a problem with the drivers door handle carrier, common problem apparantly, and when they let go it means you cant open the drivers door from the outside. Took it to Munich Motor works to get fixed (BMW specialist in Al Quoz), about 500 notes and job done. One of the rear seatbelt buckle holders also wasn't holding the belt properly, so ordered a new one from BMW, cost about AED 400 but not worth messing around with safety. Installed it, all done.
Forward to last weekend, and it comes up as needing an inspection service. Ok, fine. The car has a full AGMC BMW service history. So, I thought to keep the history going and maintain the file, I'll get the major service done at BMW. I got a quote from MMW, About AED 2k. Thought it's worth paying a bit extra to get it done at BMW. The receptionist gave a figure of AED 2.8k, thought that was fair enough and took it there on Sat. That estimate turned out to be wrong, more like AED 3.5k. Ok, a bit more but I had taken the car there, so thought I'd just get on with it. It includes all spark plugs, all filters, prob the only service I will do with the car, so no biggie.
There is a problem with the in built car phone (it's not accepting a sim), so I asked them to take a quick look at it whilst the car was being serviced. Also, after inspecting the car and putting it on the ramp, they saw an oil leak coming from the engine, and one of the CV boots had fluid on it (could have been oil from the leak, wasn't sure). Again, I asked for a quote.
The chap then tells me, it costs AED 400 to look at ANY problem on the car. So, AED 400 just to look at the phone, and AED 400 just to look at the oil leak. WTF? I'm paying AED 3,500 for a major inspection service, shoudn't that automatically generate a report of the car? I'm used to dealing with Porsche for the last 4 years or so, and VW/Audi before that, and they don't charge AED 400 just to look at a problem on the car, they are happy to check through and quote for work for nothing. I have heard that BMW are money grabbing b
ds at the best of times, but this takes the piss! I understand that if the car comes in off the street with no warranty/history with BMW that they will charge to take a look at something, but when you're paying AED 3.5k for a service? Isn't that going a bit far?
What's your experiences, both in UK and here? Are BMW that st? I planned to use MMW for any ongoing works anyway, so it's not a real problem, but just so I know going forwards - is this standard BMW for you? Or was the guy I dealt with just a pleb?
Bought another car. Driving the GT3 and Diamondlease rental Lancers everywhere was getting a bit annoying. Either scraping the hell out of the GT3 splitter everywhere, or whincing letting valet parkers slip the clutch, or pulling up at a fine hotel/restaurant in a crapbox, or paying to keep a rental when on hols, all a bit annoying really. Don't get me wrong, great to have the flexibility of the rental for cheap, and it's not exactly a massive problem not wowing the crowds at Grosvenor House/Atlantis when pulling up - and renting is the best thing to do when you first arrive, but I've been here over 1.5yrs now. And, I like cars, so it started to grind after a while driving a "mundane" around. It's just not me.
Soooo, came across an X5 4.8is, 2005, 123k, full BMW AGMC dealer history (rare for the age), pretty good nick for a 7 year old car in Dubai, most are completely trashed. Le mans blue, cream leather, all the extras, panoramic roof especially nice. Needed a few cosmetic bits and pieces and an interior clean. Picked it up at the market rate, wouldn't say it was cheap. Very nice harry.
Had a problem with the drivers door handle carrier, common problem apparantly, and when they let go it means you cant open the drivers door from the outside. Took it to Munich Motor works to get fixed (BMW specialist in Al Quoz), about 500 notes and job done. One of the rear seatbelt buckle holders also wasn't holding the belt properly, so ordered a new one from BMW, cost about AED 400 but not worth messing around with safety. Installed it, all done.
Forward to last weekend, and it comes up as needing an inspection service. Ok, fine. The car has a full AGMC BMW service history. So, I thought to keep the history going and maintain the file, I'll get the major service done at BMW. I got a quote from MMW, About AED 2k. Thought it's worth paying a bit extra to get it done at BMW. The receptionist gave a figure of AED 2.8k, thought that was fair enough and took it there on Sat. That estimate turned out to be wrong, more like AED 3.5k. Ok, a bit more but I had taken the car there, so thought I'd just get on with it. It includes all spark plugs, all filters, prob the only service I will do with the car, so no biggie.
There is a problem with the in built car phone (it's not accepting a sim), so I asked them to take a quick look at it whilst the car was being serviced. Also, after inspecting the car and putting it on the ramp, they saw an oil leak coming from the engine, and one of the CV boots had fluid on it (could have been oil from the leak, wasn't sure). Again, I asked for a quote.
The chap then tells me, it costs AED 400 to look at ANY problem on the car. So, AED 400 just to look at the phone, and AED 400 just to look at the oil leak. WTF? I'm paying AED 3,500 for a major inspection service, shoudn't that automatically generate a report of the car? I'm used to dealing with Porsche for the last 4 years or so, and VW/Audi before that, and they don't charge AED 400 just to look at a problem on the car, they are happy to check through and quote for work for nothing. I have heard that BMW are money grabbing b
ds at the best of times, but this takes the piss! I understand that if the car comes in off the street with no warranty/history with BMW that they will charge to take a look at something, but when you're paying AED 3.5k for a service? Isn't that going a bit far?What's your experiences, both in UK and here? Are BMW that s
t? I planned to use MMW for any ongoing works anyway, so it's not a real problem, but just so I know going forwards - is this standard BMW for you? Or was the guy I dealt with just a pleb?Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Sorry about that. Right, let me help you out here....GET RID OF.
Mine - 2006, 45,000km - Bought for 107k. Full AGMC service history, lovely metallic green/purple colour. Full options, Cream and dark blue 2-tone leather interior. It really was a lovely car.
Within a month, all 4 tyres needed replacing...I forget exactly how much, 8k I think.
Then, a couple of months down the line, it kinda broke down. Cruising along at around 80k, and there was a big "clunk" from the gearbox, and the electrics went mental. Anyways AED15k later at Tony Levoi's it was fixed. A week or so later it broke down again. Fuel pump...Changed that, but it still wouldn't start. A further AED8k on various bits and pieces later and it's back with me. Then guess what.....The drivers door handle broke!!!!!!!
So, about 10 months later I sold it for 72k.
Going forward I won't EVER buy a second hand car here, expecially a 4x4. Trust no-one, especially the BMW dealer. One quote they gave me was for AED15k for something. I said no as it was too expensive, so they said "err....ok, how about 12k"?? I'm not bartering with you you idiot!
Oh, forgot what else it was, but Munich motors relieved me of 6 grand as well.
Sorry about that. Right, let me help you out here....GET RID OF.
Mine - 2006, 45,000km - Bought for 107k. Full AGMC service history, lovely metallic green/purple colour. Full options, Cream and dark blue 2-tone leather interior. It really was a lovely car.
Within a month, all 4 tyres needed replacing...I forget exactly how much, 8k I think.
Then, a couple of months down the line, it kinda broke down. Cruising along at around 80k, and there was a big "clunk" from the gearbox, and the electrics went mental. Anyways AED15k later at Tony Levoi's it was fixed. A week or so later it broke down again. Fuel pump...Changed that, but it still wouldn't start. A further AED8k on various bits and pieces later and it's back with me. Then guess what.....The drivers door handle broke!!!!!!!
So, about 10 months later I sold it for 72k.
Going forward I won't EVER buy a second hand car here, expecially a 4x4. Trust no-one, especially the BMW dealer. One quote they gave me was for AED15k for something. I said no as it was too expensive, so they said "err....ok, how about 12k"?? I'm not bartering with you you idiot!
Oh, forgot what else it was, but Munich motors relieved me of 6 grand as well.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh, BMW Stealership - yes, they really do take the piss even when they don't need to. That's why you see sooooo many BMW's on the market for sale once the warranty expires: they are either too fecking expensive to maintain due to parts failing OR the owner is getting robbed left, right and center by the Stealership.
There are always silver linings though as there is a very good independent BMW Specialist who will not give you BS on your Beamer and is not very far away from your location.
There are always silver linings though as there is a very good independent BMW Specialist who will not give you BS on your Beamer and is not very far away from your location.
yorky500 said:
Ahhhhhhhhhhh, BMW Stealership - yes, they really do take the piss even when they don't need to. That's why you see sooooo many BMW's on the market for sale once the warranty expires: they are either too fecking expensive to maintain due to parts failing OR the owner is getting robbed left, right and center by the Stealership.
There are always silver linings though as there is a very good independent BMW Specialist who will not give you BS on your Beamer and is not very far away from your location.
who would you recommend mate?There are always silver linings though as there is a very good independent BMW Specialist who will not give you BS on your Beamer and is not very far away from your location.
Chilli said:
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Sorry about that. Right, let me help you out here....GET RID OF.
Mine - 2006, 45,000km - Bought for 107k. Full AGMC service history, lovely metallic green/purple colour. Full options, Cream and dark blue 2-tone leather interior. It really was a lovely car.
Within a month, all 4 tyres needed replacing...I forget exactly how much, 8k I think.
Then, a couple of months down the line, it kinda broke down. Cruising along at around 80k, and there was a big "clunk" from the gearbox, and the electrics went mental. Anyways AED15k later at Tony Levoi's it was fixed. A week or so later it broke down again. Fuel pump...Changed that, but it still wouldn't start. A further AED8k on various bits and pieces later and it's back with me. Then guess what.....The drivers door handle broke!!!!!!!
So, about 10 months later I sold it for 72k.
Going forward I won't EVER buy a second hand car here, expecially a 4x4. Trust no-one, especially the BMW dealer. One quote they gave me was for AED15k for something. I said no as it was too expensive, so they said "err....ok, how about 12k"?? I'm not bartering with you you idiot!
Oh, forgot what else it was, but Munich motors relieved me of 6 grand as well.
I went into it with open eyes, realise that any heavy big engined older 4x4 will need money spent on it to run. Mine came with practically new tyres (bridgestones, not budget crap), and new suspension from BMW @ AED 16k less than a year back. I also know the gearboxes go wrong also, have to see how that pans out.Sorry about that. Right, let me help you out here....GET RID OF.
Mine - 2006, 45,000km - Bought for 107k. Full AGMC service history, lovely metallic green/purple colour. Full options, Cream and dark blue 2-tone leather interior. It really was a lovely car.
Within a month, all 4 tyres needed replacing...I forget exactly how much, 8k I think.
Then, a couple of months down the line, it kinda broke down. Cruising along at around 80k, and there was a big "clunk" from the gearbox, and the electrics went mental. Anyways AED15k later at Tony Levoi's it was fixed. A week or so later it broke down again. Fuel pump...Changed that, but it still wouldn't start. A further AED8k on various bits and pieces later and it's back with me. Then guess what.....The drivers door handle broke!!!!!!!
So, about 10 months later I sold it for 72k.
Going forward I won't EVER buy a second hand car here, expecially a 4x4. Trust no-one, especially the BMW dealer. One quote they gave me was for AED15k for something. I said no as it was too expensive, so they said "err....ok, how about 12k"?? I'm not bartering with you you idiot!
Oh, forgot what else it was, but Munich motors relieved me of 6 grand as well.
Just wasn't aware of the extent of BMW dealers ability to bend people over. I thought Porsche would be worse, what with more expensive cars and the segment which they are in. But Porsche are looking fairly reasonable now to be honest.
S1MMA said:
yorky500 said:
Ahhhhhhhhhhh, BMW Stealership - yes, they really do take the piss even when they don't need to. That's why you see sooooo many BMW's on the market for sale once the warranty expires: they are either too fecking expensive to maintain due to parts failing OR the owner is getting robbed left, right and center by the Stealership.
There are always silver linings though as there is a very good independent BMW Specialist who will not give you BS on your Beamer and is not very far away from your location.
who would you recommend mate?There are always silver linings though as there is a very good independent BMW Specialist who will not give you BS on your Beamer and is not very far away from your location.
I have not tried X-Service Centre, but they are another independent BMW Service centre.
yorky500 said:
DAS Autoworks. I take my E36 M3 there and only there. The guy is straight up, will not lie and he keeps to his word. His labour rates are damn good too. You can either get the parts yourself or he can buy them, really up to you.
I have not tried X-Service Centre, but they are another independent BMW Service centre.
Thanks mate, I'll look them up. Who should I ask for? And who shall I say recommended them?I have not tried X-Service Centre, but they are another independent BMW Service centre.
I recommend Tony Edwards. I get my X5 serviced there after the 5 year service package ran out, plus anything that wasn't covered by the package during the 5 years (ie lots). Also used to get my (older) 5 series serviced there. They don't do a job if it doesn't need to be done and they have not (yet) tried to scam me. I also hear good things about the X Centre, and have used their excellent bodyshop on other cars.
Now, regarding AGMC. Don't bother S1MMA. I bought the X5 new in 2007 and they delivered the wrong car to me. Yep, the wrong car. I only discovered when I got home that the options I'd ordered were not on the car. It took months of faffing and threatening legal action to get another car (with a totally different spec, but one which was acceptable to me). In true Dubai style, they acted like they were doing me a favour by replacing the car. The one I hadn't ordered and had overpaid for. Disgraceful behaviour. Really soured the experience of buying a lovely high end car.
Dealing with their service dept is a chore. All glass screens and expensive leather sofas, but worthless feedback from service "advisers" who don't have any interest in the greasy bits. If you ever decide to go there, make sure you query every tiny line item on the bill at the end.
Now, regarding AGMC. Don't bother S1MMA. I bought the X5 new in 2007 and they delivered the wrong car to me. Yep, the wrong car. I only discovered when I got home that the options I'd ordered were not on the car. It took months of faffing and threatening legal action to get another car (with a totally different spec, but one which was acceptable to me). In true Dubai style, they acted like they were doing me a favour by replacing the car. The one I hadn't ordered and had overpaid for. Disgraceful behaviour. Really soured the experience of buying a lovely high end car.
Dealing with their service dept is a chore. All glass screens and expensive leather sofas, but worthless feedback from service "advisers" who don't have any interest in the greasy bits. If you ever decide to go there, make sure you query every tiny line item on the bill at the end.
My mate had a 2007 X5 4.8i fully loaded. Lovely car and went pretty well...... for a while.
It used to yomp through front tyres like they were going out of fashion. I advised him to get it checked out. BMW had a look and could see nothing wrong so my mate and I had a look. Took off the airbox and there was a mighty big hole covered over with white tape (it was white). Seems someone must have smashed it and ripped the front end half off and then got it fixed (badly). No comebacks to the original seller.
In the end he moved to Singapore and lost a packet on it.
It used to yomp through front tyres like they were going out of fashion. I advised him to get it checked out. BMW had a look and could see nothing wrong so my mate and I had a look. Took off the airbox and there was a mighty big hole covered over with white tape (it was white). Seems someone must have smashed it and ripped the front end half off and then got it fixed (badly). No comebacks to the original seller.
In the end he moved to Singapore and lost a packet on it.
Update on this one:
Sooo, turned up to collect the car, it was complete and ready to pick up as promised on the times specified. They gave me a small discount on the service also to match it with the quoted price. So far so good.
Paid for the work, service guy ran me through the extra work which they recommended. They recommended 2 front shocks, some other suspension parts (bushings etc...) and an alignment and 4x4 checkup. The total for all the work they recommended was approx AED 11k, so not cheap, but they seemed honest enough. No "discs and pads all round needed SIR" like I have experienced with Porsche in the UK, just straight forward.
Car was cleaned well inside and out, and they had fixed a few bits of loose trim also (handbrake leather cover was not fixed down before, after service it was as new). Also the oil leak that had first developed the day before the service has now gone, not sure if it may have been a leak from the oil filter - looks like it could be the culprit (or maybe sump plug) if it's gone after a service.
Anyhoo, they managed to service a car without stuffing anything up. Which is expected from a main dealer for sure. Have to consider a suspension refresh at somepoint going forward, maybe when it needs new tyres all round. Back on the road, and seems to be ok for now.....
Sooo, turned up to collect the car, it was complete and ready to pick up as promised on the times specified. They gave me a small discount on the service also to match it with the quoted price. So far so good.
Paid for the work, service guy ran me through the extra work which they recommended. They recommended 2 front shocks, some other suspension parts (bushings etc...) and an alignment and 4x4 checkup. The total for all the work they recommended was approx AED 11k, so not cheap, but they seemed honest enough. No "discs and pads all round needed SIR" like I have experienced with Porsche in the UK, just straight forward.
Car was cleaned well inside and out, and they had fixed a few bits of loose trim also (handbrake leather cover was not fixed down before, after service it was as new). Also the oil leak that had first developed the day before the service has now gone, not sure if it may have been a leak from the oil filter - looks like it could be the culprit (or maybe sump plug) if it's gone after a service.
Anyhoo, they managed to service a car without stuffing anything up. Which is expected from a main dealer for sure. Have to consider a suspension refresh at somepoint going forward, maybe when it needs new tyres all round. Back on the road, and seems to be ok for now.....
DON'T EVER USE DAS AUTOWORKS... THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE DOING... I HAD A SIMPLE SENSOR CHANGE REQUIRED FOR MY CAR... THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS, NEVER RETURNED MY CALLS AND WHEN I ASKED THEM FOR DETAILS ON THE PARTS NEEDED - THEY TOLD ME TO COME AND COLLECT MY CAR AND GO ELSEWHERE!!! THEY ARE TOTAL JOKERS..... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
nayal said:
DON'T EVER USE ... THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE DOING... I HAD A SIMPLE SENSOR CHANGE REQUIRED FOR MY CAR... THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS, NEVER RETURNED MY CALLS AND WHEN I ASKED THEM FOR DETAILS ON THE PARTS NEEDED - THEY TOLD ME TO COME AND COLLECT MY CAR AND GO ELSEWHERE!!! THEY ARE TOTAL JOKERS..... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
This brings up a common problem out here, it seems you go to dealer and pay through the nose for a poor experience or go to an independent hope a reasonable job will be done and no shajarah special fix's. I found all the independents I have been to out here out here have been rubbish, dodgy fixes etc etc. In one instance the independent disconnected the engine check light system!I found if you have to do a job right, do it yourself. When that is not possible then you need someone you trust and will keep you advised. Rather than use a independent garage I now have a Aussie race mechanic who now looks after all my cars.
I just wanted to bring this old thread back up, as I sold the X5.
Let me give anyone else who is reading this now, or may read this in future some advice. And I will point you in the direction of someone who knew what they were talking about on this thread.
This is the only advice you need:
t and wish I never bought one.
Never again. Hopefully this will help someone else!
Let me give anyone else who is reading this now, or may read this in future some advice. And I will point you in the direction of someone who knew what they were talking about on this thread.
This is the only advice you need:
Chilli said:
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Sorry about that. Right, let me help you out here....GET RID OF.
You were 100% right mate. Had endless problems with it, spend over AED60k on it in under 2 years on repairs/maintenance/parts etc. Total pile of sSorry about that. Right, let me help you out here....GET RID OF.
t and wish I never bought one.Never again. Hopefully this will help someone else!
S1MMA said:
You were 100% right mate. Had endless problems with it, spend over AED60k on it in under 2 years on repairs/maintenance/parts etc. Total pile of st and wish I never bought one.
Never again. Hopefully this will help someone else!
That's never nice to hear. It's awful isn't it?t and wish I never bought one.Never again. Hopefully this will help someone else!
Still, onwards and upwards....what's next for the garage?
For me, personally, I only ever take a car to the main dealer if the car has to go there for its services as part of the warranty.
Having had BMW, Merc, Range Rover, Audi etc and having dealt with all of them, there is no way in the world I would take a car in there which was out of warranty.
Why?
- The mechanics are useless and are not experienced pros. Upshot is, if its not replacing a spark plug or changing oil then they just simply replace parts willy nilly....and if they get it wrong, they just keep replacing parts in that rough area until the thing is fixed. No "know how" whatsoever.
- More recently I have been dealing with BMW and I have to say...they are verging on retarded. I bought a new X5 for my wife and wanted to extend the warranty. Simple one would think..no, it took 5 months to get a quote, I s
t you not. Their "Warranty" is not actually a "Warranty". They call it a "Service Pack"...unlike every other dealer in the world, which calls a warranty a warranty and a service pack a service pack. In short, they dont want you to look to closely for the reason that its a fookin rip off. Like 35,000aed to extend a 2 year to 5 year warranty...on a car with like 6,000kms and 2 months old and driven by my wife to spinneys. - Parts are ALWAYS massively over priced at main dealers here. End of. And some wont even replace parts (original or not) if you dont buy from them.
Anyway.....back on the point, every dealer here is fookin useless. My car is in with Audi at the moment...who are also retarded and took 20 mins to work out I had a warranty on my car...from them. I can only guess what bulls
t they will come out with for not covering the oil leak under warranty. Get your car to AAA Service Centre, Munich Motors or Saluki. End of.
Luke
However. I have to say, I have never had a bad experience with Porsche. They are pretty decent.
Wanted to add that. Warranty was never an issue, services were pretty cheap and their price for my clutch to be replaced was cheaper than the usual Porsche garages.
Only issue I ever had is that they sprayed my GT3 lower lip the wrong white colour. Body and not bumper. But hey, they did it again and apologised.
Wanted to add that. Warranty was never an issue, services were pretty cheap and their price for my clutch to be replaced was cheaper than the usual Porsche garages.
Only issue I ever had is that they sprayed my GT3 lower lip the wrong white colour. Body and not bumper. But hey, they did it again and apologised.
Never had a problem with Mitsubishi other than when they said I needed to change the front brake pads at 30,000km when there was over half the pad thickness left. We have had the car 7 years and we still take it to the dealer for servicing (not going to argue with the wife as I need as many brownie points as I can muster).
Still, Mitsubishi cars are not BMW's / Audi's etc
Still, Mitsubishi cars are not BMW's / Audi's etc
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