Subject: Bad dealer service experience Author: jogamile : member since March, 2008 : 85 posts Posted on: 2009-12-22 01:32:08

I took my 2001 740il to the dealer for a SES light and winshield wiper diagnostics, because it's so close fron my house and should start snowing. About a week ago windshield wipers were frozen and I tried to shake them off. The service advisor calls me I need to replace MAF sensor ($579 w/ labor), thermostat ($479 w/labor) and wiper transmission ($1200 w/ labor). I was very skeptical, 'cause cleaning the MAF sensor usually works and I thought it was just the relay that was bad for the wipers. I asked him whether wiper relays were bad. He told me that the relays are fine, the transmission is bad and need to be replace. And goes on to sya that might need to replace the motor ($580, only part and labor to be added if need replacement) if the wipers do not work after replacement of the transmission. I was thinking that there is no way I am going to dish out $3000 for these problems. I paid $239 for the both diagnostics and rejected service.
I took my car to the shop I know. I know the owner and he owns E38 as well. He took a look and said the nuts and bolts were loose on the wipers. He thightened the bolts and wipers worked fine. He did replace the thermostat, but cleaned MAF sensor. All that costed me $432.00. I talked about the car to a guy for money back. Funny thing is he's telling me that there is no transmission on wipers. It's the car transmission and motor on the diagnostics. I'm laughing at this point. I told him he'd better go pull up my file and talk to the tech. I am thinking to myself it's called engine and if I can get it for $580, I will buy it, lol.
He calls me about an hour later, tells me that the tech diagnosed the transmission because the nuts and bolts were stripped and the transmission was going to go bad. Going to go bad? When? apparently it's not bad right now 'cause my wipers work fine. The service guy never mentioned about the nuts and bolts initially, but only mentioned bad wiper transmission. How many people are they ripping off? I am sure a lot of people who do not know their cars get ripped off like crazy.
They denied the refund. I filed a complaint to BBB and will file small claim.


Born on 07/2001 Slate Green 740IL 60K miles.
Sport package/convenience package/heated front seats/parking sensors/18" M wheels/wide screen nav/AE/Hoen Xenonmatch fog lights

• Bad dealer service experience - jogamile 2009-12-22 01:32:08 (358 views)