CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH TO WARRANTY CLAIMS

[Narcoda]

Has anybody got good experience of claiming for new rusted, corroded parts for their GS- I ask after reading numerous threads on the issue; I have had a few bits and pieces replaced for free, but still have issues- rust, need second key,etc... any good approach from experienced claimers or serious guys who know what they are talking about?- all replies appreciated... (will phone my new BM dealership and put into effect)- Many Thanks Jon

 

[Wapping]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101297

#22

Fisrt, sort out what's important and what isn't.

Once you have settled things in your own mind, don't simply moan at someone over the counter or on the 'phone (or on here). Nine times out of 10 you will have no idea if thed person on the phone is actualy the person you need to talk to.

Be polite. If you go in all guns blazing you on day one you have nothing to work up to.

Realise that nowhere in BuMW's advertising blurb does it say that they build a perfect motorbike or that it will stay perfect, irespespective of what happens to it. People often say, "Well they are built go go around the world". Cobblers. Any half decent motorbike can be ridden around the world, one way or another. People rode around the world not long after the petrol engine was invented and go around on now on pushbikes for f*cks sake, so a
modern pushbike with an engine shouldn't find it too hard.

Those bikes that go around 'the hard way' (BuMW or otherwise) come back smashed up, dented and rusty. They do not come back pristine. All that it shows is that cosmetics do not mean a whole lot. You can see the truth in that by looking at many, many, courier bikes. Don't look that good, rusty and bashed but they are still going, all day, every day.

 

[Yellow Peril]

Be honest I think you are better off talking face to face with your local service manager, politely point out the problem and let them see it too in the flesh.

From my experience on the whole its a good idea to get on with your local dealer you would be amazed at the results.

But don't chase a bl**dy stupid claim something that you could put right yourself, a classic is the BMW Nav GPS mount for the adventure. The head of the centre pivot gets surface rust so just wipe it off and stick some black enamel on it. See what I mean?

 

[Wizard]

And don't come on here whinging about claims that haven't even been decided yet.

There's nothing that screams "you would have had it sorted if you hadn't treated the staff like shite" than whinging about things that haven't been decided yet.

 

[Loiq]

All this being nice it'll never work! Get in there shout the odds, explain who's in charge and don't forget bit of fist banging on the counter demand satisfaction. Then shout at all the other punters in the store telling them it's all crap! cos some flies landed on the screen while you went to the wine bar in the summer and it's not right and needs to be replaced.

"I know my rights and I'll use'em and you'll find yourself on watch dog pal!"

That's what you want to shout....

only joking!

I've always found my dealer brillaint and helpful as I'm as much on their side cos they don't build the bike they just want to flog'em cos they're in the way of the coffee machine.

 

[ovenpaa]

I waited until the just pointed out the front fork brace at the last service and the service manager came back a while later and told me he would replace both fork legs, brace and front engine cover. No pain or hassle and it was his idea.

I think the important thing is to be realistic in your claim, but B*W seem very flexible and the dealer pointed out parts I would have ignored.

 

[Wapping]

Be honest I think you are better off talking face to face with your local service manager, politely point out the problem and let them see it too in the flesh.

From my experience on the whole its a good idea to get on with your local dealer you would be amazed at the results.

But don't chase a bl**dy stupid claim something that you could put right yourself, a classic is the BMW Nav GPS mount for the adventure. The head of the centre pivot gets surface rust so just wipe it off and stick some black enamel on it. See what I mean?

Good reply.

In one. The warranty is there to fix serious defects. It is not there to act as a catchall to restore a bike to 'as new' as and when the owner feels like it. This is not unique to BuMW.

 

[MATKAT]

Well said

Good reply.

In one. The warranty is there to fix serious defects. It is not there to act as a catchall to restore a bike to 'as new' as and when the owner feels like it. This is not unique to BuMW.

I have recently taken out Pidcocks extended warranty for mine. It covers major defects but not corrosion of body parts. At £293 I thought it excellent peice of mind for my 3 year old 1200.
No aftermarket warranties carry corrosion warranties(to my knowledge) In my experience the odd nuts and bolts that do corrode,................ just buy new one's for the few pence they cost....but then why bother.
The bolts on my calipers have corroded, hardly surprising when I have changed alloys to wires on dozens of occasions. I will replace the bolts when I sell the bike.
I don't see how anyone can expect anyhting made with metal or alloy not to corrode over time and this can be slowed up dramatically by applying ACF50 or similar or even a spot of grease into bolt holes etc.
I have had several warranty claims on my bike including gearbox (5k miles) fork seals (12k) front cover (19k and just out of warranty, Drive shaft seal (23k miles and 6 months out of warranty with 50% contribution from BMW). Maybe it's the way you ask them for help. For sure Beemers rust less than any Japanese bikes i've owned, and yes the quality of the metal is not as good as it used to be, but bikes are in a competitive market.............. and metal is not a cheap commodity anymore.
Being in sales and marketing there are ways of getting people to help you and ways to ensure you don't. Typically if you shout, scream and rant you get nowhere in my experience. In my expereince if you ask for something reasonable and you ask in the right way, you will nearly always get a result

 

[BBB61]

Be honest I think you are better off talking face to face with your local service manager, politely point out the problem and let them see it too in the flesh.

That worked for me. My GS goes in next Monday for a few bits and pieces to be replaced for corrosion issues. No quibbles at all from the dealer and once the parts had been inspected, I was given a decision on the spot.