Cotswold BMW / BVM Stroud

[Bigrodders]

Hi all,
I thought I would pass this on to you, I've been told that BVM Stroud have lost their BMW franchise and it has been awarded to Cotswold Gloucester as of the 1st December, see link http://www.cotswoldbmwbikes.co.uk/ it will be interesting to see what they turn out like.

CYA
Bigrodders

 

[Mikey]

BVM will be a hard act to follow

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Another great dealer axed by the BMW Corporate machine

 

[2 wheel humvee]

Another great dealer axed by the BMW Corporate machine

They never played the "corporate image" game so the writing has been on the wall for some time-sadly
I've only ever had good service there (although some of their loan bikes should have been put out to pasture long ago) and they will indeed be a tough act to follow,but corporate BMW wants Terazzo floored Glass and Aluminium shopping malls not a lean to full of 2nd hand trials bikes as part of their global empire

 

[rob mac]

Cotswold BMW are just over the road from my workshop, how long will I be able to last before buying something new on my lunch break?

 

[PaulXC]

BVM will be a hard act to follow

Shame that - I bought my Dakar from them in 2002 and my mate had an XC from them in 07. Excellent service and it always felt like a proper bike shop in there.

Paul

 

[MMC]

Think it's been coming a while.

Given the choice, I'm afraid I'd stick with BVM even without the franchise. Top blokes.

 

[Big Red]

Think it's been coming a while.

Given the choice, I'm afraid I'd stick with BVM even without the franchise. Top blokes.

It depends, the staff that make BVM what it is may move to Cotswold!

 

[Martyn B]

Trouble is,

Think it's been coming a while.

Given the choice, I'm afraid I'd stick with BVM even without the franchise. Top blokes.

They won't be able to do anything under warranty.

This is a bloody shame, I've used BVM for years and have excellent service from them. If I wanted BMW corporate image and all the crap that goes with it I'd have gone to Bath Rd M/cycles as it's nearer me....but we won't and don't go there

 

[Cotswoldshire]

Just (past month) bought my GS from Tim & Mark at BVM. Excellent service, with lots of knowledge. Really calm about the whole thing. Loan bikes may be old, but they work and are readily available (unlike Bath Road where I bought my first BMW, the F800 ST).

I'll continue to use them where possible. Their stock and range of parts, accessories and clothing is really good. Besides, it's a far nicer ride to get to them than in through the city traffic.

As for Cotswold getting the contract; I won't be using them. I'm from Cheltenham and love the place (would love to return to live there one day) but they've given my mum appalling treatment with her Mini Cooper (bought new from them). I realise it won't necessarily be the same sales people or engineers, but the management call the shots as we all know. Who knows, maybe a few good reports on the forums here will convince me otherwise.

 

[Mav]

Gotta say, I've always had very average service from BVM, sometimes not good... like trying to tell me that you can't switch off the ABS on a Dakar therefore the switch isn't broken

My dad worked for Cotswold for a few years so I'm kind of biased - they're also nearer to me so I'll certainly give them a try. For me, the benchmark is NOG who are great

 

[TaffyScouser]

Before we go down this route has anyone actualy spoken to Mark or Tim at BVM? Christ knows how they will feel if they still have some purchasing aggrements with BMW and will still be able to source and sell bikes from there.
People seem to be writing them off already.

Just a thought

 

[BBB61]

Another great dealer axed by the BMW Corporate machine

It's not just BMW, Triumph have been doing the same to their dealers too.

 

[pedmo]

Before we go down this route has anyone actualy spoken to Mark or Tim at BVM? Christ knows how they will feel if they still have some purchasing aggrements with BMW and will still be able to source and sell bikes from there.
People seem to be writing them off already.

Just a thought

I spoke to them last week. They said they will still be able to sell new bikes and parts at the same prices as a franchise, and will still be able to look after customers who keep using them, but I don't think they will get bikes direct from BWM anymore. The gloucester dealership are a gin palace, apparently.