Dealer Overcharging/Bad Service?

  • Thread starter Thread starter AlexV
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AlexV

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I realise this may be a bit unappropriate to GSers, but thought I'd post it as food for thought.

I took my Fiat Punto for it's 24,000 service at a local Fiat dealer on Mon. 9th June. Have had no real problems with the car except that an airbag warning light was constantly on. Bearing in mind its an 18 month old vehicle and still under warranty I did not expect to pay for the correction of this problem. On collection I was told I was being charged for the diagnostic check (£32.50+vat) I voiced my displeasure but was told it was not covered uw. So I said I would complain to Fiat UK, who in turn referred me back to the dealer customer service dept. Checking my service book I spotted that 24k service takes 1.3 hrs, I was charged £130 for that. £100 an hour?? So I mentioned that too!!
After a phone call or two, I got a refund for the service over charge, (£45.50 and the £32.50). You may think satisfaction, hell no. I was then told that my front pads were 80% worn and needed changing!! To add to that the discs also needed replacing!! I was not a happy bunny I can tell ya!! I have regstered a complaint with Fiat UK, who say they will investigate.
I am awaiting further contact from the dealer. If you are interested I will keep you posted.

Bit long winded I know, but has anyone, apart from thesanguine had any horrendous experiences? Overcharged? Not told of any wear from brakes etc?
 
Air bag warning light

This could help you to solve the problem next time yourself!
Look under the seat base (drivers or passengers) and you should find a small wiring loom, this is joined to the air bag circuit by a very small block connector; its usually here that the problem lies.
The 'fix' consisits of cutting out the connector altogether and permanently joining the two wires to the main air bag circuit. Sometimes just wiggling the terminal connector can cure the problem.
That'll be £32.50 + vat thankyou very much and the service probably took a skilled mechanic 25 minutes to complete, a semi-skilled probably 15 minutes ( yep they only do the minimum)
Discs and pads are available from most good Factors and will be in the region of £28--£37 all in thats pads and discs!
Hope this was helpful.
 
Thank you!

Thanks for the info Mechanic. Cheque's in the post!!

Are BMW motorcycle dealers than good/honest? Or has anyone had a bad experience? Has anyone noticed that as on my Fiat invoice, the charge was set out as "24,000 mile service carried out ............... £130.00 I think that they should put some reference to the time taken, e.g. 1.3hrs @ £65.00 per hr .....£84.50.

I would be interested to hear any of any experiences.
 
Bad Service in Bury St Ed's

Ho Hum, I'm on the edge of thinking its happening to me with my Car. Its been back to the dealers twice for the same problem first time they said nothing wrong, second time they balanced the front wheels no bloody diference at all.

Its got a wobble on the front that feels a bit like warped discs but they aint and you can't feel it thro the pedle , I checked I think its got shot radius arm bushes or swivel joint problem it also cloncks pulling out of the drive, hit the brakes at 90+ and theres serious vibes thro the steering wheel but the dealer says nothing wrong. (Should I punch him and say get on with it)

The warrenty (BMW) only has a few months left and its starting to wind me up.

Is it I'm runnijng a four year old 3 series and other people are spending 100k on new 7's in the same shop.

Any BMW mechanics out there that can tell me if there is an issue?

G....
 


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