Beiträge von Spikus

G'Day Theo

Glad you got that off your chest

Being a former Aussie ( been in pommie land for 17 yrs now - trying to work off the sins of our fathers !! ), there is major difference between Buyers in UK and Oz. First, most know jack about cars and the motor press keeps harping on about 'stamped' books bt the main dealer. So if it hasn't been stamped you better steer clear. Whereas, we know that if the bloke has a shed load of receipts and garage full of K-Mart kit it is probably in a lot better condition that the dealer serviced vehicle.

Now I'm going to have to spend time checking to see whether I do have a battery drain or not.

By the way does anyone know whether those Solar Powered battery 'chargers' ( I say chargers but they just maintain a trickle charge ) are any good ?

Thanks
Martin

G'Day Guys

As an update to the Vines story I posted earlier I have a very sad story to tell of their subsequent handling of the beast.

Booked in to get the Rocker cover gasket replaced and the ABS/ASC-T sensor replaced.
First problem - booking was not made but they assured that they could fit it in.
Second problem - called at about 5:00pm to say it was going to be tight but I was already on the way to pick it up. When I arrived they said it would be ready alright but they wouldn't be able to do the sensor and I'd have to bring it back. Okay I thought. Finally got the car at 6:30pm and drove home. Car was running very rough and had no power at all, felt like it was running on one bank. Fortunately, I only live a fwe miles away so nursed it home, since the dealership was deserted by the time I left. Opened the hood to see whether something might have worked its way loose etc. and to my surprise I saw broken and missing bolts on the rocker cover and injector cover.
Rang first thing next morning and arranged to to bring it back and spoke to the Service Manager etc. and assured it would be sorted out. Hire car for the day ( Z4 - not bad ), went back later to pick it up and as I drove in to the dealership the car was parked out front with the front splitter completely smashed up the middle. I was amazed !! Went in to talk to the manager and ask him whether he had seen the car. Yes, its out the front. Have you seen the front of it. No, why ? Well because its smashed. What ?!. So back in while they got the Body Shop to come and have a look. They would have to order the part and paint it etc. ( £1200 ) so that was another couple of days and a weekend. Hire car again ( 320i - boring ). Went back to collect and was told to take it for a good run in order for all the electronics to set themselves again since they were reset ( sounded dubious to me ). Basically, still running on one bank so back again to the shop. Left it for 10 days because I was on holidays and finally got it back in one piece and running as it was - if not a little better as they had to replace quite a few parts. Noting the fact as well that they broke the splitter again !!! However, I've had to fork out another £140 for new batteries as they never bothered to keep it on the charger and once the batteries run down there is no saving them.

Letter to the Dealership and BMW GB - as well as a few other motoring organisations going out soon.

So - BMW is the ultimate driving experience but the service is the ultime nightmare !!! Is it any wonder people who really care about there cars go to independants or do it themselves.

Happy driving
Spike

Vines of Guildford - STEER CLEAR

G'Day Guys

As an update to the Vines story I posted earlier I have a very sad story to tell of their subsequent handling of the beast.

Booked in to get the Rocker cover gasket replaced and the ABS/ASC-T sensor replaced.
First problem - booking was not made but they assured that they could fit it in.
Second problem - called at about 5:00pm to say it was going to be tight but I was already on the way to pick it up. When I arrived they said it would be ready alright but they wouldn't be able to do the sensor and I'd have to bring it back. Okay I thought. Finally got the car at 6:30pm and drove home. Car was running very rough and had no power at all, felt like it was running on one bank. Fortunately, I only live a fwe miles away so nursed it home, since the dealership was deserted by the time I left. Opened the hood to see whether something might have worked its way loose etc. and to my surprise I saw broken and missing bolts on the rocker cover and injector cover.
Rang first thing next morning and arranged to to bring it back and spoke to the Service Manager etc. and assured it would be sorted out. Hire car for the day ( Z4 - not bad ), went back later to pick it up and as I drove in to the dealership the car was parked out front with the front splitter completely smashed up the middle. I was amazed !! Went in to talk to the manager and ask him whether he had seen the car. Yes, its out the front. Have you seen the front of it. No, why ? Well because its smashed. What ?!. So back in while they got the Body Shop to come and have a look. They would have to order the part and paint it etc. ( £1200 ) so that was another couple of days and a weekend. Hire car again ( 320i - boring ). Went back to collect and was told to take it for a good run in order for all the electronics to set themselves again since they were reset ( sounded dubious to me ). Basically, still running on one bank so back again to the shop. Left it for 10 days because I was on holidays and finally got it back in one piece and running as it was - if not a little better as they had to replace quite a few parts. Noting the fact as well that they broke the splitter again !!! However, I've had to fork out another £140 for new batteries as they never bothered to keep it on the charger and once the batteries run down there is no saving them.

Letter to the Dealership and BMW GB - as well as a few other motoring organisations going out soon.

So - BMW is the ultimate driving experience but the service is the ultime nightmare !!! Is it any wonder people who really care about there cars go to independants or do it themselves.

Happy driving
Spike

Meet in Nov

Sounds good to me as well

Thanks
Martin

Brooklands Meet

G'Day All

It did happen and three of us turned up. Over 30 6-series were there plus several other 3-series so quite a nice turnout.

Thanks
Spike

8 Series register

So am I.

I guess we can talk with Dave at the Brooklands meet. Any discount on insurance keeps the missus happy

Brooklands Meet

G'Day Guys

I plan to be there, but will probably arrive around lunchtime. Returning from Birmingham in the morning. Car may be a little bug splattered but hey what the hect !!