BMW targeting Lexus in showrooms
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,751
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From: CA
Yeah, but usually the difference between a LOT of Lexus owners vs BMW owners is that a Lexus owner may make a general and reasonable statement like JLSC4's example, while BMW owners usually don't make such statement and instead to resort to arrogant statements like "japcrap" or worse.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: FL
A spun main bearing requires a whole new short block? In any case, if the car is out of warranty, it's out of warranty. There's not a lot you can do, unless you can somehow prove that the failure is the result of a mfg's defect, and appeal to their better nature.
As far as bad service, it's not so much the brand of car, as it is the particular dealership. When I owned my 330i, the service was great at Motorwerks BMW in Mpls. They bent over backwards resolving issues, and even replaced a worn out clutch under warranty (even though it wasn't covered) at 16K miles. I certainly couldn't say the same about my visits to Reeves BMW in Tampa, where my 2 visits there resulted in nothing more than a free car wash and interior vacuum.
I've had several issues with my Lexi in the past year, most of which the dealers here in FL refuse to acknowledge and fix, even though they are clearly covered under warranty. They did repair the auto trans leak on my ES330 last week, so I'll give them that.
It all depends on the dealership.
As far as bad service, it's not so much the brand of car, as it is the particular dealership. When I owned my 330i, the service was great at Motorwerks BMW in Mpls. They bent over backwards resolving issues, and even replaced a worn out clutch under warranty (even though it wasn't covered) at 16K miles. I certainly couldn't say the same about my visits to Reeves BMW in Tampa, where my 2 visits there resulted in nothing more than a free car wash and interior vacuum.
I've had several issues with my Lexi in the past year, most of which the dealers here in FL refuse to acknowledge and fix, even though they are clearly covered under warranty. They did repair the auto trans leak on my ES330 last week, so I'll give them that.
It all depends on the dealership.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 2
From: CA
I don't know if it's possible for even the worst possible clutch-abusing driver to wear out a non-defective clutch in 16K miles. That ABSOLUTELY should have been covered under warranty; it was clearly a defective part!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
...and even replaced a worn out clutch under warranty (even though it wasn't covered) at 16K miles.
Under warranty terms, EVERYTHING is covered except regular service like oil changes and tires.
I would have faught the hell out of that.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 1
From: CA
Under maintenance, oil changes are provided. Tires are a wear and tire item as is the clutch at 16k miles. At 16k your clutch shouldn't go, which is understandable why a dealer would be hesitant to replace it.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
From: IL
They may seem like isolated incidents in the grand scheme of BMW sales, but I've had several friends who have not been happy with BMW service - enough to scare me away, for certain! Beyond the service issues, I really don't care for the looks of the 5-series and the 7 is getting long in the tooth and doesn't do anything for me. The 3 is just too common and too small; frankly, I won't be buying an IS for the same reasons.
The Mini was indeed purchased in 2002, my friend ordered it long before the car was delivered in the US. The car was S-T-O-C-K except for the Mini-dealer installed Sirius radio interface. The car was 34 days out of warranty. It spun a main bearing and BMW said "too bad"... interesting because all the maintenance was 'owned' and performed by the dealer. The spun bearing was caused by low oil- the car apparently used over 3.5 quarts of oil in under 2,000 miles and it never leaked a drop on the ground.
I change my Lexus oil every 4,000 miles, and to be honest, I don't check it weekly. No need to; my car has quite a few miles on it and 'uses' less than one pint between oil changes.
My friend still loves the Mini, but hates the company. Likewise, my friend with the 545 likes how the car drives, but isn't terribly happy with some aspects of the car (iDrive) and BMW's service.
If you're into leasing a car, BMWs can be a great choice. I buy cars and tend to keep them a long time. Ever purchase a "fuel distributor" for an '88 BMW 535is? Ouch.
The Mini was indeed purchased in 2002, my friend ordered it long before the car was delivered in the US. The car was S-T-O-C-K except for the Mini-dealer installed Sirius radio interface. The car was 34 days out of warranty. It spun a main bearing and BMW said "too bad"... interesting because all the maintenance was 'owned' and performed by the dealer. The spun bearing was caused by low oil- the car apparently used over 3.5 quarts of oil in under 2,000 miles and it never leaked a drop on the ground.
I change my Lexus oil every 4,000 miles, and to be honest, I don't check it weekly. No need to; my car has quite a few miles on it and 'uses' less than one pint between oil changes.
My friend still loves the Mini, but hates the company. Likewise, my friend with the 545 likes how the car drives, but isn't terribly happy with some aspects of the car (iDrive) and BMW's service.
If you're into leasing a car, BMWs can be a great choice. I buy cars and tend to keep them a long time. Ever purchase a "fuel distributor" for an '88 BMW 535is? Ouch.
Of note, my 2003 GS430 spent 5 weeks in the shop. How many days did your BMW spend in the shop? Or is this once again, all second hand?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,470
Likes: 252
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 14
From: Cali
Another close friend just had an incident with a standard Mini Cooper 5-speed (non-S). The transmission broke and wouldn't engage any gear; apparently this isn't uncommon in the non-S manual transmission cars. The dealer quoted him $6,900 for a replacement transmission. After all was said and done Mini/BMW "good willed" part of the repair bill, but my friend still ended-up paying $2,000 labor.
I don't have a BMW, so it hasn't spent any time in the shop. These situations all happened to close friends who have consulted me on their service dilemmas; I work in the automotive industry, so apparently they value my opinion. Again, this is partly why I drive a Lexus.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 0
From: IL
My friend indeed dealt directly with Mini USA once the claim escalated to a $7,500 repair bill. Like he said "love the car, hate the company." Mini USA indeed met him part way on the replacement short block, but it still ended-up setting him back $10K (including the Cooper Works S package he upgraded to). Should I scan the receipts?
Another close friend just had an incident with a standard Mini Cooper 5-speed (non-S). The transmission broke and wouldn't engage any gear; apparently this isn't uncommon in the non-S manual transmission cars. The dealer quoted him $6,900 for a replacement transmission. After all was said and done Mini/BMW "good willed" part of the repair bill, but my friend still ended-up paying $2,000 labor.
I don't have a BMW, so it hasn't spent any time in the shop. These situations all happened to close friends who have consulted me on their service dilemmas; I work in the automotive industry, so apparently they value my opinion. Again, this is partly why I drive a Lexus.
Another close friend just had an incident with a standard Mini Cooper 5-speed (non-S). The transmission broke and wouldn't engage any gear; apparently this isn't uncommon in the non-S manual transmission cars. The dealer quoted him $6,900 for a replacement transmission. After all was said and done Mini/BMW "good willed" part of the repair bill, but my friend still ended-up paying $2,000 labor.
I don't have a BMW, so it hasn't spent any time in the shop. These situations all happened to close friends who have consulted me on their service dilemmas; I work in the automotive industry, so apparently they value my opinion. Again, this is partly why I drive a Lexus.
But man, personally, I think your friends have some serious bad luck. It is unfortunate cause you are ruling out a great car based on their experiences.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,470
Likes: 252
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
My friend indeed dealt directly with Mini USA once the claim escalated to a $7,500 repair bill. Like he said "love the car, hate the company." Mini USA indeed met him part way on the replacement short block, but it still ended-up setting him back $10K (including the Cooper Works S package he upgraded to). Should I scan the receipts?
Another close friend just had an incident with a standard Mini Cooper 5-speed (non-S). The transmission broke and wouldn't engage any gear; apparently this isn't uncommon in the non-S manual transmission cars. The dealer quoted him $6,900 for a replacement transmission. After all was said and done Mini/BMW "good willed" part of the repair bill, but my friend still ended-up paying $2,000 labor.
Another close friend just had an incident with a standard Mini Cooper 5-speed (non-S). The transmission broke and wouldn't engage any gear; apparently this isn't uncommon in the non-S manual transmission cars. The dealer quoted him $6,900 for a replacement transmission. After all was said and done Mini/BMW "good willed" part of the repair bill, but my friend still ended-up paying $2,000 labor.
I know BMW, Mercedes and Porsche repair shops cost good money, but this, IMO, is absurd.