[CO_Steve]

My son has a 2001 M3. We got it a year ago, low miles, well cared for.
I was under it and saw the diff seals were leaking. Told him to call his indie and see what they wanted, I had the parts. Quote $300. Not bad at all. Then he took it to the dealer. They wanted $800 but also quoted leaking constant pressure valve and valve cover gasket. Total estimate $3100.
Yesterday we did the diff. Today we pulled all the shields to check on the others. Bone dry everywhere.

Is it that tough to make an honest living out there?

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

My son has a 2001 M3. We got it a year ago, low miles, well cared for.
I was under it and saw the diff seals were leaking. Told him to call his indie and see what they wanted, I had the parts. Quote $300. Not bad at all. Then he took it to the dealer. They wanted $800 but also quoted leaking constant pressure valve and valve cover gasket. Total estimate $3100.
Yesterday we did the diff. Today we pulled all the shields to check on the others. Bone dry everywhere.

Is it that tough to make an honest living out there?

Some dealers will try to kill you. You are on the right path having an indie shop that can do the work for you. There's a reason why the old adage is never own a BMW out of warranty.

FWIW a long time ago I used to work at a high end dealer. A customer told me a story about a friend of his, older woman who owned a Cayenne. She had like 5k on it almost brand new. She took it to Porsche service to get an oil change. She walked out with an $8500 service bill for what the dealer said was "recommended services".

[Gladius]

I hate to ask which dealer...

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

Some dealers will try to kill you. You are on the right path having an indie shop that can do the work for you. There's a reason why the old adage is never own a BMW out of warranty.

FWIW a long time ago I used to work at a high end dealer. A customer told me a story about a friend of his, older woman who owned a Cayenne. She had like 5k on it almost brand new. She took it to Porsche service to get an oil change. She walked out with an $8500 service bill for what the dealer said was "recommended services".

What a scam. Shame on them for taking advantage of her.

[3rdcoast228i]

Yes most are like that. And they do it with a smile on their face.

The world is full of liers, cheaters, and scum bags.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i

The world is full of liers, cheaters, and scum bags.

This forum isn't for discussing politics!

[3rdcoast228i]

I think car dealers may be worse than politicians.

[chattanooga240]

Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i

I think car dealers may be worse than politicians.

They are.

Less than 5% of all car dealers operate upstanding businesses based on fair dealings.

At least 6% of politicians genuinely want to do a little good for others.

[3rdcoast228i]

[xantdieselx]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

What a scam. Shame on them for taking advantage of her.

You are absolutely correct. Same reason with I drive 40 minutes away for service when this dealership is literally 5 minutes from where we live. It amazes me they are still in business.

[CO_Steve]

Originally Posted by Gladius

I hate to ask which dealer...

It was the one in Loveland.

[B_Rice]

That sounds terrible. It really depends on what dealership you go to. My dealer is pretty honest.

[Lucky13]

Just traded my 2007 335i convertible this weekend because the cost of upkeep. Had 73,000 miles but indie just changed the oil and said valve cover gaskets were leaking and oil cooler gaskets were leaking. That was going to be another $1,300. Had just done coil packs, plugs and I finally realized a new car wouldn't cost more than the upkeep. Traded for a new Toyota Tacoma pickup, best resale there is so can't go wrong.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

My son has a 2001 M3. We got it a year ago, low miles, well cared for.
I was under it and saw the diff seals were leaking. Told him to call his indie and see what they wanted, I had the parts. Quote $300. Not bad at all. Then he took it to the dealer. They wanted $800 but also quoted leaking constant pressure valve and valve cover gasket. Total estimate $3100.
Yesterday we did the diff. Today we pulled all the shields to check on the others. Bone dry everywhere.

Is it that tough to make an honest living out there?

Find yourself a good independent servicer. Search for area recommendations and ratings first. I finally found one and I'm thrilled. Longevity is an excellent attribute. My servicer has been here since mid 1970's and is family owned. Pretty difficult to fake that.

[mike@x-ph.com]

I hate to generalize, im sure there are some that are honest. That being said you will find a lot of dishonest dealerships

[Maynard]

Definitely a good incentive to look into extending the warranty. I forget what 'simple stuff' like gaskets, alternators, or injectors/coil packs can cost for these. And FWIW, I just had a local high-end indie shop quote me 2 hours of install time for an aftermarket PCV oil separator install without batting an eye (and a $100 markup on the part), so indies aren't all cheaper.

[CO_Steve]

The diff job cost me $20 for two seals. I did buy a pint of the special BMW diff fluid think I didn't know how much had leaked out. Turned out it was full to the top so I didn't need any. People always ask why I still work on cars, it's for this reason.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

Find yourself a good independent servicer. Search for area recommendations and ratings first. I finally found one and I'm thrilled. Longevity is an excellent attribute. My servicer has been here since mid 1970's and is family owned. Pretty difficult to fake that.

Basically there are three types of successful auto service locations:
1.) Those that stay profitable by taking advantage of those who don't understand their cars. These rely chiefly on ignorant customers to stay viable.
2). Those that stay profitable by charging fairly for work, and for looking out for their customers' interests in owning a specific car. These rely chiefly on repeat customers to stay viable.
3). Those that specialize in major repairs on specific makes and models, and who learn how to 'read' customers, case by case, to determine how to sell services. These rely chiefly on communication skills to stay viable.

Most dealers fall under 1). Most indies fall under 3). Some indies and very few dealers fall under 2).

My parents, both of whom are totally clueless about vehicles, were lucky enough to happen upon a 2). and have relied on it for most repairs and maintenance since. I've established a relationship with an indie 3). with a recent tire change on my 2er, in hopes that it turns into a 2). because its been around for quite a while and specializes in my next make of car, which is on order. (Sorry: it's not a BMW).

We shall see. But every enthusiast should endeavor to seek out a 2)., no matter what make he or she has.

[yaymitch]

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

You are absolutely correct. Same reason with I drive 40 minutes away for service when this dealership is literally 5 minutes from where we live. It amazes me they are still in business.

Do the same thing.

[Pparana]

Dealers are always on the high end. They are more of parts changers than repair. I doubt they want to change a seal on a leaky diff if the diff itself may be contaminated or run low. Its just how they operate. I would not take anything to a dealer that was not warranty work.

Personally, I think most dealers would bleed you dry if given the opportunity. More of the sales side than anything.

[CO_Steve]

Viffermike, Interesting you mentioned tire changers. A couple years ago I got so fed up with tire store attitude that I bought the HF changer, balancer, and a top notch tire iron. Been doing my own ever since. It's not that hard with a little experience.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

Viffermike, Interesting you mentioned tire changers. A couple years ago I got so fed up with tire store attitude that I bought the HF changer, balancer, and a top notch tire iron. Been doing my own ever since. It's not that hard with a little experience.

Now THAT's dedication!

(Related aside: the indie did a good job with the tires, but not a flawless job. It left behind the adhesive from old wheel weights, for instance. The next time I use it, I'll be watching verrrry closely.)