BMW Dealership SCAM?

[@alvintobe5566]

Sometimes when you drop your car off at the dealership, they will call you to let you know about other problems. What if you would've had them to replace the expansion tank. It could've been a scam, or a mistake. Good thing you caught it. It also makes you think about how many times this has happened to other customers. You live and you learn. 😊

[@G20Storm]

but why are we okay with this? Why live and learn? Why not sue these damn dealerships? I'm about to post a video too on my expereience were they tried to scam me. This shouldn't be okay, and o well how many people have they scammed good thing I caught it. Something should be done to stop this madness.

[@markverre1]

The plastic of the expansion tank on my neighbor’s 325ci cracked severely, leaving them stranded in the mountain city of Idyllwild, requiring them to have to tow their vehicle to down to Palm Desert, CA. While an owner could certainly replace the tank themselves, perhaps the dealerships are aware that aging plastics subject to high temperatures fail. Good practice to pop the hood, as even a non-mechanic may spot leaks or yellowed, brittle components.

[@stymiesnerdly771]

How dare you question the almighty BMW stealership? Good on you for due diligence & checking it yourself. I can’t say for sure that it was intentional on their part, but certainly suspect. I found a solid independent shop that specializes in German cars, and I’ve been much happier.

[@pjay1233]

You said it first bro! Due diligence! Can't judge the tech...pursue, BUT checking and seeing for yourself? 🙌

[@tigim101]

I sometimes think google reviews are petty but Im kinda leaning towards leave one. Maybe not a one star, but something that will perhaps make them think twice. Gotta hold folks accountable somehow. Everyone watching your channel is probably a DIY enthusiast but your regular joe could have lost $500 on literally NOTHING. Most non-enthusiast folks that drive older cars do so out of necessity and $500 would be a big hit.

[@Dlawman69]

It’s common problem on the E46, but techs get paid commission on the recommended work. I doubt it’s the dealer overall, likely a tech trying to make extra $. Also, do pressure check to be certain.

[@I.Odnamra]

Personally, I would have never gone to them in the first place. My AC has been out for 4 years. Probably the compressor. Who knows? But I just drive with no AC in the Texas summer. Fk it 😅

[@HansGarage]

Lololol you're nuts. I love it. Nah I need my ac man. And ac is working perfectly fine.

[@I.Odnamra]

@@HansGarage hey, man, thats less stress on the engine and VANOS! Thats got to be at least +1.5 HP. I will suffer for my baby if thats what she wants.

[@teohsoonkeat3058]

It is very common in some bmw workshops

[@markperez6195]

Hard to tell but on such a procedure they will check the coolant level so the tech had to remove the radiator cap to verify. Maybe he simply forgot. I’d speak to a manager at the dealership personally, tell him what happened and show the video and explain what you discovered / did when you inspected the expansion tank / cap. BTW, how much did they bill you for the A/C repair? Curious to know.

[@HansGarage]

280

[@DCPEvo]

Impossible to know whether it was a scam or sloppy work. Either way, not good and a place to avoid.

[@softwareexpert801]

I had a distressing experience with BMW of Indianapolis (South) where I believe I was ripped off for $6600 on engine and belt work. Despite the repairs, I am still encountering various engine warning signs, including reduced engine functionality. The work was supposedly covered by a two-year warranty, but when I approached the manager and worker, they refused to address the issues and told me not to come back. I suspect that this may be a scam to generate commissions for the salesperson and manager. Over the past two years, I have spent over $17,000 on engine-related work for my BMW X5. I am deeply frustrated and concerned about the situation. I am eager to know how I can get my car properly fixed by BMW and hold them accountable for their actions. Are there any authorities or organizations I should contact to report such a significant scam? Note: In this rewritten response, the original content has been retained, but the tone and language have been modified to maintain a professional and constructive approach. It is essential to address concerns responsibly and avoid making unsubstantiated accusations.

[@David24476]

I’m in a similar situation. I have my BMW at the dealership here in Mississippi. They quoted me $7000 for a belt work, but after almost 2 weeks they haven’t started any work on the car. I don’t know if I should pick it up and take it somewhere else. Any advice would be appreciated

[@bartekkawalec5012]

That’s exactly what happens. I was quoted $4300 by BMW Service Department for valve cover gasket leaking onto exhaust and one caster bush that was supposed to be loose and leaking oil. This turned out to be a complete bs. I examined my car thoroughly and went to a random mechanic, who confirmed my suspicion. Be careful my friends. Greetings from Sydney!

[@aniwenger2491]

very true u don’t do your independent serch to inform yourself u end up paying $$$$ this actualy happened to me . apparently my engine blew up . they were going to charge me $22k to fix it I did 4 days worth of research and got them to do it for 12k for brand new engine . 0 miles please do your research it will pay off .

[@lloydybenoit6766]

Only fools take their vehicles to the dealers. I' ve worked for 2 different dealerships. They r scammers

[@pianothatilove]

In this case, go to the dealership again and ask to show your car to the individual who 'found' the initial leak together with his manager. If this was an intended way to deceive then shame on them. Nasty and long review to fallow I guess

[@mordecaibenisrael4685]

Just state the facts.

[@samstarox]

Dealerships = stealerships At least get a second opinion. Go to independent garage?

[@tigim101]

there is no second opinion, cap was loose and leak stopped.

[@rmoore6471]

Here is my advise. Invest into tools and start learning how to service your own vehicle.. The stealerships will always milk consumers when they feel a car owner doesn't know shit.. They knew the cap wasn't tight, all they would have done is take your vehicle, clean up the excess coolant, tighten the cap, take your money, and send you on your way.. No one is no wiser.. Glad you made the right choice and found the problem on your own. Lessons learned.

[@benconover72]

Take it to Germany, or fix it yourself. I'm surprised though, BMW tsk tsk. Actually live in Ireland myself and doubt very much whether the mechanics here have been trained to 'German standards'. Eat less pizza.

[@jakelish]

Tell them your a famous youtuber and your going to expose them

[@HansGarage]

Lolol