2003 BMW X5

MAXIBOR

MEMBER
2003 BMW X5
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
113,000 MILES

The dealer wants to charge me 6 hr rate for diagnostic of a starting problem on my 2003 X5. What would be the appropriate time for this kind of diagnostic? Thank you.

Friday, October 16th, 2009 AT 11:13 AM

3 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Let me be sure you are asking the correct question and that I am giving you the response that has your BMW being fixed right, on time, the first time, every time. (Sounds like a chant, doesn't it?) Well, so much for making fun of BMW. The dealer wants you to pay for 6 hours of diagnostic time, is that correct? What is the original complaint? Is their quote on paper, or did they call you for this approval? What do they intend to do with this 6 hour block of time? A typical diagnosis would usually be no more than one hour for a driveability issue. If more time than that is needed, they should have a mighty good explanation. I want to hear the reason why 6 hours is needed.

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Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 10:35 AM

MAXIBOR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well, they been even worse than I suspected! They told me that it took technician 5 hours to find out that the starter fuse is blown, they reinstall it and it gets blown again. So they suspect the miswiring in the starter (i had the starter replaced just before that), so they find a problem that the starter heat shield was not installed correctly that causes short circuit and blowing the fuse. Then they fixed it, installed new fuse and gave me the bill for almost $800 - 7.5 hours (!) Of labor plus supplies. I told them that i'm not going to pay that, so they cut the bill to $500 - still waaay to much. I had no choise but pay it (been almost 2 weeks with no car). Drove it home last night, this morning it's all over again - DOES NOT START! Can wait till Monday to give them hell and make them fix it this time. Do you think it is bad enough for the lawsuit?

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Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 7:01 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Well, I resist going to the extreme of a lawsuit, but I would keep that as a bargaining chip. Having said that, did you authorize this block of time? How much time did you give them to find the problem? You had to sign for this time, is that correct? I would tow it back to them(on their nickel, not yours) and have your attorneys business card in hand. Speak directly to the service manager and be nice, I know it is difficult, do not let emotion into the conversation, marshal your paperwork and be ready to pay that retainer for the legal fees. Let me know how it goes mate, and I would be interested to know what dealer you are talking about. An ombudsman would be a good thing to have here.

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Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 11:08 PM