Back on July 18, I posted that our 2008 BMW X5 4.8i returned from its first service with a clean bill of health. Well, all but that squeaky steering column and driver seat that was squealing against its tracks. Both of these issues required parts to be ordered. Parts, it turns out, that weren't very easy to get hold of. It was nearly a month later that got the call from BMW of Beverly Hills that the parts were in and ready to be installed.
Again I made the appointment online. As much as I liked doing this online the first time I thought I'd try this one by phone. No luck. I tried calling three times and only once was I connected to a person in service. She advised that I book the appointment online because her computer was down. (Thinking about that sentence too hard will turn anyone into a technophobe.) The online process was, again, painless and quick. Scheduling my appointment for the next day was no problem, though there was no quick-check box for "replace steering column." Broken headlight was the closest option given.
Our X5 was dropped off at 7:58 and same-day return was probable. I got antsy around 4:00. The car could be ready by 6:30 that evening, but it wasn't probable. He asked if the next morning was acceptable. It worked by us, though we would have appreciated some more warning.
The following morning the car was ready. All of the parts and labor were under warranty.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ 16,481 miles.
dougtheeng says:
01:10 PM, 09/ 2/08
I've had similar experiences trying to phone dealerships. I wish my BMW/MINI dealer had a separate service/parts department phone number.
jaeger1 says:
08:35 AM, 09/ 3/08
A MONTH to get replacement parts? You kidding me?
subytrojan says:
09:54 PM, 09/ 3/08
jaeger1, if none of BMW of North America's part distribution centers (PDCs) have the part (Ontario, CA, Jacksonville, FL, Mt. Olive, NJ, and I can't remember the others off the top of my head), it often takes awhile for the part to be shipped directly to the dealer from Dingolfing, Germany or for the PDCs to acquire stock from Germany for distribution to dealers. One month isn't bad compared to the other waits I've seen on parts the dealership I used to work for ordered from Germany.
Mike, tell the BMW service advisor to "VOR" the part(s) next time. Hehehe The "VOR" (vehicle off-road) is the urgent parts order that dealerships will place everyday.
subytrojan says:
09:55 PM, 09/ 3/08
^ j/k You don't *have* to tell them to rush order a part every time. Hehehe