Daily sports car?

[Relax]

It's pretty normal to be quoted a diagnostic fee while under warranty, it serves a few purposes. Main one is if the issue is not warrantable for whatever reason. If the diag fee was not quoted, the shop would not be able to come back to you and ask you to pay because of the Consumer Protection Act. They still have to pay their tech for his time and end up eating it internally. Of course if the issue is under warranty, that takes care of the diag time and everyone is happy.

As for the brand discussion. Each dealership (Mercedes has some corporate owned) is effectively an independent entity from the manufacturer. Your positive or negative experience at one dealer should not greatly reflect your perception on the brand as a whole. There are good and bad dealerships amongst all brands, and the quality of their service can change very quickly depending on staffing.

I've never been charged a diagnostic fee when bringing a car in for a problem while still under the original warranty, even if it turned out to be not covered. Our newest car is a 2019 VW, so clearly not all brands do, unless the dealerships are being inconsistent (which they shouldn't be).

I do agree that there is a huge discrepancy in the quality of different dealers for the same brand.

 

[regder]

I've never been charged a diagnostic fee when bringing a car in for a problem while still under the original warranty, even if it turned out to be not covered. Our newest car is a 2019 VW, so clearly not all brands do, unless the dealerships are being inconsistent (which they shouldn't be).

I do agree that there is a huge discrepancy in the quality of different dealers for the same brand.

There is a lot of variability here. Most shops won't charge a diag fee if they only looked at the issue for a few minutes or drove it around the block. Even if the diag fee is quoted, doesn't mean they will charge it.

End of the day it is up to the individual dealer how they choose to go about this. Even within the same dealer there will very likely be inconsistency. A longtime customer that bought the vehicle and does their service there is likely to get a different response to a new customer that starts off with "my mechanic (second cousin's dog walker's uncle that used to work on boats) says..."

 

[Relax]

There is a lot of variability here. Most shops won't charge a diag fee if they only looked at the issue for a few minutes or drove it around the block. Even if the diag fee is quoted, doesn't mean they will charge it.

End of the day it is up to the individual dealer how they choose to go about this. Even within the same dealer there will very likely be inconsistency. A longtime customer that bought the vehicle and does their service there is likely to get a different response to a new customer that starts off with "my mechanic (second cousin's dog walker's uncle that used to work on boats) says..."

Not to argue, but again from my experience, it's never been quoted or mentioned unless I was on extended warranty. That said, I'm very careful who I take my vehicles to warranty work, and research to make sure they don't pull any of this crap. So maybe some do, I just haven't been to one of them.

Dealership loyalty hasn't meant much for me either, at least not with Ideal Honda. I bought a new 2001 Odyssey and had all the services done there. Near the end of my warranty, I had some of the telltale warning signs of an imminent transmission failure, but they weren't able to find any problem. By the time it eventually did fail, I was past warranty by mileage but not time. They told me I needed a new transmission for $2000 and said they asked Honda Canada for good will but it was denied. I decided to check with Parkway Honda which was on the way to work, and they said no problem, even though I had never stepped foot in their dealership before.

 

[GreyGhost]

As for the brand discussion. Each dealership (Mercedes has some corporate owned) is effectively an independent entity from the manufacturer. Your positive or negative experience at one dealer should not greatly reflect your perception on the brand as a whole. There are good and bad dealerships amongst all brands, and the quality of their service can change very quickly depending on staffing.

While true, as a brand, they need to stand up for their consumers. If you complain to the mothership about a dealer that sucks, the brand needs to kick that dealers ass as the "independent entity" is hurting the reputation of the mothership.

 

[otwo_91]

Jeez, don’t tell me this....I just bought a Nissan Frontier!

Frontier is a beautiful truck. What color?

Congratulations btw! I had a negative experience with one dealership, the brand is still exceptional.

 

[Katatonic]

Frontier is a beautiful truck. What color?

Congratulations btw! I had a negative experience with one dealership, the brand is still exceptional.

 

[regder]

Not to argue, but again from my experience, it's never been quoted or mentioned unless I was on extended warranty. That said, I'm very careful who I take my vehicles to warranty work, and research to make sure they don't pull any of this crap. So maybe some do, I just haven't been to one of them.

Dealership loyalty hasn't meant much for me either, at least not with Ideal Honda. I bought a new 2001 Odyssey and had all the services done there. Near the end of my warranty, I had some of the telltale warning signs of an imminent transmission failure, but they weren't able to find any problem. By the time it eventually did fail, I was past warranty by mileage but not time. They told me I needed a new transmission for $2000 and said they asked Honda Canada for good will but it was denied. I decided to check with Parkway Honda which was on the way to work, and they said no problem, even though I had never stepped foot in their dealership before.

This is where good management comes into play. Can't remember the exact timeframe, but those Odyssey's had a warranty extension on the transmission. Could be that Ideal didn't know about the extension, or you brought it in before the extension was released, and Parkway saw it after the extension was released. I worked at a Honda store around that time, we saw so many of those Odyssey's for transmissions, most of the time we would just go ahead and order one the second a customer mentioned a transmission issue. They paid really well too, about 10-11 labour hours, a quick tech could knock one out in half a day.

While true, as a brand, they need to stand up for their consumers. If you complain to the mothership about a dealer that sucks, the brand needs to kick that dealers ass as the "independent entity" is hurting the reputation of the mothership.

There are certain financial and other incentives for dealers to operate within guidelines and performance standards that the manufacturer sets out. If the dealer refuses, only other option is to yank the dealer franchise license which is an extreme step that very rarely happens. Note that sometimes it's the manufacturer standing in the way of the dealers doing the right thing to assist customers.

 

[Relax]

This is where good management comes into play. Can't remember the exact timeframe, but those Odyssey's had a warranty extension on the transmission. Could be that Ideal didn't know about the extension, or you brought it in before the extension was released, and Parkway saw it after the extension was released. I worked at a Honda store around that time, we saw so many of those Odyssey's for transmissions, most of the time we would just go ahead and order one the second a customer mentioned a transmission issue. They paid really well too, about 10-11 labour hours, a quick tech could knock one out in half a day.

Nope, this was long after the extension to 180,000 kms. I was at around 190,000 give or take.

 

[regder]

Nope, this was long after the extension to 180,000 kms. I was at around 190,000 give or take.

Ohhh, that's a different story then. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I don't remember Honda offering any goodwill after expiration of the extension. I suspect Parkway may have made an expensive mistake.

 

[Relax]

Ohhh, that's a different story then. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I don't remember Honda offering any goodwill after expiration of the extension. I suspect Parkway may have made an expensive mistake.

I was really hoping not to drag out all of the nitty gritty details, but don't forget there was also a class action for the speedometer reading high, resulting in overstated odometer readings. At 10%, I was clearly within the 180,000km mileage limit for the transmission warranty. I'm not sure why you find this case so hard to believe. If I told you this happened to my Maserati, I'll bet you wouldn't have said a word.

 

[-JERICHO-]

I love the E46 M3. Not a picture of my car, but looks almost identical.

 

[SVeezy]

I love the E46 M3. Not a picture of my car, but looks almost identical.

The E46 is a lovely machine but without looking I suspect it’s going to be difficult to find one that isn’t too beat up for a reasonable price.


Sent from my iPhone using GTAMotorcycle.com mobile app

 

[42Seb]

Just picked up one of these today; 2016 435i. Went with the ZF 8 speed, wow does it fly! Loads of fun. Best part by far is the comfort/sport setting.
Comfort makes the suspension way softer, steering softer, exhaust quiet, shift points and shift speed much more relaxed.
Sport is full on sports car, loud, fast, fun! Best of both worlds. Would highly recommend. And being a 2016, the bulk of the depreciation is done!
Love the color and 360cam. So much cool **** that my old car didn't have. Got a few mods planned but planning to bring it to around 400 WHP

 

[GreyGhost]

Just picked up one of these today; 2016 435i. Went with the ZF 8 speed, wow does it fly! Loads of fun. Best part by far is the comfort/sport setting.
Comfort makes the suspension way softer, steering softer, exhaust quiet, shift points and shift speed much more relaxed.
Sport is full on sports car, loud, fast, fun! Best of both worlds. Would highly recommend. And being a 2016, the bulk of the depreciation is done!
Love the color and 360cam. So much cool **** that my old car didn't have. Got a few mods planned but planning to bring it to around 400 WHP

Nice car. Congrats. I see you already have BMW parking figured out too What did it replace?

 

[42Seb]

Nice car. Congrats. I see you already have BMW parking figured out too What did it replace?

You bet; took some practice but I'm getting there. Already ripped out the turn signal stock too as part of my initiation
It will be replacing a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 which is currently up for sale. Was a fantastic car and I will likely regret selling it but I'm not at a point where I can afford to keep 2 "similar" cars. I think the Mazda 3 is faster than the BMW as it is right now; Mazda was about 300HP however considerably lighter and FWD=less drivetrain power loss. Undoubtedly off the line the BMW would have it since the ZF8 speed is miles ahead of a manual but a 3rd/4th gear pull... I think the Mazda will take it.
Once I get the BMW tuned, not so much. Will likely be around the same speed as a stock M4 once it's done. Should be quick enough to keep me happy for some time

 

[Deleted member 50930]

^^
Send me pictures of you towing the trailer with the BMW

 

[mimico_polak]

Nice car @Sebi ! I came so close to buying a 2016 235 but the sales guy and manager were such asshats I walked away.

 

[Evoex]

Just picked up one of these today; 2016 435i. Went with the ZF 8 speed, wow does it fly! Loads of fun. Best part by far is the comfort/sport setting.
Comfort makes the suspension way softer, steering softer, exhaust quiet, shift points and shift speed much more relaxed.
Sport is full on sports car, loud, fast, fun! Best of both worlds. Would highly recommend. And being a 2016, the bulk of the depreciation is done!
Love the color and 360cam. So much cool **** that my old car didn't have. Got a few mods planned but planning to bring it to around 400 WHP

Shoulda got the 440!

welcome to the club.

 

[BB722]

Just picked up one of these today; 2016 435i. Went with the ZF 8 speed, wow does it fly! Loads of fun. Best part by far is the comfort/sport setting.
Comfort makes the suspension way softer, steering softer, exhaust quiet, shift points and shift speed much more relaxed.
Sport is full on sports car, loud, fast, fun! Best of both worlds. Would highly recommend. And being a 2016, the bulk of the depreciation is done!
Love the color and 360cam. So much cool **** that my old car didn't have. Got a few mods planned but planning to bring it to around 400 WHP

these things feel so much more powerful than the claimed power figures would make you think

 

[42Seb]

I just ordered the trailer hitch tonight; they actually make a class II for it which is rated at 3500lbs. Sweet.

The Mazda pulled the trailer beautifully all last year. BMW should be even better, larger motor, wider stance, better aero and heavier. I was a bit worried about the transmission being auto on the bmw, but the ZF is supposedly quite reliable. From a enjoyment perspective, I do not regret the ZF one bit. I was skeptical at first but the control with the paddles is fantastic as is the sound, acceleration and day-to-day convenience.

Nice car @Sebi ! I came so close to buying a 2016 235 but the sales guy and manager were such asshats I walked away.

I purchased private and am glad I did. I don't like dealing with dealerships.

Shoulda got the 440!

I was considering it since the B58 is quite nice (I believe its a closed deck design?) but they were about 10-15k more than what I paid for the 435. The 435 being older also has a slightly more developed/reasonably priced aftermarket parts.

(This picture is cheating a bit due to the wide lense; but still looks pretty ridiculous!)