Picked my car up from the body shop after some "refinishing"

m5rosemont83 · 17th October 2011, 18:24

Had some wind noise coming from the rear door and powehr folding mirror issues so they tell me drop my car off to finish.
Picked up my car and the mirror issue was resolved.
Replaced a seal on the rear door and this helped but there is still some wind noise that needs to be taken care of.

However, THEY COMPLETELY TOASTED MY FREAKIN' CLUTCH!
I was properly pissed when I got in my car and noticed from 2nd through 6th if I try to accelerate at anything other than turtle pace my car will just rev and not go too much faster.
Bastards. Called them and they denied doing anything that would harm my clutch and they "barely" drove it.
Its been driven 24 miles since drop off. Apparently they had to take it to "BMW" which is 4 miles away at most.
Very very pissed about this but luckily I have a new clutch and flywheel laying around in my room that's going in on Thursday.
Don't even want to take it back to fix the wind noise issue as I am pretty pissed.
Not sure what I should do here..
Sue? Way too much work and not worth it plus there's no proof as he can just say it was like that before.
Say eff it and do nothing?
Talk to bureau of automotive repair?
Yelp review?
Run a semi into their building?

Strike · 17th October 2011, 18:28

Wow that really sucks. Can't the dealer read the DME to see some vehicle info on the past 24 miles showing rpms and wheel speed to prove they were doing clutch dumps?

Beemer Guy · 17th October 2011, 19:19

That does suck. I'd go back and talk to the owner of the shop - try to stay calm - and just point out that someone took it for a joy ride for 24 miles and you'd like for him to pay for a new clutch and pressure plate. If he refuses, feel free to threaten with BBB, lawyers, Google, Yelp, your cousin Guido, etc.

Best of luck.

M

Strike · 17th October 2011, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beemer Guy

your cousin Guido, etc.

lol

Tiauguinho · 17th October 2011, 19:35

And this sort of thing is why I like Intravee II... It stores a log of the trips the car does: highest speed, highest rpm, etc.

m5rosemont83 · 17th October 2011, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strike

Wow that really sucks. Can't the dealer read the DME to see some vehicle info on the past 24 miles showing rpms and wheel speed to prove they were doing clutch dumps?

Nope. Went to niello bmw sacramento and asked.
Saw a jet black 02 M5 from texas with very dark windows and had texas plates being dropped off for inspection

m5rosemont83 · 17th October 2011, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiauguinho

And this sort of thing is why I like Intravee II... It stores a log of the trips the car does: highest speed, highest rpm, etc.

You lose the radio though?

ard · 17th October 2011, 19:39

I do not allow anyone to drive my car off their property. If they need to drive it they call me. BMW dealer, Porsche Dealer, Body Shops, etc. Written on the work order, in big letters.....

Did you know that if the shop wrecks your car YOUR INSURANCE IS LIABLE???

Sorry to hear, they will most likely not own up to it.

Was insurance involved? Get them wrapped into the quality issue/wind noise/etc... they can have one of their inspectors look at it again, keep pressure on the shop...they may even pressure them about the excess mileage/joyriding.

A

PS who was it? PM if you dont wanna say here...

master345 · 17th October 2011, 19:51

File a Small Claims suit and keep a dialogue with them. When they receive the small claims notice, they will know you are serious.

The mileage is key. Can you prove they drove the car 24 unnecessary miles? Or did you just guess that. Did they write down the mileage when you brought it in? Did the shop know it had indeed been driven 24 miles? If you can not prove the 24 mile usage, I think you're sunk. But if you can, then a judge will ask the shop why they had driven so far for a little problem.

m5rosemont83 · 17th October 2011, 19:54

Someone elses insurance was involved about 3 months ago.
Pretty sure they're out of the picture.

Its JC automotive refinishing in Elk Grove CA.
Its off of Dino dr near waterman.
Guys.. NEVER EVER EVER go there.