Weird BMW Service Experience. Reset Steering Wheel Sensor

[CoronaM6]

I took my M6 which is still under warranty to the dealer today because it is pulling hard to the right. When I dropped it off the service rep said it is probably an alignment issue which is not covered under warranty so he put $146 on my credit card just in case it was the alignment.

I just got a call saying that it is my alignment which will cost $199. He said since I lowered the car with Eibach Spring that after the alignment they will need to reset the steering wheel angle sensor and he will have the $146 go towards that. So the total will be $345. (I lowered the car a few months ago and never had a problem, I never got a warning about the steering wheel angle)

I am not worried about the price it just sounds kind of fishy. Last time I was low on oil and they told me they only cover top offs when you purchase the car from their dealership.

What are your guys thought on this?

[tmiked]

Sounds like typical Stealership BS.

[SlammedM6]

he is right about getting an alignment after you lower the car. Nothing wrong with that.

But why did it go from $146 to $345? Thats not right

[David Ajax III]

Originally Posted by SlammedM6

he is right about getting an alignment after you lower the car. Nothing wrong with that.

But why did it go from $146 to $345? Thats not right

That's because otherwise they do not quality to be called a stealership. Generally for small repairs, I go by this formula:

(fair price x 2) + $200 = stealership price

[gkinvest]

Originally Posted by David Ajax III

That's because otherwise they do not qualify to be called a stealership. Generally for small repairs, I go by this formula:

(fair price x 2) + $200 = stealership price

Ten months ago the clutch decided it was time to retire.

Enquiry to the stealer ( good old friend for 20 years, has sold me 5 Bmw's and one Porsche Gemballa - he is the Gemballa stealer in Greece also ).

3800 Euros + 500 Euros for installation ( including the flywheel ).

Besides being a customer I am also their financial advisor.

Question : " John ( the owner of the stealership ) is this REALLY your best price" ???

Answer : "Ofcourse, I do not earn a penny from the clutch. I am giving it to you at cost".

BULLSHIT. I call a friend at Athens BMW headquarters for Greece. He is obliged to me, so I can get some "confidential info".

"Pavlo ( Paul ), how much do you charge ( wholesale price ) for the clutch + flywheel" ?

"2485 Euros INCLUDING tax"

THANK YOU.

Back to John. I am offering you 2600 for parts and 350 for labor.

John : " ARE YOU NUTS ??? YOU ARE STEALING ME ( AHAHAHAHAHA ) "

Result : Job done with 3000 Euros in total, including oil change for the gearbox.

End of story.

George.

P.S. Want stories about stealers ? I can write a book.

[David Ajax III]

George, you and I have the same negotiating technique. The giveaway is whenever a stealer tells you he is not making a penny on the deal, he is literally telling the truth for a change.