Halliwell jones are of the opinion that 10 cars are enough for the service department. To have any chance of getting one you need to book 4-5 weeks in advance. To just book in for a service it is usually over 3 weeks.When asking for car, I was told that they do not give them out for standard services but people wait at the dealership. When I turned up I was told I would have to wait 5 and half hours!!! Now that is arogant beyond belief - who can spend that much time in a dealership out of town.
Secondly I recent had a leaking turbo which needed replacing. I had it picked up and was phoned later that day to say it would be ready the next day (Friday) at 4pm and they would return it to me. At 3pm they phoned to tell me it may not be ready. I asked them to get it done as I have no other transport. About 1/2 later they phoned to say they were uanble to do it and they would not offer me a hire car. They had not even started the work! They told me they had "operational difficulties", which I took as they book in too much work. BMW UK would not hire me a car as the dealership had the parts in stock and there was enough time to finish the job. So I had a 2nd evening without transport. When I eventually picked it up 12.10pm on the saturday (after a call to say it was ready) it took them 25minutes to move it from the workshop to the front.
This dealership is a shame, I now have the prospect of travelling an extra 15 miles to Liverpool.
I am not the only one who has sat there waiting, everytime I have been in their someone else has been complaining about having to wait over estimated times.
UPDATE: At 38,000 miles they told me I needed new brake pads as they were near to the sensor. As they were so poor I decided not to let them do the work. It is not a surprise I am now over 43,000 and still no light on. Therefore I can conclude the following:
1. They lie to get extra service revenue?
2. They use mechanics who dont know what they are doing?
Either way, I cannot trust this dealership.
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I know the feeling of poor time estimates and ill manners and a quote by someone who hasn't a clue..good review..
raquel25 27.10.2004 15:16
I have just travelled home to Chester from London to purposely buy my BMW from them, I dealt with a chap called Howard who spent over 2 hours with me and at no time pressured me into the sale.
he explained the car spec over and over again with me and the money side of things, including the service of the car.
I found their sales team extremely helpful and ended up getting a £18'500.00 car bran new for £15000.00, they were very open to negoiation and advising you with regards to finance.
My flat mate in London has a Mini Cooper S off them and travelled home to Chester for the car to be serviced with them as he feels they offer the best service in the country!
You must of had a unlucky day there
Advantages: Fair price, electric roof, leather interior, CD player and, of course 'blindingly rapid'. Disadvantages: Quite expensive parts, can tend to guzzle petrol depending on the speed.
tom13 03.05.2001 ·
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