BMW: Center BMW Still Has No ETA

The final part to complete the work on my car was supposed to have shipped on September 27 with the refrain "eitgh-to-ten days from Germany" attached - and the dealer still does not have any word from the manufacturer even though the part is now five days overdue.

I put in a terse call to the Service Rep at Center BMW this morning, and he said that the part has still not arrived, still has no ETA, but he said he'd call the parts rep and find out what the latest is.  When I hadn't heard back from him in two hours I called and left a message for the Service Manager, Chris.  I got a voicemail back from him within the hour in which, while very friendly and professional, he stated that both he and my Service Rep have been trying to get some kind of word on where this part is - but even his own phone calls and emails to the manufacturer have turned up so answer whatsoever.  His hands are tied, and he has no idea what's going on.

Yet another step in this absolutey incompetent process, which is now, as far as I'm concerned, criminally negligent.  I've spent more than $800 in car rental in the time my car has been at Center BMW, and still no one can tell me what's going on.

Personal Musing: Smoke Free... ?

I've noticed recently from Airports to Amusement Parks that there seem to be, at many locations, entities that pronounce themselves to be "Smoke Free"... except in designated areas.

Intercom announcements, posted signs and posters, and Magic Mountain even has all the employees wearing buttons that make this announcement:

"Magic Mountain is a SMOKE FREE park!  Smoke only in designated areas."

LAX even has a sign that says that LAX is a Smoke Free airport only feet from another sign directing you to the smoking area.

Anyone but me see a problem with this language?

BMW: Center BMW Still Doesn't Have The Part

Spoke with Mary at Best Car this morning, and as of today, after promising 8-10 days for shipping from Germany we are now on day 13 and there is no word on the part, yet.  Mary tried to find out what was going on, but Center BMW gave her the story that it takes time for parts to clear customs, et cetera.  Not their fault.  Not their problem.

Day 136 and counting.

BMW: 135 Days And Counting

That's right folks, 135 days and no new ETA for my car.  Ten business days from when the (hopefully) final part was shipped from Germany was last Friday Oct 8, and returning from my trip today there is still no word from Center BMW.

On the semi-bright side I did receive a message from Stefan at BMW USA on Monday to let me know that the higher-ups have received my information and they are still in consideration for some kind of compensation, though Stefan did mention that it is very rare that anything comes of a situation like this.  I really do appreciate his perseverance, though, and the unprompted phone call on Monday to update me on my status was definitely a step in the right direction on the customer service front.

This Blog now has 305 unique hits, and 19 followers - so thank you to everyone that has joined and viewed my Blog.  I very much appreciate your intention and let's keep it going!  A Laurel and Hardy hand-shake to you all!

Thanks for reading.

BMW: More Disconnect from BMW...

Got a hilarious email from Pacific BMW today, that's the place where I leased the Z4. Oh yes, Steve, I have been enjoying my Z4 so very, very much...  I just paid $640 to re-register the car I haven't seen in 4+ months.  I'm well aware of just how much time has passed...  thanks.

Pacific BMW
800 S. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 246-5600

Time Flies!

Especially when you're having fun!
Congratulations JOSHUA! We'd like to take the opportunity to recognize the 1 year purchase anniversary of your BMW. We appreciate your loyalty to our dealership and hope you are still enjoying your vehicle has much as you did the day you purchased it. Please let us know if we can assist with anything at this time. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

15% OFF

Lifestyle Accessories In Parts Boutique

To show our appreciation, bring in this Owner Loyalty Certificate to use on your next vehicle purchase.

No Cash Value. Only one per customer. Expires in 30 days.

Sincerely,
Steve Lindstrom
General Manager

TED Talks - This is Broken

This is an absolutely amazing video from the popular TED Talks. This is exactly what I'm talking about. It's long, but worth watching. We are not alone!

Seth Godin at Gel 2006 from Gel Conference on Vimeo.

Arclight: Still Waiting

I've sent in several emails to Arclight since the last update, and I've been turned over by Jeremy to a manager named Donny.  Donny and I have been playing phone tag, but in his last message he said he'd be happy to turn the conversation over to email as it seems to have been difficult to get us both on the phone.  I sent an email yesterday and I'm waiting to hear back.

An update on Arclight, however, is that since I sent in my letter Customer Service at the Arclight has actually improved dramatically.  I have no idea if it was my letter or a collection of complaints that caused them to shift their attitude, but I've been there quite a number of times since this issue began and everyone has been pleasant and helpful.

Overall, Arclight has made reasonable attempts to contact me, and I feel like their response has been acceptable thus far.

We will see what happens when I finally talk with Donny.