[Marysmin1]

Yesterday I took smiler into the dealer's service dept to get a couple of things looked at. I was a bit annoyed at the way I was dealt with and wondered if anyone has felt the same. They firstly queried that my problems were genuine and then were a bit uppety when I asked them about a few things. It seemed different though when a man with a Big BMW came in to get something done. I feel that the mini is a expensive car and all customers should be treated the same. What is your experience, have I just been unlucky and got someone on an off day??

[beken]

Where I am, MINI is a separate dealership than BMW. However, I have word that BMW Canada is trying to put the MINI dealerships inside BMW dealerships. It sounds like a cost savings move. The separate MINI dealerships are owned by the same folks that own the BMW dealerships.

Frequently, I find one of the MINI dealerships servicing BMWs. Not so much the other way around.

Incidently, one of the MINI dealerships in my area is being forced to move because they are located on one of the properties where building for 2010 Olympics Venues is supposed to start next year. It'll be interesting....

[Gr1zzLy]

Ahh.. a topic that's touch a nerve of most MINI owners. You're not the only one who's experienced the snobby attitudes BMW dealerships have towards MINI owners. One of the guys I know on this forum has the full JCW kit and other mods (all BMW backed) that is in the price range and even exceeding some of the new BMWs. But he still gets crappy service from some dealers, just because he doesn't own a BMW.

It probably has to do with the fact that in their eyes "BMW" (the marquee brand) is the competitor to Audi and Mercedes, and so takes a higher priority than the subsidairy brands, even if those brands make the parent co. a heck of alot of money.

[Gr1zzLy]

Sorry... just to add to my previous post.... the problem is that there's a majority of dealerships in Sydney that give us lousy service coz we don't own BMW's there's not much choice.. however having said that... whichever dealer gives me the best service is the one I'll go to.

I have been fortunate enough to find a good dealership that have been pleasant to deal with, the only problem is, is that they're in another city. But because of their great service, I've bought so many parts off them, and I'll continue to do so, until I find one that matches their service in Sydney. Come servicing time however... I might have to bite the bullet..

[Marysmin1]

This has been the only area of ownership for me so far that has let me down. It took me by surprise.

[Mini Moo]

It's interesting, I experienced the very opposite last week from my local dealer.

I bought some genuine mirror caps off ebay - had a go at fitting them myself and was worried I'd break something. So I rang up the dealer and asked if someone could pop them on for me. (expected a bill of about £15 - 20) but as I'd bought them at a snip on ebay I would still have been quids in.

Anyway, arrived at the dealer's and there was this pompous ar$e, tearing a strip off the service Manager because he'd been told that his BMW wouldn't be ready for another 15 minutes. . . I waited in line and when it was my turn I explained that I'd rang and had been told to pop down to get the caps put on. . . He said "one minute", grabbed a screwdriver, came out to my car with me, popped the old ones off and banged on the new ones - 2 mins max - I said !"how much do I owe you?" to which he replied, "Nothing, I only wish all of our customers were Mini drivers!"!!!!

Now it was probably due to the angry 'suit' but nonetheless I was well chuffed!

MM

[mitchgixer6]

Just out of interest, which dealer was giving you the bad attitiude? Just curious as I too am in Scotland.

[L14MWY]

my dealer used to be inside bmw.. and they were right *******s and hardwork at times. exactly the point you said.. ill be stood there and some guy with a 7 series would wander in and theyd be all over him like a rash.. but since they changed it to a seperate mini garage... it has improved alot and teh peopel tehre are really friendly

[mendel williams]

Service Dept are BMW owner Ars* Lickers Mini is defo the poor relations

[morrisminiminor]

Tend to agree. First time I went in to get work done I waited over an hour and would have been waiting longer had I not gone into the sales people and asked them why I was being ignored. While I was waiting, lots of BMW people rushing around looking busy but not doing much. One previous BMW owner in with jeans and metal studs on pockets lounging over a car in the showroom blah blah blah. No intention of buying. Could have kept a windmill going. Don't think I could be a car salesman. First thing I'd have said was 'Get your fat oooo off that car. It's for sale, It's not a couch. Absolutely no respect for other people's property.
You all know how poor Rover is supposed to be compared with luxury makes like BMW, how the cars are crap, always were crap and now strangely enough, Rover no more. Give me a Rover dealership every time. I've had more trouble with the MINI than any Rover I've had. Don't blame the car. The service people don't seem to be up to it. My experience to date.

morrisminiminor

[Old Hippie]

Well, let me tell you how I'm treated here in the States. My local MINI dealer is on the same lot as the BMW dealer, but, they are housed in a seperate building. When I take Tweety in, I am treated with the utmost courtesy and respect..@ MINI of Nashville, Tennessee. Guess you could call it southern hospitality. My MA and technicians are the great, they'll answer any question, let me go back and talk to the technicians, anything within reason.
MoN does whatever is needed!!!!!!!!!!

[SteveM3]

I've never been left to think the Mini is a poor relation. When I went in to Woods in
Salisbury the Mini salesman was busy so one of the BMW guys came over and
helped me. Eventually sold me the car after going over the options and after a trade
in price was agreed. Very nice chap. Since then I've been to Woods and Lovett's in
Swindon for parts, when will I stop buying new toys , and servicing and been
treated indentically to BMW owners.

[DMR]

I have no problems in this area of ownership. But at the same time I spend a lot of time popping in and out, and I have been a customer of theirs for 4 years now, so know them quite well. I think if you have a good attitude with them, then you get the same back.

I also want to mention that I used to own a 1985 M635 csi, and I used the dealer network for servicing. I used to feel that I didn't matter as much as a customer who owned a newer car. But this was at a different dealer than I used now.

[Annette S]

Quote: Originally Posted by Old Hippie

Well, let me tell you how I'm treated here in the States. My local MINI dealer is on the same lot as the BMW dealer, but, they are housed in a seperate building. When I take Tweety in, I am treated with the utmost courtesy and respect..@ MINI of Nashville, Tennessee. Guess you could call it southern hospitality. My MA and technicians are the great, they'll answer any question, let me go back and talk to the technicians, anything within reason.
MoN does whatever is needed!!!!!!!!!!

I have to say, same here in Vegas. Our MINI dealer is in one of the BMW dealers, so the waiting lounge for all owners is the same. But the lady in charge of the MINI owners is awesome. Sooo nice, always makes sure the car gets washed before I pick it up, usually jumps up from her desk and drives my car into the garage personally so it gets seen right away. The ONE time I actually had to wait, I was fascinated listening to the other BMW owners complaints, how no one cares, they have to wait for the littlest thing (one even said they get much better service from their Mercedes dealer!) So I can say we are very lucky over here - MINI's are treated very special.