A total service rip-off of $831.90.
After charging me $831.90 in February 2010 and claiming to fix a minor oil leak that I pointed out during a routine oil change, Bill Jacobs MINI mechanics made the problem worse (a very small and infrequent leak prior to that February 2010 service turned into a leak that then occurred every time I drove the car after their service), but claimed it was fixed. I brought the car back 300 miles later (April 2010); Bill Jacobs MINI observed that it was still leaking; again claimed to have fixed it; and it kept leaking every time I drove the car. Every time after Bill Jacobs mechanics touched it in February and charged me $831.90, that is.
I ended up taking it to a non-BMW/MINI repair shop that actually fixed the leak for $690.66 in May 2010. Appeals to Bill Jacobs MINI's Service Director Mark Zolnierowicz and to BMW of North America'a CEO Jim O'Donnell in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, resulted in a dizzying array of false and contradictory statements (both spoken and written) but no compensation for this apparent consumer rip-off.
Eeeks, this is shameful for a large company and a dealership doing so well it just built a huge new sales and service facility. Moreover, this is what Bill Jacobs MINI claims on its website: "Our commitment to customer service is second to none...Our primary concern is the satisfactionof our customers."
If this rip-off hadn't cost me $831.90. it might be funny. Beware Bill Jacobs BMW MINI in Naperville, IL (full name Bill Jacobs Naperville LLC, spawn of William T. "Bill" Jacobs).
BMW of North America LLC offered the company's final word on June 15, 2010, through Ms. Sophy Mak of MINI National Customer Relations (NJ Executive Office): "all repairs were performed to within MINI specifications." Yes, that's right, BMW's North American headquarters has concluded that all MINI vehicles are supposed to leak visible puddles of oil each time the vehicle is driven. Moreover, BMW's North American headquarters has concluded that if a MINI automobile leaks only a little and only infrequently, a BMW MINI dealer's repair department should charge $831.90 to make it leak more.
This is a story worthy of John Stossel's Give Me a Break series!
Ronny g
North hollywood,#2Consumer Comment
Sun, June 20, 2010
Unless going in for warranty service, the dealership is always going to be most expensive..sometimes 2 to 3 times more.
On top of it, this particular dealership overcharged to make the problem worse and offered zero restitution.
If you can not perform you own service to your vehicles, as many can not, take the time to find an honest ethical repair shop (like it seems you may have). They do exist but are hard to find. Read the reports here or do an internet search. Most complaints..car dealerships, and chains such as Meinikee.
A mom and pop may not be as pretty and shiny, and not have fancy advertising..but they can offer something many dealerships and chains do not..ethics, TRUE care about customer satisfaction, pride in their work and most of all, a mechanic who is really good and stands behind his work. Word of mouth is usually the best place to find a good auto repair service place, as well as the rip off ones.
This is not to say all dealerships and chains are rip offs, or that all mom and pops are not..but your odds are better by asking around to find out who has the best history of customer satisfaction and pricing.
You state this dealership just built a new facility..well it could mean they are doing well due to pleasing customers, or doing well by ripping off customers..your report is a clue.