How satisfied are you with your Dealer?

[Northernbiker]

Greetings everyone,

After needing service on my bike last week, and thinking about conversations I've had with other BMW owners over the last several years, I would like to find out how the members here feel about their dealership. This is just a general inquiry, no need to mention the name of the dealership unless you want to. Here is what I would like to know:
1. How satisfied were you with the purchase experience, including pre-purchase visits to the dealer?
2. How satisfied are you with the service department - communication? bike ready on time? quality or availability of loaner bike?
3. Would you go to another dealership instead if there was one nearby?

The last thing I would ask (if you are comfortable doing so) is to identify if you are male, female, or purchasing as a couple - whether you each have a bike or are buying one bike for two up riding. This is important as my experience has been opinions and satisfaction levels vary greatly according to these demographics. Thanks.

Chris

[TIV]

I won't touch this one. LOL

[ka5ysy]

I'll play:

Hebert's BMW in Baton Rouge has always treated me very well, Service department is excellent. James and Corey (a/k/a Yoda!) always take care of my RR in a timely and professional manner, not that much is needed in the first place! I generally do not need loaner bikes, but have, during oil changes, etc. taken several of the demo bikes for extended rides and had fun in the process (K1300GT: holy crap !!!). I would not jump ship to go elsewhere unless somebody kicked out a really, really, really super deal on a loaded something or other that I could not pass up. They are a small dealership and do not have huge inventory or BMW riding gear, but I highly value quality over quantity any day. Besides, the coffee is generally drinkable, which is a winner in my book.

[Acpantera]

I like my dealer, but then I sorta have to, they are 70 miles away and the next closest is 200 miles. For the most part the purchase of both my bikes in 2001 and 2007 was no problem. I only had one instance when the service dept did 150 dollars worth of work without my authorization, but fully refunded the cash. They did however stop the loaner bike program but all other service has been OK. I wish I had a closer dealer(s). I always thought that BMWs lack of a dealer network hurts the brand from expanding and turns away a lot potential buyers particularly when their is a Harley and Japans big 4 dealer on ever corner of anytown USA .

[sproggy]

My purchase experience was not good. I've used this dealer a lot before (bought 2 used bikes and one new one, excluding the R12R, and been in regularly for parts over the last 10 years or so) and been happy but this time, much less so. They were very keen to get me on the bike for a test ride and just as keen to take my deposit, however the communication then stopped dead and I had to chase them a number of times for an update on when it would be ready for collection. They never once called me - I always had to call them to chase them. The collection date was delayed because they'd broken some fuel line clips and had to wait for replacements to come from Germany.

When I eventually went to collect the bike (having made an appointment to do so) it had no tool kit and the tank decals were missing (the bike had been sprayed). Oh, and the alarm didn't (and still doesn't) work. I took the bike and they told me they'd call me when the parts arrived. Three weeks later I went in to chase them up (having heard nothing, of course) and after I'd waited for 45 minutes it transpired that the order for the decals had been cancelled and they couldn't find any trace of the tool kit having been ordered. They eventually found a tool kit and gave it to me but half the tools were missing! Decals still outstanding.

Not happy. Although the bike is fine, alarm excepted.

Regarding servicing I've not taken the R12R in yet - it was serviced before I took delivery. Whether I use them for servicing remains to be seen - I have a good independent (BMW-trained) specialist nearby whose attentions won't invalidate the warranty and who I trust to set the bike up properly. I won't go into the history of why I don't trust the dealer.....

Would I go to another dealer instead next time? Certainly, based upon this experience, and I do have that option as there are quite a few dealers around London. Most of the staff at my local dealer have changed since I started using them and this has a lot to do with the drop in levels of service, I think.

I am male, married and I ride mostly two-up with my wife who doesn't ride a bike herself. I purchase on my own - my wife does not accompany me to the dealership.

[deilenberger]

My dealer was fine. Good buying experience, good delivery experience, good service experience, good parts experience.

Only problem - they went out of business (DeSimone Motorsports in Mt. Laurel NJ)..

So - I have another dealer, who somehow seems to think I bought the bike from them, and treats me quite well. Service has been great when needed (I only got warranty stuff done.) Parts are good (price and availability). I've never really bought a bike from them so can't say personally how that goes, but local club members have and have been satisfied.

Overall - my dealership experiences have been satisfactory.. better then the BMW car dealer experience IMHO.

[Stef.]

Chris, I am female and my husband is riding a BMW as well. We have bought our bikes at two different dealerships here in Vancouver purely for the fact that he bought his one first and mine was readily available at the other dealership.
To all your three points we can both say we are happy with our dealerships, would buy again at the same ones- service is great communication is great. 10/10 so far for both of us.
Stef.

[The Meromorph]

Bloodworth BMW in Nashville TN.
Excellent for sales, low key, knowledgeable, informative, helpful.
Excellent for service and parts, knowledgeable, informative, helpful, and reasonable priced.

They are streets better than the local BMW car dealer.

One bike ridden solo.

[larsn]

My dealer has been excellent - I bought my R from him - North Salt Lake, Utah - he did a free installation of Rox risers, and Suburban Machine foot pegs (lower 2")
Service has been just excellent - free "loaner" bikes to get me back to work, gave me a free ride home (30 miles) after my wreck.
Great discounts on my Atlantis 4 suit and Panniers - I would quote them, but I don't want to get him in trouble.

I am real happy - my wife wouldn't be caught dead on my machine (the wreck cemented that) but I am working on angles to win her over -

[Northernbiker]

Interesting so far, the number of responses is relatively low compared to the number of views. Thanks to all of you who have given their input on this subject. I will say what my experience has been, as well as feedback I've received in person from other owners I've encountered. Just wanted to throw it out there and wait a week or so to see what others have to say. Obviously since I was the one to post this thread, it's something I have some concerns about. All I will say at this point is that your responses so far are pretty close to what I expected.

Note to TIV - your response made me laugh. Had I not been the one to open this thread myself, that might have been my feeling about it too. If you (or anyone else) would be more comfortable shooting me a PM here, where nobody else can read what you had to say, please feel free to do so. I'd really like to hear what you have to say.

Thanks again.

Chris

[waynemathews]

My dealer is Touring Sport in Greenville SC, about 100 miles away. They were recommended by an independent shop, and my dealings with them have been very pleasant. They encouraged as long a test ride as I liked, offered a decent price and worked to get the accessories I wanted quickly. When I went to pick up the bike the salesman was waiting for me at the airport when I arrived.

The only issue with service is the distance from home. Work has been done in the time promised. I've not needed a loaner, so can't speak to that issue.

The parts dept has also been excellent.

I do wish they were closer.

[AncientMariner]

Purchased my first BMW, a 1995 K75, new from Dunbar Eurosports in Brockton, MA. Over the years I received excellent service. Ready when promised, good communications, etc.

Last November I bought my 2010 R1200 R from Dunbar, even though I had a very attractive offer for an '09 from a dealer somewhat north of here. R12 hasn't needed much service but it is still all good. Purchase experiences were both excellent. For the Roadster, they really worked hard to make sure I had delivery on time for the $500 rebate for MOA members.

Bruce

[redwing]

I bought my bike from a dealer in Boerne , Texas... Alamo Power Sports... just north of San Antonio, five hundred miles from Central Louisiana. Purchased a 2008 in May of 2009. Alamo bought and installed a Pingle Electric Shift (transmission) at no cost to me. I did pay list cost for a R1200R, ABS, and a package consisting of heated hand grips, computer, center stand, and it seems other stuff in the package (package 1.) Also cylinder guards from a GS. The shifter has worked flawless. The transmission has a few design kwirks but the shifter doesn't. 7800 miles
I spoke with four dealers face to face and to install the shifter went from $400.00 to $1000.00. Alamo welded a triangle onto the frame and attached the shifter... and it's there. A tech names Pete did the install.
Herbert's in Baton Rouge, Louisiana does all the maintenance on my bike - 98 miles from home. Good guys, informed, capable, fair, and always a little lagniappe. A plus for Herbert's is I can speak directly to the Service Manager James about my bike.

I have good experiences with BMW and dealers.

Robert

[Northernbiker]

Ok guys and gals, final call to hear your thoughts before I post my own in a day or two. Once again, if you are worried about someone from your dealership reading your comments (and holding them against you) please send me a PM.

To date, only one PM from a member whose experience has been worse than any posted here. Although his dealer is not at all close to me, I did visit it once when looking to trade up and was not impressed at all with the salesperson. He was arrogant and acted like he was doing me a favor by giving me any of his time at all. His attitude changed a little bit for the better once he learned I already owned one of their bikes and it happened to be one that was highly desirable as a trade-in.

I promise I will not post any info you give me that could reveal who you are or what dealership you are talking about. Thanks.

Chris

[Motorcycle_Girl]

My dealer Wolf BMW in London Ontario has been awesome. I recommend them to everyone that asks...

One of the things around here is that almost every BMW dealer is a car dealer first and the bikes seem to be an after thought. With Wolf all they do is BMW motorcycles...makes a big difference in the level of knowledge and service.

Celeste

[papasong]

I'm very happy with my dealer Greater Boston Motorsports for sales. I've had really good experiences there with my salesperson - treated well, etc.

Less happy with them for service. I've been taking my bike up to Max BMW in NH for service these days. Only about 60 miles north of me.

I am male; the bike is mainly for my own use - wife doesn't like to ride pillion (but my 12 yr old son does).

[Bill Stevenson]

1. How satisfied were you with the purchase experience, including pre-purchase visits to the dealer?
441 Cycle in Ft. Lauderdale is blue chip, I am very happy with this dealer and have been for the past 13 years. I have to say they are the best BMW dealer, all things considered, I have ever done business with. Been riding Beemers off and on since 1970 and have experience with dealers in several cities, some deservedly long gone like Freeman's in Beverly, MA, which was the worst in my experience.

2. How satisfied are you with the service department - communication? bike ready on time? quality or availability of loaner bike?
Very, very satisfied. Because I live 50 miles away, they bend over backwards to do what needs doing while I wait. On occasion when that was not possible, they have always offered to loan me a bike and once the owner even loaned me his brand new Dodge PU.

3. Would you go to another dealership instead if there was one nearby?

We have had a couple of other dealers come and go since I moved to S. Florida in 1997, but 441 Cycles has earned my business and my trust. So, no I would not consider an alternative dealer.

The last thing I would ask (if you are comfortable doing so) is to identify if you are male, female, or purchasing as a couple - whether you each have a bike or are buying one bike for two up riding.

I am a male, buy bikes principally for my own use, take my wife riding when she wants to go. She is not part of the decision process on bikes.

FWIW, my daughter and son-in-law traded in her Ducati 900 Monster and his K75RT on a new R1200R (white) last year. They live in the Washington, DC area and bought the bike from a dealer that is not close by in preference to one nearby (Bob's BMW did not impress them for some reason). They are very satisfied. My son has an R1100GS and an R50 circa 1955 and has a problem with the dealer in San Juan, PR, so is doing all his own work and buying parts from Blue Moon, who he says is fantastic.

Bill

[Ashveratu]

1. How satisfied were you with the purchase experience, including pre-purchase visits to the dealer?
I am also a customer of 441 Cycle in Plantation (really close to Ft. Lauderdale) and I am have been very happy with this dealer for the last 2 years. This was my first (and only) time buying a BMW and I have not been dissappointed.

2. How satisfied are you with the service department - communication? bike ready on time? quality or availability of loaner bike?
I have only had to have the regular interval services done. No complaints there, except for the cost....

3. Would you go to another dealership instead if there was one nearby?
I used to live only 6 miles away from 441 but I just moved further south (to be closer to work) and I now live only 3 miles away from BMW Motorcycles of Miami soooo, I have been thinking about checking them out only because of convenience.

[Bill Stevenson]

More on 441 Cycle. Level 1 service on my R1200R cost is under $200. Level 2 was about $350. A close friend bought his R1150R from 441 and then moved up north of Tampa. After getting prices from dealers near his new home, he took time off from work to bring his bike back to 441 for service, round trip over 400 miles. Their prices for service seem very reasonable to both of us.

Bill

[RadRider]

I purchased an R1200RT back in 2005 and had it serviced there all these years. I have always been treated fairly and have had no problems. I now have a 2010 R1200R which I have also serviced there. The prices are fair and service performed in a timely fashion. They are still a BMW only dealer and a family run business. I will continue to prefer 441 Cycle Shop.