Loan Car

BMWRX · 01-18-2010, 01:07 AM

Just called Westside to confirm bringing my car in tomorrow to get the rattle in the door fixed and asked about the loan car. Turns out there is a $39 "fuel and maintenance" fee charged. In my head that's a lot of fuel and a lot of maintenance considering I'm driving it about 20km all up to and from work.

Now, if the loan car was anything with an M in the name, I'll happily pay that (in fact, I'll permanently loan it), but $39 for a bog standard white 320i I find a little hard to swallow.

End rant. Thoughts/comments?

x5mad · 01-18-2010, 01:16 AM

Where did you buy your car from? If you bought it from either westside or brisbane bmw then all warranty claims do not attract the loan car charge. As the rattle is a warranty issue then you should not have to pay for it.

They said it was a new charge.

However, I do remember brisbane bmw doing that a while back. They tried to charge me once but I wasn't having any of it, they backed down. So for the last 7 years that I have been going to Brisbane/Westside BMW they have never charged me for a loan car.

Heck, I have even arranged 24 hours (on separate occasions) with an E93 M3, new 730d, and and X6M as a loan/test car with no charge. Admittedly though I do have a good relationship with them.

BMWRX · 01-18-2010, 01:28 AM

Ok, just spoke to Westside to confirm if the rattle is a warranty claim. Turns out that BMW doesn't cover rattles as warranty and the dealership fixes them out of their own pocket. I'm not overly impressed by that response, as a $70K+ car shouldn't have any rattles, especially after four months of ownership. If I get charged for the work to fix the rattle I'm going to go mental at them.

I bought the car from Westside, so turns out that even loyalty to the service centre you bought the car from counts for nothing. My BMW experience is souring awfully quickly. If this is how they keep a hold of repeat customers, I won't be buying another one in future.

BBK · 01-18-2010, 03:06 AM

Ouch, I have had a loan car 3 times with Westside for the 3 times I've needed to go there and have the car looked at. Never once charged or attempted to charge me.

If they say they will give you a loan car, then you should expect it to be free. That is not 'giving' you something, thats charging you for the use of something...

jasperkane · 01-18-2010, 03:32 AM

I took my car to Brisbane BMW today to have the paint peeling issue sorted and got a loan car (118i) for the week. Thanks for the heads up on the loan car charge. I'll definately be asking questions if they try to bill me for the cost.

AussieRacer · 01-18-2010, 04:10 AM

Read your warranty. Rattles and such are covered for 12 months by BMW.

And regarding loan car, I've always been quoted a cost for the loan car but never had to pay for warranty work. But that could also be Corp Program at work as well??

BMWRX · 01-18-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

If they say they will give you a loan car, then you should expect it to be free. That is not 'giving' you something, thats charging you for the use of something...

You're right. It's not a loan car, it's a rental car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieRacer

Read your warranty. Rattles and such are covered for 12 months by BMW.

I'll hit them up on this. Thanks for the heads up.

As a footnote, when I dropped the car off this morning, I asked if I could get a lift back home as I live 2km from the dealership (yes, literally a four minute round trip). I was met with "there's no one here to take you back." I was then reminded that I could take the loan car. I enquired if that will incur a charge, to which my concerns were affirmed.

I'm sure he saw the look on my face as I walked out to my car to put my running shoes on (the look that says "the DP is getting a strongly worded letter today"), so the parts guys (who I've spoken with before and is very helpful - Peter) was organised to give me a lift back to my house.

I'm almost getting the feeling now that I'm not a significant customer and I've got to fight for things that should be fixed on the car. I wonder if this would have been the case if I purchased an M3 or something else of that value.

bfi2906 · 01-18-2010, 04:55 PM

[quote=AussieRacer;6547569]Read your warranty. Rattles and such are covered for 12 months by BMW.quote]

This is correct. I've always bought under the corp program, so that could have something to do with it, but I don't think so.

I've always had to pay for a loan car for normal service, but it's been free for any warranty work or anything that needed to be looked at a 2nd or 3rd or ....... time.

There is a lot of this that falls to the discretion of the dealership. How they handle it speaks volumes about their attitude to their customers, IMHO.

OOOSQ · 01-18-2010, 05:00 PM

Always had loan cars from Motorline with never a single problem and at no cost.

WAY · 01-18-2010, 05:17 PM

I serviced my wife's car a couple of months ago and was charged a $10 fuel surcharge. Should have just got my buddies in the sales side to lend me a car for free lol.

BBK · 01-18-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OOOSQ

Always had loan cars from Motorline with never a single problem and at no cost.

That's because you indirectly paid for it when you purchase the car at a near retail cost Sam

j/k!

How you been?! Haven't seen you here in ages!

'fatboy' · 01-18-2010, 08:42 PM

BMW Melbourne charge a $10 surcharge for loan cars. Last time they tried to do that i kicked up a fuss and go it reversed.

I dont have a problem paying a nominal cost for it (say based on k's travelled etc) but definitely not when the reason you have brought the car in for is warranty related.

anthonygilbo · 01-18-2010, 11:02 PM

Thats crazy! I just go and see the sales guy that I've bought my cars from at my dealership and he just gives the key for one the their demo models. When my car was in the other day he gave me a 123d to drive around for a few hours. I just fill her up with the fuel that I've used and bobs your uncle. Works well for me.

x5mad · 01-19-2010, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWRX

You're right. It's not a loan car, it's a rental car.

I'll hit them up on this. Thanks for the heads up.

As a footnote, when I dropped the car off this morning, I asked if I could get a lift back home as I live 2km from the dealership (yes, literally a four minute round trip). I was met with "there's no one here to take you back." I was then reminded that I could take the loan car. I enquired if that will incur a charge, to which my concerns were affirmed.

I'm sure he saw the look on my face as I walked out to my car to put my running shoes on (the look that says "the DP is getting a strongly worded letter today"), so the parts guys (who I've spoken with before and is very helpful - Peter) was organised to give me a lift back to my house.

I'm almost getting the feeling now that I'm not a significant customer and I've got to fight for things that should be fixed on the car. I wonder if this would have been the case if I purchased an M3 or something else of that value.

It looks like they really are not looking after you. I had my 2000km oil change on the 135 and servicing on the X5 done there and was never charged. I even ticked the $25 option to lower the excess in case of accident - they never asked for the money.

And +1000 - read your warranty - rattles are covered for the first 12 months. I had mine done under warraanty.

I would kick up a fuss - they are not treating you right, especially having bought a car off them too.

BMWRX · 01-19-2010, 04:48 PM

The car is at Westside for a second day today. They had a go at it yesterday, but the rattle is still there. I went for a drive with the service foreman (Michael) and replicated the rattle with him in the car. He seemed very helpful and genuine and ran me through exactly what they intended on doing to fix the problem. Hopefully we'll get it sorted out today.

takahashi · 01-19-2010, 05:09 PM

I did not get charge a single cent for 2 weeks of having the loaner from BMW Melbourne.

There is a way to get around surcharge. Just fuel up yourself. I gave them all the receipts.

Hmmm... I should have paid $30 insurance top up for I can cane their car and do a bit of drifting... of course I did not do that

05C4R · 01-19-2010, 05:58 PM

i was told loaner free with any warranty repair, loaner not free with scheduled service. So i combined the 25k service with warranty repair work, car is randomly going into limp mode, so get loaner for free. i always get crap loaners cos i am still a peasant however.

spdrcr · 01-19-2010, 06:48 PM

Car is getting a service right now and I got a 118i (wait for it...) sport!!

At least it was free (including free tolls!) due to the corporate program.

BMWRX · 01-19-2010, 08:32 PM

I may have justified a loan car with an off the cuff remark this morning. When I turned up to go for a drive with the service foreman I quipped that BMW should design their headlight washers a bit better so they close neatly against the bumper. Turns out the spring tension was shot and they are replacing them tomorrow under warranty. I could go in and get a loan car but as I'm already driving my other car around I may as well just keep using it.

2bob · 01-20-2010, 04:16 AM

Canterbury BMW no charge loaner (125i) no charge plus new HPFP fitted today .

SimonB · 01-20-2010, 04:23 AM

I went to pick up the car this afternoon after another day of long crank symptom diagnosis and it wasn't ready yet, so I got a loaner. Was going to be a 118i, but that didn't have enough fuel, so I ended up with a '09 320i.

Now, while I signed a hire form that referenced $90 a day, the SA said he'd give me a "loan car" overnight and they didn't say anything about the $90. I am not expecting to pay anything when I drop it off tomorrow morning to collect mine. The SA suggested he may drop mine off as he passes me on the way home, so that adds to that expectation.

If, on the off chance, they do expect $90, then they'll have a drama on their hands. And no, the form didn't say that I agreed to pay the rate.

Oh, I should add this too:

... the 320i I got to drive home tonight made me appreciate 4 things:

1) The manual transmission in my 135i
2) The 135i even more. God, this thing's gutless, even in DS mode!
3) The brakes in the 135i, they're sooo much better than the 320i's!
4) The upgraded stereo is better than the base stereo :-)

Simon....

Alpine* · 01-21-2010, 02:48 AM

My M went in for it's first service today (4000ks early) and I got a 323Ci (a 2 week old demo), was going to be a 330d but some American Ambassador wanker got 1st choice

. Last time we were there for our 135i we got a nice new X6 for the day, never paid for a loaner never will. I suspect that the Corporate Program helps big time.

01-18-2010, 01:07 AM	#1
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	Loan Car Just called Westside to confirm bringing my car in tomorrow to get the rattle in the door fixed and asked about the loan car. Turns out there is a $39 "fuel and maintenance" fee charged. In my head that's a lot of fuel and a lot of maintenance considering I'm driving it about 20km all up to and from work. Now, if the loan car was anything with an M in the name, I'll happily pay that (in fact, I'll permanently loan it), but $39 for a bog standard white 320i I find a little hard to swallow. End rant. Thoughts/comments? __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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01-18-2010, 01:16 AM	#2
x5mad Lieutenant Colonel 352 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: iX 40 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List bmw [0.00]	Where did you buy your car from? If you bought it from either westside or brisbane bmw then all warranty claims do not attract the loan car charge. As the rattle is a warranty issue then you should not have to pay for it. They said it was a new charge. However, I do remember brisbane bmw doing that a while back. They tried to charge me once but I wasn't having any of it, they backed down. So for the last 7 years that I have been going to Brisbane/Westside BMW they have never charged me for a loan car. Heck, I have even arranged 24 hours (on separate occasions) with an E93 M3, new 730d, and and X6M as a loan/test car with no charge. Admittedly though I do have a good relationship with them.
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01-18-2010, 01:28 AM	#3
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	Ok, just spoke to Westside to confirm if the rattle is a warranty claim. Turns out that BMW doesn't cover rattles as warranty and the dealership fixes them out of their own pocket. I'm not overly impressed by that response, as a $70K+ car shouldn't have any rattles, especially after four months of ownership. If I get charged for the work to fix the rattle I'm going to go mental at them. I bought the car from Westside, so turns out that even loyalty to the service centre you bought the car from counts for nothing. My BMW experience is souring awfully quickly. If this is how they keep a hold of repeat customers, I won't be buying another one in future. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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01-18-2010, 03:06 AM	#4
BBK Banned 89 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Ouch, I have had a loan car 3 times with Westside for the 3 times I've needed to go there and have the car looked at. Never once charged or attempted to charge me. If they say they will give you a loan car, then you should expect it to be free. That is not 'giving' you something, thats charging you for the use of something...
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01-18-2010, 03:32 AM	#5
jasperkane New Member 5 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 125i Coupe M Kit Sedona Red Join Date: May 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	I took my car to Brisbane BMW today to have the paint peeling issue sorted and got a loan car (118i) for the week. Thanks for the heads up on the loan car charge. I'll definately be asking questions if they try to bill me for the cost.
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01-18-2010, 04:10 AM	#6
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	Read your warranty. Rattles and such are covered for 12 months by BMW. And regarding loan car, I've always been quoted a cost for the loan car but never had to pay for warranty work. But that could also be Corp Program at work as well?? __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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01-18-2010, 04:55 PM	#8
bfi2906 Captain 35 Rep 685 Posts Drives: 135 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	[quote=AussieRacer;6547569]Read your warranty. Rattles and such are covered for 12 months by BMW.quote] This is correct. I've always bought under the corp program, so that could have something to do with it, but I don't think so. I've always had to pay for a loan car for normal service, but it's been free for any warranty work or anything that needed to be looked at a 2nd or 3rd or ....... time. There is a lot of this that falls to the discretion of the dealership. How they handle it speaks volumes about their attitude to their customers, IMHO.
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01-18-2010, 05:00 PM	#9
OOOSQ First Lieutenant 16 Rep 367 Posts Drives: F85 X5M / CLA45 AMG SB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	Always had loan cars from Motorline with never a single problem and at no cost.
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01-18-2010, 05:17 PM	#10
WAY Brigadier General 458 Rep 4,822 Posts Drives: Fast ones Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I serviced my wife's car a couple of months ago and was charged a $10 fuel surcharge. Should have just got my buddies in the sales side to lend me a car for free lol.
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01-18-2010, 08:42 PM	#12
'fatboy' Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	BMW Melbourne charge a $10 surcharge for loan cars. Last time they tried to do that i kicked up a fuss and go it reversed. I dont have a problem paying a nominal cost for it (say based on k's travelled etc) but definitely not when the reason you have brought the car in for is warranty related.
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01-18-2010, 11:02 PM	#13
anthonygilbo Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 254 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Thats crazy! I just go and see the sales guy that I've bought my cars from at my dealership and he just gives the key for one the their demo models. When my car was in the other day he gave me a 123d to drive around for a few hours. I just fill her up with the fuel that I've used and bobs your uncle. Works well for me.
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01-19-2010, 04:48 PM	#15
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	The car is at Westside for a second day today. They had a go at it yesterday, but the rattle is still there. I went for a drive with the service foreman (Michael) and replicated the rattle with him in the car. He seemed very helpful and genuine and ran me through exactly what they intended on doing to fix the problem. Hopefully we'll get it sorted out today. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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01-19-2010, 05:09 PM	#16
takahashi Retired trackie 36 Rep 1,527 Posts Drives: 1///M Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I did not get charge a single cent for 2 weeks of having the loaner from BMW Melbourne. There is a way to get around surcharge. Just fuel up yourself. I gave them all the receipts. Hmmm... I should have paid $30 insurance top up for I can cane their car and do a bit of drifting... of course I did not do that __________________ TAKA 一仔BLOGブログ: BMW 1 series M 2011! Delivered 18/11/11.
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01-19-2010, 05:58 PM	#17
05C4R Major 62 Rep 1,147 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sydney iTrader: (0)	i was told loaner free with any warranty repair, loaner not free with scheduled service. So i combined the 25k service with warranty repair work, car is randomly going into limp mode, so get loaner for free. i always get crap loaners cos i am still a peasant however.
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01-19-2010, 06:48 PM	#18
spdrcr First Lieutenant 13 Rep 356 Posts Drives: Lotus Elise Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Car is getting a service right now and I got a 118i (wait for it...) sport!! At least it was free (including free tolls!) due to the corporate program.
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01-19-2010, 08:32 PM	#19
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	I may have justified a loan car with an off the cuff remark this morning. When I turned up to go for a drive with the service foreman I quipped that BMW should design their headlight washers a bit better so they close neatly against the bumper. Turns out the spring tension was shot and they are replacing them tomorrow under warranty. I could go in and get a loan car but as I'm already driving my other car around I may as well just keep using it. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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01-20-2010, 04:16 AM	#20
2bob Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 264 Posts Drives: AW white135 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: bilgola plateau NSW australia iTrader: (0)	Canterbury BMW no charge loaner (125i) no charge plus new HPFP fitted today .
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01-20-2010, 04:23 AM	#21
SimonB 135 to 335 M Sport to X3 30d M Sport 164 Rep 1,788 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 30d, optioned up! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Western Australia iTrader: (0)	I went to pick up the car this afternoon after another day of long crank symptom diagnosis and it wasn't ready yet, so I got a loaner. Was going to be a 118i, but that didn't have enough fuel, so I ended up with a '09 320i. Now, while I signed a hire form that referenced $90 a day, the SA said he'd give me a "loan car" overnight and they didn't say anything about the $90. I am not expecting to pay anything when I drop it off tomorrow morning to collect mine. The SA suggested he may drop mine off as he passes me on the way home, so that adds to that expectation. If, on the off chance, they do expect $90, then they'll have a drama on their hands. And no, the form didn't say that I agreed to pay the rate. Oh, I should add this too: ... the 320i I got to drive home tonight made me appreciate 4 things: 1) The manual transmission in my 135i 2) The 135i even more. God, this thing's gutless, even in DS mode! 3) The brakes in the 135i, they're sooo much better than the 320i's! 4) The upgraded stereo is better than the base stereo :-) Simon.... __________________ 2018 X3 30d, Carbon Black Metallic, M Sport Package, Panorama glass sunroof, Lumbar support, Instrument panel in Sensatec, Ambient Lightning, Harmon Kardon Surround Sound , Dynamic Damper Control Last edited by SimonB; 01-20-2010 at 04:42 AM.. Reason: Added a 4th item...
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01-21-2010, 02:48 AM	#22
Alpine* Brigadier General 1306 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: M2 G87 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	My M went in for it's first service today (4000ks early) and I got a 323Ci (a 2 week old demo), was going to be a 330d but some American Ambassador wanker got 1st choice . Last time we were there for our 135i we got a nice new X6 for the day, never paid for a loaner never will. I suspect that the Corporate Program helps big time.
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