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| - I've been taking my BMW's here for service for quite a while - not because they do superior work to other dealers but because its the most convenient dealer for me. I've been impressed with the quality of their work (I would expect that from any BMW dealer), their comfortable waiting area, the cordial treatment, the availability of top notch loaners (new X3's are typical), and their thoroughness. But they're not perfect - I've had a few issues but for the most part, every one has been resolved to my benefit - they seem to care a LOT about customer perception and customer service. Any complaint is usually followed up by management involvement and an attempt to make things right.
That being said, the service rates are expensive. I think my dentist's hourly rate is less. At $114 per hour for labor, it doesn't take long to rack up some serious charges on non warranty work. Up until recently, they had free power bars, trail mix packages, baskets full of delightful snacks, bottled water, and Starbucks coffee in the waiting area. At first, I tried to make up for the steep labor rates by consuming equivalent quantities of the freebies. It made me feel like I was getting a little even...but just for a short time. Within an hour, after consuming several "Venti" sized Starbucks, a few granola bars, some trail mix, and using their free wifi, i hardly made a dent in it. I mean, I might have sucked up $30 worth of goodies, and for that brief moment of realization that I had actually accomplished something, the residual feeling of nausea proved the folly of my approach. I've abandoned that strategy - with their help. No more free snacks. But the Starbucks is stil there. I've learned to accept the charges and the free Tall coffee and move on with a contented stomach and a lighter wallet.
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