Now, I do not want to get on a soap box here; but, I feel compelled. This has happened more than once. I hope some of you younger guys listen and take heart. I am not going to mention names this time -- I'm not full of rage or anything of that sort. Moreso, I am just disappointed in the lack of responsibility.

Scenario: People have asked me to do favors or introduce them to people that I know, in order for them to a) save money on parts; or b) make money on their own; or c) just to have the connection. Now, we all know life is about "who" you know and not necessarily "what" you know. I know a lot of you think hard work, good grades, diligence, and everything will get you ahead in life. That's true to an extent. It makes it easier to open doors. However, there is a lot of credibility to having someone on the 'inside' that can help you out. So, these people have asked me to do things for them, and I have vouched for their character, in turn, putting my character with the other person/vendor on the line.

These people have met with the person I introduced -- and, promised to do all sorts of things, etc...etc. However, 99% of them do NOT follow through with any of their words. In fact, 99% of them do not even follow-up. They cite some B.S. excuse of how they were busy (yeah, a lot of H.S/college kids are REAL busy during the summer). Everyone is busy. Everyone has jobs.

I mean, crap, one person that is a great resource to this board, hardly posts anymore. He can look up parts, obtain them, and is a great guy. But, people with their b.s. send emails/call and never follow through. So, it's a waste of this person's time to even try to help fellow bf.c'ers. That's a shame b/c the person is a great resource to have.

The worst thing about it is, no one ever says, THANK YOU anymore. You young guys think, oh, you mean acting like obsequious sycophants to others or me. No. I am not saying that all. A lot of you younger guys are REALLY fortunate to have BMW's. I know, many say, "I have no money." But, in realistic terms, let's take a walk through S.E. D.C., or where I spent time in W.V., or walk around cabrini green in chicago (where I lived the first year in law school). Those people do not have money.

I know when I was younger, I would always thank a person for a discount, or giving me business where I can earn money. I would also do my damndest to make sure I kept my word because I realized not only was my reputation on the line; but, THEIR's as well for giving me the opportunity to take advantage. If I could not keep my word, I would 'immediately' let the other party know and also let the person know that introduced me ...

Sorry -- just felt disappointed in the actions of a few people after talking with my mechanic yesterday. He was like, stop sending me people that waste my time and promise things; but, never follow through. I felt like an idiot. The people could have made A LOT of money, had they followed through with their word. Worst part, they promised to do some work for Gary and he was expecting it and waiting, and waiting, and then got tired of waiting; and, never heard back from them again after all their promises.

What's worse, some of them try to take advantage. Like, I recommend them and tell them to say, "x" and they call .... they ask about how much "y" part is and "z" part. BUT, they don't stop there. They will respond, well "A" mechanic will only charge me this -- can you beat that price. I can get "B" part from this vendor -- why are you charging me more, etc. So, it pisses him off that I send him these people. I try to bring him business; but, you guys nickel and dime him ... He is not the cheapest; but, his prices are VERY FAIR and he does good work. You guys are NOT grasping the concept of getting a good mechanic -- b/c he knows MANY of you are one-timers ... i.e., one-time to do a job and then never seen again. So, of course, he is not going to cut you a break immediately. That's unrealistic. I can always get a BMW loaner at Fairfax even though I never bought my car there ... why? Because I built a great relationship with their service manager, i.e., wrote corporate, wrote general manager, etc .. how great he was.

I mean, how many of you buy your mechanic/service advisor/service manager christmas gifts. Something stupid, like $50/bottle of liquor -- but, they REALLY appreciate it. That's how you show "thanks." You do things to help them out to show "YOUR" appreciation. I have a FORM letter I use that says great things. Takes me two minutes to revise it -- but, it REALLY helps them out. Then, when the time comes where I need some help -- no questions asked. For instance, BMW of fairfax, bought a battery and trickle-charger. Lost my receipt ... service manager helped me return it ... otherwise, I would have been SOL ... the sales dept. was not going to take it back. It's just little things like that which come in handy.

It was a great opportunity for these individuals at Gary's since he probably could refer at LEAST 2-3 customers A WEEK to these individuals. That's $600-800 week (tax-free mind you). Not too shabby if you are in college/h.s.

That said, people's actions can create missed opportunities. My actions before have caused me to miss opportunities. Things you think 5 years ago you did would have no consequence on the present -- but, they do. I hope you can learn from my mistakes ... b/c it took me a while to realize what I am typing here. If you can learn it sooner than me, you'll be far better off ...

To keep the post on-topic ... when driving your MARB around in the MAR ... :)

Well said. I don't refer many folks to the guy that did the injector install and programming for me. I want to give him business, but I also don't want people to waste his time window-shopping.

2 observations:

1. It's not just the younger folks who don't follow through. I've dealt with people twice my age who for the life of them cannot return a phone call after setting up an arrangement. It's not just the young people. You have to be careful about referring people from a internet forum - it's very easy to come off as something you're not.

2. You're being pretty vague so I don't know the specifics. But - these people are running businesses. They have to expect that people are going to ask them questions and dicker on the price and maybe not end up spending any money there. Just because you referred them to said business does not make it your fault that no money was spent. Perhaps you should politely remind the business owners of this fact. By not referring business to them, they're only missing out on the opportunity for a sale.

Obviously small businesses are more comlex, since time spend talking to potential customers is time not spent working for paying customers. But it is part of the business and I'm not going to feel guilty for walking away from a transaction I'm not happy with.

Hmm, just noticed that the post sounded a bit accusatory. I don't mean it that way.

True. I am speaking from personal experience though. I have never had an older member on here -- not follow through when asked. However, I readily admit it's just not younger members here. My comments are strictly confined to my experiences.

Your second comment would normally tick me off if I was not in the dalai lama's peacefulness seven-point, finger to the anus position :stickoutt ;)

Give me a break. That's the attitude you have? Because a company is in business, they are expected to deal with it?

Are you the type you will go from mechanic to mechanic based on the CHEAPEST price? Do you go from vendor to vendor because of the 'cheapest' price? If so, I think you need to re-read my post. You are missing the point. It's about building relationships -- not necessarily getting the cheapest price EVERY single time. People are willing to spend $200 for stupid UDP's that probably do jack crap ... or $2K for a set of rims; but, complain when "x" mechanic says clutch job is $800 with them and "y" mechanic says clutch job is $750.

I mean, I've seen the posts asking Preppy (and I think VERY unfairly sometimes, taking advantage of his generosity) ... to use his place to install a suspension b/c supposedly the person has no money; but, just spent $1K for his suspension -- yeah, no money. Or, has a gruppeM intake that costs $800 out of CF -- but, oh yeah, no money.

I want opportunities for more money and things for my car and I follow through and say thank you :) Then again, I'm gonne be old this year :(

Need more details, gossip is good ;)

2 observations:

1. It's not just the younger folks who don't follow through. I've dealt with people twice my age who for the life of them cannot return a phone call after setting up an arrangement. It's not just the young people. You have to be careful about referring people from a internet forum - it's very easy to come off as something you're not.

2. You're being pretty vague so I don't know the specifics. But - these people are running businesses. They have to expect that people are going to ask them questions and dicker on the price and maybe not end up spending any money there. Just because you referred them to said business does not make it your fault that no money was spent. Perhaps you should politely remind the business owners of this fact. By not referring business to them, they're only missing out on the opportunity for a sale.

Obviously small businesses are more comlex, since time spend talking to potential customers is time not spent working for paying customers. But it is part of the business and I'm not going to feel guilty for walking away from a transaction I'm not happy with.

Hmm, just noticed that the post sounded a bit accusatory. I don't mean it that way.
I have had the same request from mechanics. Internet referrals seem to bring a lot more people to their business that immediately want the same discounts you have worked years cultivating. The discounts/treatment you have worked to get are not something people should expect the first time they go there. The referral you are giving should understand you are telling them a place that they can develop a good working relationship with for the future. These are not necessarily the cheapest places but they are places where the owner/employees do honest work. When a place is referred to me, I view this as cutting my work in searching for an honest place. I might not be getting the best price but I know it will be reasonable and I am saving time searching around for a place that I can/will use again in the future. Now when I recommend a place I tend to use phrases like "they might not be the cheapest but they do good/honest work and I've been using them for years". Approaching a referral with this method seems to work. It cuts their expectations so they aren't disappointed/angry when they aren't getting the same treatment you get. Let's face it, a shop is going to treat a 10+ year customer better than a first time customer. When you go into a smaller shop for the first time, they aren't the only one being tested. They are also testing you to see if you are a customer that they would like to work with in the future.

---Eric

I mean, I've seen the posts asking Preppy (and I think VERY unfairly sometimes, taking advantage of his generosity) ... to use his place to install a suspension b/c supposedly the person has no money; but, just spent $1K for his suspension -- yeah, no money. Or, has a gruppeM intake that costs $800 out of CF -- but, oh yeah, no money.

They probably spent every last penny on the suspension/intake and don't have the money. That doesn't mean they shouldn't be patient and save to afford the necessary tools. I only respond because you said 'younger guys', and well, thats me. I'm damn good at keeping my word, or at not making promises I don't intend on keeping. You can ask around...I'm a lot of things, but a liar I am not.

Your second comment would normally tick me off if I was not in the dalai lama's peacefulness seven-point, finger to the anus position :stickoutt ;)

Give me a break. That's the attitude you have? Because a company is in business, they are expected to deal with it?

I typed that out too quickly. That's not what I meant.

When I walk into a store or a shop, I'm not promising to spend money. I look at things like this like if I were accepting bids for a contract. Tell me what you're going to do, why, and how much will it cost. In the end I will evaluate my options and go with the best fit. Likely it'll be somewhere in the middle, and I do take into account the extras - do they have a great resource like a web forum (Pelican Parts!) or do they actively post in the track forum at BFc (Ground Control!) etc etc. I have been known to cheapskate on things. In the end though, it's not worth the trouble. I do most of my own work on my car not because I "have no money" but because I want to get the most bang for my buck. I can install my own suspension; I can't fabricate springs and shocks. I'm not poor (:() but I certainly didn't buy an e30 because I have gobs of disposable income.

Back to the point - if I talk to someone, I'll take up the amount of their time that I think fits in with how serious I am about spending money. If I'm toying with an idea, I may send a few emails or PMs to vendors. If I'm more serious, I'll call them on the phone and chat for a few minutes. If I've got the money burning a hole in my pocket I'll call and say, "I'm ready to buy, what can you do for me that X vendor can't?"

They need to earn my business not just assume that because I was referred to them that I'm going to automatically believe that they're the best and whip out a checkbook.

I have had the same request from mechanics. Internet referrals seem to bring a lot more people to their business that immediately want the same discounts you have worked years cultivating.
I agree. Referring mechanics can be tricky. I went with a mechanic that advertises in dB and they gave me a substantial discount the first time I went in. Little did I know that discount was going to go away! :) They're good guys but I don't expect a discount as someone who spends only goes in 3-4 times a year.

However, I don't feel bad about asking for discounts with parts vendors. They're not really doing anything special - just shipping parts that everyone else does. Unless they go above and beyond with customer service, I'm going to save my dollars.

They need to earn my not just assume that because I was referred to them that I'm going to automatically believe that they're the best and whip out a checkbook.
David,

Read my post above and I think you will understand where the problem is. ;)

Essentially there are two+ different types of referrals... One where people are saying there is a great price/deal on parts and another where you can get honest work done and develop a good working relationship.

Edit: This was typed before your last post... The server is responding really slow for me for some reason.

---Eric

David,
This was typed before your last post... The server is responding really slow for me for some reason.
:werd:

I agree David. I would like to work on my car too. That's why I like my mechanic. He will show me how to do "normal" things on the car like brakes, rotors, fluids, etc. Things like clutch/oil pump nut fix, etc ... I'll leave to him. That's what I appreciate -- someone who is not out to make "EVERY" dollar from me -- but, even though they do charge higher for some normal items -- in the long run, it balances out b/c they are saving me money teaching me how to do the easy stuff. But, you would never

Besides, not saying ALL young people -- just people I've run across personally. Never interacted w/m-theory or you, so I can't say. I've interacted with dcardenas before, and I think that last thread was an anomaly re: the whole fiasco.

With mechanics though -- you want someone that is honest and will do a good job. That's actually really hard to find even though there are MANY mechanics. My mechanic -- REFUSES to work on my Jeep. He does have a mechanic that "could" do it; but, I don't like him. :) Not many mechanics would refuse to work on cars ... many of them say then can do everything.

I agree. Referring mechanics can be tricky. I went with a mechanic that advertises in dB and they gave me a substantial discount the first time I went in. Little did I know that discount was going to go away! :) They're good guys but I don't expect a discount as someone who spends only goes in 3-4 times a year.

However, I don't feel bad about asking for discounts with parts vendors. They're not really doing anything special - just shipping parts that everyone else does. Unless they go above and beyond with customer service, I'm going to save my dollars.
Some places are going to bring customers in with a low first time price. They will make their money back over time. Other places may charge you more the first time and give you better discounts over time. I prefer the shops where I can develop a relationship over time. They can learn my needs and I can work better with them. I usually don't need my car back immediately since I have multiple vehicles. I prefer to drop my car off and let them take their time so they can work on mine whenever they are slow. I'm usually not in much of a rush but if they don't have room for my car, I pick it up as soon as possible.

Parts are a little different. On a large item, I will shop around and try to find the best price. On smaller items, I'm like to go to a trusted source like Bill. It might not be the best price all the time but I know it is reasonable and the time I save searching for a cheaper price makes it worth it. The questions you ask while shopping around do eat up a lot of their time and it does bother some of the vendors. I try to minimize this time by researching on the internet as much as possible.

---Eric

I agree David. I would like to work on my car too. That's why I like my mechanic. He will show me how to do "normal" things on the car like brakes, rotors, fluids, etc. Things like clutch/oil pump nut fix, etc ... I'll leave to him. That's what I appreciate -- someone who is not out to make "EVERY" dollar from me -- but, even though they do charge higher for some normal items -- in the long run, it balances out b/c they are saving me money teaching me how to do the easy stuff. But, you would never

Besides, not saying ALL young people -- just people I've run across personally. Never interacted w/m-theory or you, so I can't say. I've interacted with dcardenas before, and I think that last thread was an anomaly re: the whole fiasco.

With mechanics though -- you want someone that is honest and will do a good job. That's actually really hard to find even though there are MANY mechanics. My mechanic -- REFUSES to work on my Jeep. He does have a mechanic that "could" do it; but, I don't like him. :) Not many mechanics would refuse to work on cars ... many of them say then can do everything.

This board is always a little suspect of younger members. It sets me on edge. Thats the only reason I responded. I wish I could find a mechanic like you all have. I can never find a mechanic I'm happy with.

I had to replace the tranny on the M and I took it to the mechanic I was starting to like. He replaced it with a tranny(used) that had bad synchros. He siad, "It works fine, expect you have to put it in 1st really slowly." Well, it ended up you had to really granny shift to get it in without grinding. Thats just un-acceptable after he recommended the used tranny b/c of cost benefit. Then he charged me more money to replace the tranny a second time. I think thats pretty bad service. I was meaning to ask what others thought of that. My friend said it was ridiculous he wanted money to fix his mistake...same with my father. So, it looks like I'm on the search again. I was recommended to VAC Motorsports, but they're all the way in the city...in south Philly. Its a long and unsafe drive for me...ugh.

hahaha.. I get these people all the time..

I quote them $1200 for wheels/tires (which is already a discounted price off regular retail). They come back and say... Someone else has it for $1000 shipped (in effect trying to lie and cheat to get me to reduce my price)... in response, I say, I just raised my price to $1300. BYE.

Or the people who will constantly ask me questions, I help them with fitment, etc etc... or just by personal experience of helping them out.. only when the time comes for them to need new tires, they dont feel like all the help I give them is worth the extra $2/tire :rolleyes

It's the nature of the business... Ive been able to pretty much pinpoint the "type" of customer they are before dealing with them... if I feel like they are going to be "one of those" people... I just send them elsewhere... they are not worth my time.. and Id rather have a competitor deal with their nagging and complaining down the road :buttrock

This board is always a little suspect of younger members. It sets me on edge. Thats the only reason I responded. I wish I could find a mechanic like you all have. I can never find a mechanic I'm happy with...

I agree that it really isn't a 'younger' members issue but this board does have a lot of young members so when a few of them mess up, it gives the rest of them a bad image.

---Eric

I agree David. I would like to work on my car too. That's why I like my mechanic. He will show me how to do "normal" things on the car like brakes, rotors, fluids, etc. Things like clutch/oil pump nut fix, etc ... I'll leave to him. That's what I appreciate -- someone who is not out to make "EVERY" dollar from me -- but, even though they do charge higher for some normal items -- in the long run, it balances out b/c they are saving me money teaching me how to do the easy stuff. But, you would never

Besides, not saying ALL young people -- just people I've run across personally. Never interacted w/m-theory or you, so I can't say. I've interacted with dcardenas before, and I think that last thread was an anomaly re: the whole fiasco.

With mechanics though -- you want someone that is honest and will do a good job. That's actually really hard to find even though there are MANY mechanics. My mechanic -- REFUSES to work on my Jeep. He does have a mechanic that "could" do it; but, I don't like him. :) Not many mechanics would refuse to work on cars ... many of them say then can do everything.



And that is why my M3 and X5 will continue to only go to one place. :buttrock

Car people are funny. It amuses me to no end that we like to have a relationship mechanic. Maybe some people saw the thread in OT where someone was asking, "should I break up with my mechanic?" Goes to show the importance we place in how well we get along with people who work on our cars.

Personally, I like the guys I take my car to. Good work, they can do weird things like, say, putting a Z3 shifter in an e30, and the prices are reasonable. But you can tell their clientel is mostly people who don't like to get their hands dirty. I don't think I've ever even seen inside the work bays. And the lobby has a nice guy at the desk who doesn't (I don't think) know a lot about bimmers. But I live in a very yuppie neighborhood, so what can I say?

And the lobby has a nice guy at the desk who doesn't (I don't think) know a lot about bimmers. But I live in a very yuppie neighborhood, so what can I say?

You goto ASC (american service center), don't you :stickoutt ... No wonder you think the prices are outrageous. :stickoutt

My co-worker went there -- charged him $895 for NAV CD-roms for nation. Then, charged him $200 to "install" the NAV CD-rom (which, was as you guessed it, pressing button and ejecting old one, putting new one in, etc). Then, charged him $170 or so for oil change and supposedly there 30 point check service of tires, fluids, etc. He liked it b/c he they had "free" coffee and doughnuts in the morning :confused

p.s. -- Guinness -- you know he's on vacation for like 10 days starting next week. So, if you need something, gotta get it from him by tomorrow 4:00 p.m., 'cause he'll be gone!

Car people are funny. It amuses me to no end that we like to have a relationship mechanic. Maybe some people saw the thread in OT where someone was asking, "should I break up with my mechanic?" Goes to show the importance we place in how well we get along with people who work on our cars.

Its not about having a good relationship. The mechanic I was starting to like is an arrogant jerk. He's great at what he does, but I'd never take the guy out for a beer. He also has on and off days..when he's really nice and cool, and some days it seems like he just doesn't want to deal with me. I understand usually, cause my personality is a bit off-beat.

What its about for me is having an honest mechanic who does good work...and it seems like every mechanic I go to fucks something up. My 318is had two of three motor mounts missing(that the mechanic said nothing about). Maybe it was the way the mechanic worked, well that guy shut his place down so I went to this new place. Started to like the mechanic and was taking the cars there for about a year. Then the M3 had it issue and now I don't know if I want to give him return buisness...I'm a good customer. I don't whine and moane about small things, I just want my car working how it should. And I don't mind footing the extra money if its needed.

Must be a slow day at work for most people here ;)

Honestly, i agree with this thread - but lets not generalize too much.

hahaha.. I get these people all the time..

I quote them $1200 for wheels/tires (which is already a discounted price off regular retail). They come back and say... Someone else has it for $1000 shipped (in effect trying to lie and cheat to get me to reduce my price)... in response, I say, I just raised my price to $1300. BYE.

Or the people who will constantly ask me questions, I help them with fitment, etc etc... or just by personal experience of helping them out.. only when the time comes for them to need new tires, they dont feel like all the help I give them is worth the extra $2/tire :rolleyes

It's the nature of the business... Ive been able to pretty much pinpoint the "type" of customer they are before dealing with them... if I feel like they are going to be "one of those" people... I just send them elsewhere... they are not worth my time.. and Id rather have a competitor deal with their nagging and complaining down the road :buttrock
Sorry Eric, I just sent you an email asking questions. :stickoutt

---Eric

Then the M3 had it issue and now I don't know if I want to give him return buisness...I'm a good customer. I don't whine and moane about small things, I just want my car working how it should. And I don't mind footing the extra money if its needed.

Just my two cents. My mechanic is not perfect either. He screws up as well. He's done stuff where I had to bring it back to him; but, I think some of us demand 'perfection' from the mechanic which is a bit unrealistic since all of us make mistakes. Mechanics are not infallible as well ... no matter how great their reputation is. I am sure Brandt, Stickley, AA, GC, UUC, etc screw up at times as well ... It's how they deal with the screwup is more important.

However, I don't feel bad about asking for discounts with parts vendors. They're not really doing anything special - just shipping parts that everyone else does. Unless they go above and beyond with customer service, I'm going to save my dollars.
We're not doing anything special??? Just shipping parts??? :wwfinger Don't ever call me.

It's the nature of the business... Ive been able to pretty much pinpoint the "type" of customer they are before dealing with them... if I feel like they are going to be "one of those" people... I just send them elsewhere... they are not worth my time.. and Id rather have a competitor deal with their nagging and complaining down the road I agree but you own your own business, I can't do that. If I do, then I read all over the boards how Bill was an ass or how BMW of Towson sucks etc....

Let me explain my pricing. Most BMW dealerships, ours included, only offer up to maybe 20-25% off BMW list BUT that usually reserved for independent shops and body shops that buy $15,000 to $60,000 PER MONTH. My CCA/Bimmerforums/E46Fanatics member sales average $3,000-$4,000 gross per month. If you add shipping and "handling :rolleyes " from Pacfic, Circle etc.. it works out to be almost the same.
You know what's really funny. Everybody talks about how expensive BMW parts are, go buy VW parts. I bought rear pads and rotors for my wife's Jetta. At my wholesale dealer cost, they were more than front E36 pads and rotors over the counter! The VW remote key was $175 to our $125 remote keys.

Car people are funny. It amuses me to no end that we like to have a relationship mechanic. Maybe some people saw the thread in OT where someone was asking, "should I break up with my mechanic?" Goes to show the importance we place in how well we get along with people who work on our cars.

Personally, I like the guys I take my car to. Good work, they can do weird things like, say, putting a Z3 shifter in an e30, and the prices are reasonable. But you can tell their clientel is mostly people who don't like to get their hands dirty. I don't think I've ever even seen inside the work bays. And the lobby has a nice guy at the desk who doesn't (I don't think) know a lot about bimmers. But I live in a very yuppie neighborhood, so what can I say?
I've been using the same mechanic/shop for my Alfa for over 13 years. I think I'm considered a loyal customer. He works on other cars yet I RARELY recommend him. Not because of the work he does just because I like to pick the people who are going to him. I have little problem recommending him to other Alfa owners since it is tough to find someone who specializes in them and they understand that he might not be the cheapest out there. I've tried going elsewhere but have been disappointed and returned immediately. His shop isn't in the best neighborhood and most Bimmer owners wouldn't be willing to drive there let alone leave their cars there but I've never had a problem. I also don't bring my BMW there since there is another mechanic closer to me that specializes in BMWs. He would probably work on my Alfa if I needed him to but I think the 'quirky' nature of Alfas might piss him off. I would rather not risk pissing off my other mechanic. I often see several BMWs at my Alfa shop but my other mechanic is closer.

I used to bring in parts to save money. He eventually pulled me aside and told me he gets the same parts (from the same places) for lower prices. When I bring in parts he is losing money on those parts (so my labor bill might not be as good). ;) By not bringing in parts, he can sell them at the same price I'm going to pay and I might save a couple bucks elsewhere since he is making a few extra bucks. He has even called me when someone has given him a parts car and let me pick through it. Having a good 'relationship' with your mechanic has it's benefits.

---Eric

We're not doing anything special??? Just shipping parts??? :wwfinger Don't ever call me.

I agree but you own your own business, I can't do that. If I do, then I read all over the boards how Bill was an ass or how BMW of Towson sucks etc....

Let me explain my pricing. Most BMW dealerships, ours included, only offer up to maybe 20-25% off BMW list BUT that usually reserved for independent shops and body shops that buy $15,000 to $60,000 PER MONTH. My CCA/Bimmerforums/E46Fanatics member sales average $3,000-$4,000 gross per month. If you add shipping and "handling :rolleyes " from Pacfic, Circle etc.. it works out to be almost the same.
You know what's really funny. Everybody talks about how expensive BMW parts are, go buy VW parts. I bought rear pads and rotors for my wife's Jetta. At my wholesale dealer cost, they were more than front E36 pads and rotors over the counter! The VW remote key was $175 to our $125 remote keys.
I appreciate you Bill. ;)

Not many other places will deliver parts to an autox. :D

---Eric

Must be a slow day at work for most people here ;)
I took the day off.

---Eric

Honestly, i agree with this thread - but lets not generalize too much.

You're right, I have a 21 year old cousin that has slept with at least 25 guys (let's not mention the other acts). She's not a slut. She's merely expressing her sexuality, right? ;)

True story -- went out with a couple of friends that brought their friends out to Cafe Noir in Annandale. One of these other friends starts mentioning how this girl sucked him off at a club in the parking lot and what a slut she was. Mentioned her name. Didn't really think -- just reacted. Grabbed him by his hair and repeatedly slammed his head against the table -- blood was just everywhere.

Later that night, after admiring my nice, bright, and RECENTLY PRESSED (I kid you not, Officer said they were just dry-cleaned) orange jumpsuit -- realized I "might" have over-reacted a bit since she probably was one :D :stickoutt

Must be a slow day at work for most people here ;)

Hey, when you work consecutive years without taking a vacation, then get back to me ;) Plus, I am only here for the free lunch today! :buttrock

If I do, then I read all over the boards how Bill was an ass or how BMW of Towson sucks etc.....

Friggin' stealerships :mad :fingerboi

I've been using the same mechanic/shop for my Alfa for over 13 years.
---Eric

Is this the same mechanic that told you to take the alfa off-roading on Rockville Pike? :stickoutt

You're right, I have a 21 year old cousin that has slept with at least 25 guys (let's not mention the other acts). She's not a slut. She's merely expressing her sexuality, right? ;)

True story -- went out with a couple of friends that brought their friends out to Cafe Noir in Annandale. One of these other friends starts mentioning how this girl sucked him off at a club in the parking lot and what a slut she was. Mentioned her name. Didn't really think -- just reacted. Grabbed him by his hair and repeatedly slammed his head against the table -- blood was just everywhere.

Later that night, after admiring my nice, bright, and RECENTLY PRESSED (I kid you not, Officer said they were just dry-cleaned) orange jumpsuit -- realized I "might" have over-reacted a bit since she probably was one :D :stickoutt

...Must...resist...urge...to...pursue...this... topic ...futher... :eyecrazy


...Is this the same mechanic that told you to take the alfa off-roading on Rockville Pike? :stickoutt
Huh? The BMW was the one that had issue with Rockville Pike. Dang Manhole covers. :(

---Eric

Just my two cents. My mechanic is not perfect either. He screws up as well. He's done stuff where I had to bring it back to him; but, I think some of us demand 'perfection' from the mechanic which is a bit unrealistic since all of us make mistakes. Mechanics are not infallible as well ... no matter how great their reputation is. I am sure Brandt, Stickley, AA, GC, UUC, etc screw up at times as well ... It's how they deal with the screwup is more important.

What worries me the most is how he handled his screw up. He originally told me it wasn't perfect, obviously, because it wasn't shifting into 1st well at all. It would always grind, unless you shifted into 2nd, then first, or you were rolling to a stop and down shifting into first. So, I called him and we talked. We decided on a set price to replace the tranny a second time. I don't mind paying a little money, but people I talked to told me it was ridiculous that I should pay. My father called him and he told my father the tranny was working 'well enough'. I dunno, how he could say it worked 'well enough'. It was acting horribly. I don't think I should have paid a penny, but I wasn't about to bitch and moan with him over it for money he was charging to do it a second time. Its how he talked to my father, and it how he dealt with the situation that worries me.

At my wholesale dealer cost, they were more than front E36 pads and rotors over the counter! The VW remote key was $175 to our $125 remote keys.

mexican cars, what can you do :P

At my wholesale dealer cost, they were more than front E36 pads and rotors over the counter! The VW remote key was $175 to our $125 remote keys.

hrm... I need some Audi A4 oil filters.. HOOK IT UP!

True story -- went out with a couple of friends that brought their friends out to Cafe Noir in Annandale. One of these other friends starts mentioning how this girl sucked him off at a club in the parking lot and what a slut she was. Mentioned her name. Didn't really think -- just reacted. Grabbed him by his hair and repeatedly slammed his head against the table -- blood was just everywhere.

Later that night, after admiring my nice, bright, and RECENTLY PRESSED (I kid you not, Officer said they were just dry-cleaned) orange jumpsuit -- realized I "might" have over-reacted a bit since she probably was one :D :stickoutt



Youve got to be kidding.......how much time did you get?


Oh, and are you comparing me a 21yr "slut" [please dont kill me] :confused

Thank you, Bill (schosports), James (NoSoup4U), and Chris (Preppy). I'm sure I've said it before, but I'll say it again.

We're not doing anything special??? Just shipping parts??? :wwfinger Don't ever call me.
Whoa there, Bill. I said unless a parts vendor is doing something "above and beyond with customer service" all they're doing is shipping parts. I think what you do qualifies. I was the one who sent Cathleen your way via the NCC forum. I wouldn't have done that if I didn't think you did a terrific job up there at BMW of [unnamed dealership here].

I can understand where all you are coming from in the relationship-building idea. I would have to agree with it...and I can see how it gives its benefits.

Recently I took my car to Manassas Motorwerks and the guy there helped me out as a first time customer - he gave me half price labor on brake pads. I was planning to do them myself and just buy the pads from him, but he said "look, I can do it right now and you pay for half the labor I would charge other people"

So I said cool, this guy is making it worth my while. Now I have to make it worth his while, and keep taking my car back there, which I do plan on doing. Except hes 30 minutes away....whereas Gary Martin's shop is 15. I haven't been there yet though.

You're right, I have a 21 year old cousin that has slept with at least 25 guys (let's not mention the other acts). She's not a slut. She's merely expressing her sexuality, right? ;)

True story -- went out with a couple of friends that brought their friends out to Cafe Noir in Annandale. One of these other friends starts mentioning how this girl sucked him off at a club in the parking lot and what a slut she was. Mentioned her name. Didn't really think -- just reacted. Grabbed him by his hair and repeatedly slammed his head against the table -- blood was just everywhere.

Later that night, after admiring my nice, bright, and RECENTLY PRESSED (I kid you not, Officer said they were just dry-cleaned) orange jumpsuit -- realized I "might" have over-reacted a bit since she probably was one :D :stickoutt





jesus christ james.... :confused









and pics or ban. :stickoutt

outside of car related stuff.... I know what NoSoup4U is talking about.

Most people I know and its more prevalent among younger people or people about my age group(late 20s and mid 30s) are people are just lame & unreliable. Some of these people are even my friends. But when it comes to recc. them to mortgage brokers, job recruiting agencies, financial planners, etc etc... its just ends up dragging my name though the mud. The people I am referrring to them would come back & say... you consider them your friends??? They never follow up and/or they just suck ass. It very embarassing especially since I plan to keep a on going relationship with these people.

No, not all people are like this. I am starting to really believe 90% pf the people I know who are like this. Good people in general are very very hard to find.

That is one thing I learned from job interview process on both sides of the table. There are gobs of smart & handy people but very hard to establish a relationship business wise.

I guess I'd be considered one of these young guys (only 21), but I'm also new to these boards and only been around for a few months. Even so, I think I can see where most of you are coming from. When I'm looking for something, I always shop around at a couple places. If it's at a couple different places I don't try to haggle the higher priced place down; I just buy it from the cheaper place, assuming their reliability is satisfactory. That seems the easiest way to me.

As far as mechanics go.... I just finished all the Inspection II stuff myself :) , so I haven't had to go into a shop yet. Living in Annapolis, all of the shops are priced pretty high, so I'm sure I'll have to pay a bit where ever I go. When looking for a shop, I use the same principle as shopping for parts online... call them up, ask them what they charge, i.e. an estimate, that's a legitimate thing for a shop to do, and pick the one I want, based on price, location, and reliability/service/recommendation from other people.