ikoss
08-28-2006, 11:36 PM
I have a 2003 BMW Z4 leased through a lease trading program. Basically I bought somebody's lease before the term expired and would take over the lease and responsible for the end-lease terms. Anyways, the car was having some minor electrical problems so I've brought the car to BMW of Sterling to take a look at it while it was still under warranty.
It turns out that the previous owner spilled a large amount of soda in the interior and it messed up the security module and the whole module needs to be replaced. Since this is a user issue, it will NOT be covered under warranty and I would have to pay out of the pocket. They also found out that there was a problem with convertible roof motor, which will be replaced with warranty.
The problem is, that they have taken the entire car apart to find out the problem and would have to put them back. Currently, they have taken all the electronic parts out and both of the seats are taken off. And they are charging the parts & labor for this. The total came out to be $1700 ($400 for the part and $1300 for 12 hours labor). This is a bit too much for me and I would have looked for an independent mechanic to do this at cheaper price. However, BMW of Sterling is saying that I have NO CHOICE but to pay them $1700 since they already have taken the car apart and would have to put them back. They did not give me any estimate and I have not authorized them to do any work that would cost me. But they just went ahead and took the car apart, thinking the warranty would cover the cost, only to realize that I would have to pay for it when they found out the problem.
Now, I understand the issues and the dealer may not be trying to rip me off, but I just can't cope with the fact that they are charging me $1700 without me ever getting estimate and authorizing the work. Are they allowed to do this? Would I be able to negotiate anything?
Thanks for any feedbacks!
It turns out that the previous owner spilled a large amount of soda in the interior and it messed up the security module and the whole module needs to be replaced. Since this is a user issue, it will NOT be covered under warranty and I would have to pay out of the pocket. They also found out that there was a problem with convertible roof motor, which will be replaced with warranty.
The problem is, that they have taken the entire car apart to find out the problem and would have to put them back. Currently, they have taken all the electronic parts out and both of the seats are taken off. And they are charging the parts & labor for this. The total came out to be $1700 ($400 for the part and $1300 for 12 hours labor). This is a bit too much for me and I would have looked for an independent mechanic to do this at cheaper price. However, BMW of Sterling is saying that I have NO CHOICE but to pay them $1700 since they already have taken the car apart and would have to put them back. They did not give me any estimate and I have not authorized them to do any work that would cost me. But they just went ahead and took the car apart, thinking the warranty would cover the cost, only to realize that I would have to pay for it when they found out the problem.
Now, I understand the issues and the dealer may not be trying to rip me off, but I just can't cope with the fact that they are charging me $1700 without me ever getting estimate and authorizing the work. Are they allowed to do this? Would I be able to negotiate anything?
Thanks for any feedbacks!