Han's Auto Repair located in Pacific Highway off the 5 in San Diego. I took my car in for an EWS alignment. Spoke with Mike (found out he was the owner) he stated it will cost $95.00 to do the EWS alignment. No problem, I had the car towed and 2 days later got a phone called saying that they can't align the EWS because the DME I provided wasn't communicating with their computer. Mike stated that he tested another DME from another BMW and still they couldn't get any communication. So he thinks its my wiring harness or some electric issues. He stated that going to a total of $195.00 which includes the EWS alignment.

I still then have no problem. Three days later, I got a phone call from Michael (Mike employee) stated that they test my electrical system and wiring harness and everything looks good. It was getting the power and proper Grounds. So Michael stated he tested my DME (one I supply to have the EWS aligned) and still the car wasn't communicating with their computer. He then stated he tested another DME from another BMW and now its communicating fine, leading to that I have a defective DME.

Now it got me thinking. I got a phone call from MIKE and before I gave him the okey to troubleshoot the wiring harness, he did stated he tried another DME from another BMW, hence I gave him permission to charge me extra to troubleshoot. Now, Michael is telling me a different story, that putting in a DME from another BMW did work. So there's were NEVER any problem with my wiring harness or any electric wiring. They just want to make extra $100.

Just say I was alittle upset, but no big deal yet. So 5 days later I got a replacement DME, because I sure wasn't going to let them get me one at their price of $450 for a USED DME. I drop it off and waited till after Labor Day to pickup the car.

Upon arrival at their shop, I was greeted by Mike (the owner of the shop) and I informed him that I here to pickup my car. He told his guy to pull the car out. He then pulls out the bill. To my shock total came out to $328.45:eek: . I was like WTF:confused :mad He was charging me $95 for the EWS, $145 to troubleshoot the wiring harness and $90 for storage fee (which I have no problem, eventhought I wasn't aware of any fees).

At this point, it wasn't the money issue because I have the funds to pay as long as it was a vaild charge. I asked him (MIKE) I thought he told me it was $195 Total including the EWS alignment. He stated he never told me such thing:mad . Then I started quizzing him on what we spoke on the phone about the another DME and what I spoke with Michael. He stated he never told me such thing that he tried another DME from another working BMW in his shop:mad :mad Mother**** was lieing in front of my face.

I tried to argue but what the use, he's the owner and there's wasn't much I can do, if I wanted my car back. Because it was going to be his words against mine and guess who's going to win:rolleyes

To make a long story short, I just paid and get the hell out of there. I will NEVER AGAIN use that shop to do anything. I would also tell other BMW's owner in SAN DIEGO not to use their shop. Because the owner is a freakin lier and like I stated it wasn't the money issue as long as the repair is valid/warrant.

Never heard of them, but thanks for the warning.

Good to hear. In 4 months (January) there will be a good Bimmer shop in San Diego.

The only way would be court, and for the little difference it's probalby not worth it. Just pass the word on the bad experience which should make up for the lost cost in lost business.

Call the bureau of automotive repair and go through it with them, and especially show them the paperwork in which you authorized the original and the additional work. You may be able to put some pressure on them. BTW, what is with the storage fee? Did you leave it there a week or something?

Call the bureau of automotive repair and go through it with them, and especially show them the paperwork in which you authorized the original and the additional work. You may be able to put some pressure on them. BTW, what is with the storage fee? Did you leave it there a week or something?

For $100 or so, its not worth the time and effort. I am just passing on information for those who would need their service, not to use them. As for the storage fee that a whole different story. They charge $15 per day and the 5 days that I was waiting for a replacment DME, plus the Friday, which they still charge me eventhought they took a day off for personal reason. Which I can pick up my car till after Labor Day. They did contact me on Thursday at 4:55pm, 35 minutes before they close that the car was ready to be pickup. Which by the way, I live in Escondido.

Sounds like they needed to recoup some cash from the holiday.

Next time pay with a credit card then dispute the charge.

Good to hear. In 4 months (January) there will be a good Bimmer shop in San Diego.


enlighten us...

enlighten us...

+1

Next time pay with a credit card then dispute the charge.
I could have done that, but then he could turn around and put a mechanic Lien on my car because once they CC do their chargeback. I would then be liable for the service he provided.

You have to understand, I don't care much about how much it cost. I just want them (he) to be upfront and don't play this 'oh I didn't tell you that" BS.

The amount I spend on the repair, I could have just went out and buy the AST PC software and do my own EWS programming. I know it cost like $1k, but after spending $300, what's an extra $700 to do it my self.

Well, I take it as a lesson learn......

Paradiguy... let me know once you open up. I need a good shop to do some work on my cars....

enlighten us...
I'm looking at a shop in SD, but I can't give details on it yet. Everything should be good to go by January at the latest though.

I could have done that, but then he could turn around and put a mechanic Lien on my car because once they CC do their chargeback. I would then be liable for the service he provided.

That is not true. When you agree to accept credit cards as payment you also agree that in the case of a dispute the credit card company can make the decision as to whether or not you provided the service the client paid for.