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Never Again!!!!!!!!!!!

23K views 75 replies 57 participants last post by  Notahog 
#1 ·
I recently purchased a 01 LT, Its a first for me, It has high milage (73K) but looks and felt just fine. Everything worked ( except reverse, Never checked)

I did an oil change, sparkplugs, changed final drive fluid. I figured I should do filters, and tranny fluid. Not ready to attempt this with all the tupperware I decided to take it to the local dealer in Charlotte.

What a mistake!! the bike came back to me with more problems than it went in for:

I had them do the brake fluids, NOW have the 1hz flashing between the ABS lights, Soft front brake WHICH I CAN PUMP UP!!!. Dealer says it had a history of brake issues Its coding a 16 Dealer wants to replace the ABS unit!!. Idle was high about 1200 rpm. asked dealer about it? said it was normal when I took it in. Somehow it had a hard failure while there and started idling at 4K while at the dealer. Again had a HISTORY form the P.O..
Previous fix," CHANGED OIL AND AIR FILTER" problem solved. It cost me about $250 to replace the IAC.

Took a ride yesterday: now the Cruise control does not work, No light or anything. Worked when it went in!!. They put a new front tire on. The rear part of the fender was scraping the tire. ( I fixed it)

Mirror assembly vibrated. On the incoming inspection The service manager knocked them off pretty hard and I saw plastic flying!! They did a walk around for scratches and damage. It not a perfect bike but it is pretty nice. He listed everything and I signed it. It came back with a scratch in the side cover

They suposely did the 48K service per BMW. Did not stamp the book. It amazes me how the service manager kept telling me the bike has a "HISTORY" of this and that and how it came out with hard failures at the dealer which it didn't have going in. It seems to me if it has a "history" then the dealer did not have the knowledge or expertise to fix the "HISTORY problems"!!!

If anyone can suggest what areas to look at to fix some of these problem I would be very greatful. I only have the factory manual, not very helpful for troubleshooting only taking things apart and assembly. Any suggestions for a good Manual?

We'll we will see what else I stumble on that does't work!!

The more I ride the bike the more I really like it!!! even with all the issues!

Thanks in advance for any help
Al
 
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#2 ·
Al,

Unfortunately, it sounds like you got off to a poor start with a wonderful bike. I don't have specific answers for you, but would suggest several site searches for your bike problems. I've owned my 02 for about 5 years and like most members of this forum, love it. I haven't had the problems you've had so I can't really feel your pain. Seems like your dealer though, is giving you the run a round and I'd first look for another. There is a wealth of self service info on this site, and I'm sure that someone will chine in soon with specif answers for you. Welcome to the zoo!
 
#3 ·
Sorry to hear of your issues with charlotte bmw, have you contacted them to get the problems worked out? I know they are only human and I am sure the manager/owner woul like to hear of issues that come up if there is a problem. If you dont want to go that way there are a number of people in the area who would be happy to help you out if they can.
 
#4 ·
I'd call them up and give them a chance to fix the problems they obviously created.

If they decline my next call would be to my lawyer.

I'd certainly explain that the bike came in only needing an oil change and left with major problems that were not there before you brought it in.

There are quite a few guys in your area of the country with the knowledge to help you out of your issues. Sounds like the brakes weren't bled correctly and that's probably the cause of that issue. Re-bleed the front brakes and probably the rear as well.

Get some speedbleeders and it goes really fast. Low fluid in the rear res can cause your brake light issue.

At this point I'm not sure i'd trust that dealers explanation of anything.

Good Luck

John
 
#5 ·
In my opinion, you should hold of doing any work on the bike yourself until the dealer has a chance to make it right, or you risk them saying you caused the problem.

Take the bike back to the dealer, and have a discussion with the Service Manager. Present a written list , itemizing all of these points. Work with the dealer, ask questions, ask for paperwork and you may find that they will fix anything that they broke or left disconnected.
 
#6 ·
Did you buy it from a dealer or an individual?

I bought my LT from that dealer in Charlotte and they have been nothing but great with all of my dealings with them. Matter of fact, they have gone the extra mile more than once to make things right when they didn't really have to.

As described, that is wayyyyyyyyyyyy out of character for them. Try again, talk to Mark, owner of the place. All the work I've ever had done or seen done there has always been first class.
 
#7 ·
Al sorry to hear about your experience. I would, as other have said, work with the dealer to see if your issues could be resolved. I too got off of the wrong foot with my dealer but we worked though the issues and since then they have been great.
This site you will find a great resource.
Welcome and good luck.
Let us know how things turn out.
 
#8 ·
Nightmare... not something you want to happen with a new ride..
i'd go along with JPSen and give them a chance to put it right,
only because GUNNY has had good words to say about them.
If no joy then a well put together letter to BMW about the quality of one of there dealer's,
Everyone has to answer to someone.
Over hear is a busy time for dealer's because everyone wants the rides ready for the better wether, sometime's thing's get overlooked,
This site will have everything you will want to know about the bike,
(Not just the BAD things, some do post good things about the bike as well..)
Had my 2000 LT since December, and i love it,
 
#10 ·
I have gone round and round with them, You can't talk to a person who believes he knows everything and you know nothing. There comes a point where you realize that all they can do is replace parts and hope like H*** they get it right.

I bought the bike privitely but my son bought his R1200ST from them and the sales guys are great!! Service is another issue.

I own my own business and came out of the areospace industry as a QA engineer. I have been into bikes and car for well over 30yrs. I have restored several cars ( collected real mini coopers) and bike over the years so I do know my way around mechanics and electrical. I just do not have the proper service manuals or tools yet for the LT. Thats why I took it to the dealer

Every time I talked to them while the bike was in there ( We were on vacation) I felt the upsell going on. It had no abs brake issues, the cruise worked, the idle was what I thought a little high at 1200rpm. and no scratches on the side covers. but it was running fine , no warning lights and all worked.

I don't believe they have any troubleshooting skills at all. I am really upset with the way the bike was returned and the service, How Do you get two MAJOR HARD Failures while at the dealer when it was ok prior. That has to be pretty rare and then the bike is returned to you with the ABS problem.

How do you fix an erratic idle with changing the oil and filter? call me baffled!!!

If I had these results with my customer I would not be in business. The only thing I can be sure of is that they actually put a new front tire on but could not put the rear part of the front fender on stright.

I bought this bike with the intent on seeing how well I liked it before spending 20+K on a new one. I really do like the bike and I was extermely happy with the sales department but after this experience we will never use them for service or buy another bike or parts from them.

Please realize with all my ranting I did buy the bike used and realized it would not be perfect. The service manager was sure to give me a HISTORY LESSON!! Still I have to wonder if these are repeat failures and they have History how come they did not fix thing right the first time!!!!!!!!

Al Young
Mooresville, NC
 
#11 ·
Al,
I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you. I avoid the dealer's service dept. if at all possible. When they have worked on it (only 2 times), I find extra scratches and missing screws, parts, etc.

Here's what has made it possible for me to enjoy LT ownership:

1. www.bmwlt.com
2. www.sayegh.org/bmw/service-video.htm
3. The BMW or Clymer manual.
4. Buy as many parts from Chicago BMW as possible(20% discount).
5. A do everything myself attitude.

Please let us know how things work out for you.
 
#12 ·
I suggest the first thing you do is take it to another dealer and request a printed history record before anything else occurs. If there is no history of failures, take that record with you to the previous dealer and tell him to fix it or prepare to be sued. Really simple.

If you paid by credit card, dispute the charges immediately. Explain you went in for an oil change and came out with a disaster. Then talk to the dealer about fixing it if he wants to get paid.

If there is a history of problems, talk to the new dealer about what he recommends and go from there.
 
#13 ·
I just went thru similar issues re manuals, etc. cause I got a 2001 LT in October 2007 (after 23 years on a Yahama Venture). I found two excellent sources of technical information. First are the Paul Sayegh video tapes. Cover all the basics, oil changes, tupperware removal, brakes, etc. They are excellent. Paul has a website you can get them from. Second is a factory manual, which from the Dealer is $$ but you can get them from eBay (CD, not paper copy) for about $3 - $6. Probably illegal copy though. Also, I highly recommend the CLYMER book on the BMW LT. I just picked one up, based on info I got from this site, and it is really excellent. Will list for about $50 but you can usually get it discounted for about $30 or so. Finally look at the Hall of Wisdon on this site for technical information. And the articles (Oil Changing 101 for example) on this site. Best of luck.
__________________
 
#14 ·
I noticed Saturday that one of the throttle cables is loose at the bar. Looks like the end is out of the threads. Called the dealer and informed him my cruise was not working now. I used it on the way to the dealer when going for service.. Told him I had read about possible cable adjustments.

When I picked up the bike they said they checked and adjusted the cables, On Saturday he said that they did not adjust the cables.

Also asked him about pumping up the brakes. (hand brake) he said that was normal and that his 01 LT and GS do the same thing.

Is this as common as he makes it out to be

Thanks
Al
 
#15 ·
Also asked him about pumping up the brakes. (hand brake) he said that was normal and that his 01 LT and GS do the same thing.
I'd worry about going to hell for telling such a lie...

pumping up brakes is a symptom of air in the system.

I hope you paid with your card and can dispute the payment.

John
 
#16 ·
Sorry to hear your troubles. Once you get em ironed out though, I think you'll have many moons of happy riding.

I've also had cruise control problems that seem to start and stop like magic. (The problems always start the day before a trip and magically stop the day I get home...ok, that only happened once, but I've had 3 failures now on CC.)

My local dealer (Victory BMW) fixed it one time (switch movement issue, infamous on this site) then it failed again about 90 days later. I took it back and it was something else, (pinched cable somewhere they said.) They were very good and fixed it for no charge, while I waited. They could have easily charged me since it was a seperate issue.

It sounds like your at an impass with your local dealer, but since your son bought a bike from them you may try to talk to the owner and suggest your current bike won't be your last, and help now would encourage you to come back. Just a suggestion.
Good luck.
 
#17 ·
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bob Mihalko and I am the Service Manager @ BMW-Ducati of Charlotte. I have been with BMW-Ducati of Charlotte since the fall of 2005 and previous to that I was the Service Manager @ Matthews Fun Machines for nearly five years. I've also been employed in the motorcycle industry as a Sales Associate and as a Sales Manager. I have been involved in some type of customer service for nearly my entire professional career.

I have been an avid motorcycle enthusiast for the past 23 years, having owned nearly twenty motorcycles including my current bike, a 2001 BMW K1200LT, which I use as my daily commuter, my weekend getaway bike, and yes, my track bike.

I would like to take the time to set the facts straight regarding Mr. Young's recent experience with our dealership. I was the sole point of contact with Mr. Young from the time we initially set the service appointment, checked the bike in, consulted on the phone and checked the bike out when Mr. Young picked the bike back up.

Mr. Young had requested a modified 48,000 mile service with a four year service. His appointment was booked and his bike was checked into our dealership on March 6, 2008 @ 4:38 P.M. I filled out the Work Order and initially listed the following jobs which Mr. Young had requested: 1. Perform "modified" 48K / four year service (customer requests we do NOT change the engine oil or filter, the final drive fluid, or the spark plugs. DO install the customer supplied K&N air filter. Perform the remainder of the service as per BMWNA guidelines). 2. North Carolina Safety Inspection.

Mr. Young accompanied me outside to perform our mandatory, documented "walk around" of the motorcycle. During the process of the walk around, I checked the following items: Tires, suspension, front brakes, lights, signaling equipment, operation of of the hand controls, power windshield and the audio system. I recommended replacement of the front tire due to wear. Mr. Young requested a quote on replacing the front tire. I also inspected the final drive unit and the gearbox/crankcase junction (done so by lying on my back to examine the underside of the bike). I found the area just aft of the gearbox/crankcase junction to be soaked with oil. I showed Mr. Young the oil on my hand and I informed him of the possibility of a rear main seal or a gearbox seal leak. Mr. Young indicated the bike "is not leaking any oil, the oil was due to the fact I had overfilled the crankcase while performing an oil change". Mr. Young also stated the area was dry when he performed the oil change. I noted the following on the work order: Clean and check for possible oil leak, rear main seal or drain plug (customer just changed the oil, it was dry then). The bike was started and the reverse operation was checked (found to be non-operable). I noted to Mr. Young that the bike had an erratic idle (the engine idle speed was rising and falling). I informed Mr. Young that the previous owner had brought the bike in last year for a fluid service and also mentioned the bike was having erratic idle problems. Mr. Young acknowledged the bike did in fact have somewhat of an erratic idle. AT NO TIME DID I INDICATE TO MR. YOUNG THAT "THIS WAS NORMAL". I noted the following on the work order: "note: the bike seems to have an erratic idle - low then high to 1,300 rpms. I also informed Mr. Young that while performing the brake fluid service the previous year we discovered and cleared an ABS fault code #16 (ABS piston fault)

While performing the walk around of the bike I noticed a piece of rubber wedged between the RH mirror base and the upper cowl. I inquired about this and Mr. Young indicated the "mirror is loose and it rattles". I removed only the RH mirror to investigate the cause of the problem (I used the procedure that anyone familiar with the BMW mirror mounting system would know, place one hand under the mirror assembly and with the other hand use a short, sharp blow to the top outer portion of the mirror assembly to safely remove it from the three mounting posts). The mirror came loose as expected (it was tethered with a wire tie) and both Mr.Young and I inspected the mirror base assembly. Mr. Young pointed out the wire retaining clips were screwed up (in fact the mirror base plastic was cracked and there were pieces of plastic missing). Mr. Young stated the LH mirror had similar problems but it was not as bad. Mr. Young requested I provide him with a quote on replacing the mirror and I noted the following on the work order: 3. estimate to replace RH internal mirror assy.

I noted the following on our Motorcycle Check In Form: Scuffed RH engine guard, scratched trunk box latch, scratched RH saddlebag lid, RH Mirror base (cracked plastic and damaged clip), non-functional reverse operation, scuffed LH engine cowl, broken vanity mirror peg).

Upon completion of the walk around, Mr. Young signed the work order authorizing us to perform the services as described on the work order. Mr. Young also signed the Motorcycle Check In Form noting the current damage to the bike.

Mr. Young requested an estimate to complete all the work. I noted the following amounts on the work order $800.00 for service, $9.10 for state safety inspection. Mr. Young then inquired as to the cost of replacing the front tire and I quoted him approximately $200.00. Mr. Young stated that if I could keep everything under $1000.00 (without the mirror replacement), "go ahead and do it". Mr. Young then acknowledge (with an additional signature) the estimated amount of the modified 48K/four year service, the state inspection and front tire replacement. I informed Mr.. Young that I would contact him if we encountered any problems during the process of the service.

The work order was assigned to our BMW Master Certified Technician on the scheduled day and as per policy the work order was reviewed with the technician prior to any work being started on the bike. The technician assisgned the work order has been with our company for nearly nine years. He is a graduate of MMI with a certifications in both BMW and Harley Davidson. The following are a list of the certifications he has received over the years: BMW Master Certified Technician, Ducati Desmosedici Certified Technician, Ducati Level II Certified Technician, Triumph Certified Technician, and MV Agusta Certified Technician. Needless to say, this guy know his way around a bike and he has developed a very dedicated and loyal customer base over the years.

Based on my observations of the erratic engine idle at the time of the initial walk around AND the bikes previous history of erratic idle problems, our technician first checked the bike for fault codes using the BMW GT1 diagnostic computer. The checked revealed no fault codes present. He proceeded with the service, including the post service test ride. During the test ride the engine idle grew more erratic and by the time he returned to the shop the engine idle speed was hanging up around 4,000 rpm's. He again checked for fault codes using GT1 and found the following fault code present: Open idle actuator. I researched the labor costs and the part cost to replace the idle actuator and I called Mr. Young. I informed Mr. Young that we had completed the service, the replacement of the front tire, and the state inspection. I informed him that the amount of the service was actually $633.99 plus tax and not the $800.00 dollars I had estimated previously. The tire replacement was $196.85 plus tax and the state safety inspection was $9.10. I informed Mr. Young that the technician had noted the following problems during the process of performing the service: leaking timing cover, possible rear main or gearbox seal, and a leaking steering damper. I also informed Mr. Young of the high engine idle condition and the fault code for the idle control actuator.

Mr. Young became very upset at this time and indicated that the bike did not have that problem when it came in and he wanted to know what we had done to the bike. I explained in detail the process of performing the service including both the pre-service and post service diagnostics using GT1. I provided Mr. Young a quote on the replacement cost of the idle control actuator and the labor to replace it. Mr. Young asked me to "take a look" at the number and let him know what we could do for him. Mr. Young commented that he was not happy about having to take the bike back apart to fix a problem we should have fixed when we had it apart. I informed Mr. Young that I would see what I could do to help him out.

I called Mr. Young back a short while later and offered to replace the idle actuator using BMWNA's flat rate of 1.1 hours (replace idle control actuator, body work removed and fuel tank removed) instead of the 2.5 hours to replace it including removal of the bodywork and fuel tank. Mr. Young authorized the repair and I informed him we would have the part the next day and I would re-arrange our schedule in order to complete the repair.

We were able to get the bike back on the techician's lift that afternoon and we verified the failure down to the component level (with the idle actuator removed, we were able to manually close the plunger and view the results on GT1). The part arrived and was installed the following day. We re-set the TPS and verified proper operation of the idle control actuator. Engine idle speed was now normal. A road test was performed but during the test ride the ABS warning lights began to flash. We again checked for faults and discovered a re-occurrence of the ABS # 16 (modulator piston fault). The techinican performed a component test of the ABS modulator piston using GT1 and it failed. The fault code was cleared and the bike was given a final inspection. The replacement of the idle actuator was $229.00 plus tax. In addition to charging the lower flat rate of 1.1 hours instead of the 2.5 hours, we did NOT charge Mr. Young any diagnostic time.

Mr. Young was notified upon the completion of all the work and the final work order total was $1099.34 ($99.34 more than I had originally estimated for the service, the tire replacement and the state safety inspection). Mr. Young was also informed of the re-occurrence of the ABS fault code.

Mr. Young came in to pick his bike up and I reviewed all the paperwork and I returned the faulty idle control actuator. Mr. Young paid his bill and left with his bike. I did not hear back from Mr.. Young until the following week when he called to tell me the cruise control was no longer working, that the throttle cable had come loose at the throttle tube assembly and that we "had scratched the side cover". Mr. Young also stated that he had to "pump" the front brake. We spoke about the throttle cables and I described how to re-secure the cable in the housing and how to lock it in place with the lock nut. I also offered to have him come by and we would double check the throttle cable adjustment and perform the stationary cruise control test. I also offered him my opinion of the "pumping" he was having to do with the front brakes. My experience with BMW ABS II is that the initial pull of the brake lever has a soft feel. If the brake lever is pulled in, released and then immediately pulled back in the brake lever has a much harder feel to it. This is based on my experience with both my 2001 K1200LT and my 2001 R1150GS, and with consultation with representatives from BMWNA. I have not heard back from Mr. Young since we last spoke. .

I'd also like to respond directly to some of Mr. Young's statements from his posts.

Mr. Young states:"What a mistake!! the bike came back to me with more problems than it went in for:

Having been informed of the condition of his bike by trained professionals, Mr. Young is now aware of the problems he was un-aware of when he purchased the bike.

Mr. Young states: "Dealer says it had a history of brake issues Its coding a 16 Dealer wants to replace the ABS unit!!. Idle was high about 1200 rpm. asked dealer about it? said it was normal when I took it in. Somehow it had a hard failure while there and started idling at 4K while at the dealer. Again had a HISTORY form the P.O.. Previous fix," CHANGED OIL AND AIR FILTER" problem solved.

During the process of performing the walk around, Mr. Young was advised of the erratic idle, the previous history of the erratic idle and the previous history of the ABS problem. The bike did not have a fault codes present when we performed the pre-service diagnosis but did in fact suffer a "hard failure" while being test ridden during the post service test ride. The previous fix was NOT "change engine oil and filter". The previous owner requested we change the engine oil and filter and he mentioned the bike had an erratic idle. We performed the engine oil and filter change, checked fault codes (no idle actuator fault codes were present at that time) and we test rode the bike. We noted that the idle was normal at that time.

Mr. Young states: "They suposely did the 48K service per BMW. Did not stamp the book."

It is BMW-Ducati of Charlotte's policy to not go through customer's personal belongings in order to find the book to stamp it. We will gladly stamp a customer's book provided the customer gives us the book or directs us to the book. At no time did Mr. Young provide us with the book or request we stamp it.

Mr. Young states: "It amazes me how the service manager kept telling me the bike has a "HISTORY" of this and that and how it came out with hard failures at the dealer which it didn't have going in. It seems to me if it has a "history" then the dealer did not have the knowledge or expertise to fix the "HISTORY problems"!!!" and "How do you fix an erratic idle with changing the oil and filter? call me baffled!!!

We could not duplicate the previous owner's complaint and he was not concerned with the erratic idle problem. He wanted the oil and filter changed and he was going to let the next owner worry about the problem. We did not investigate it further because we were not authorized to do so.

Mr. Young states: "I have gone round and round with them, You can't talk to a person who believes he knows everything and you know nothing. There comes a point where you realize that all they can do is replace parts and hope like H*** they get it right."

We never went "round and round". I was honest and professional during all my interactions with Mr. Young. We did ONLY what Mr. Young asked us to do. Mr. Young was provided with up front estimates, the work was performed in a timely manner and at a significant savings from the original estimate. When we did encounter a problem, Mr. Young was notified and provided with a verbal estimate.

Mr. Young states: "Every time I talked to them while the bike was in there ( We were on vacation) I felt the upsell going on. It had no abs brake issues, the cruise worked, the idle was what I thought a little high at 1200rpm. and no scratches on the side covers. but it was running fine , no warning lights and all worked."

I never attempted to "up sell" Mr. Young. Mr. Young was advised of only the recommended services, a replacement of the front tire and the problems we noted and encountered while the bike was in our care.

Mr. Young states: "I don't believe they have any troubleshooting skills at all. I am really upset with the way the bike was returned and the service, How Do you get two MAJOR HARD Failures while at the dealer when it was ok prior. That has to be pretty rare and then the bike is returned to you with the ABS problem."

The bike was NOT okay prior to it coming to our dealership. We were just unfortunate the problems re-occurred while we had it. We did in fact diagnose the erratic idle problem correctly.

Mr. Young states: "I bought this bike with the intent on seeing how well I liked it before spending 20+K on a new one. I really do like the bike and I was extermely happy with the sales department but after this experience we will never use them for service or buy another bike or parts from them".

I'm sorry Mr. Young feels this way but I would not change a single thing we did during this entire process. We obviously failed to meet Mr. Young's expectations and for that I am sorry.

To all of you who have taken the time to read this post, I thank you. To our loyal customer's who have come to our defense, I thank you. I look forward to serving all of with integrity and honesty for years to come.

Sincerely,

Bob Mihalko
Service Manager
BMW-Ducati Motorcycles
 
#19 ·
fazed said:
To all of you who have taken the time to read this post, I thank you. To our loyal customer's who have come to our defense, I thank you. I look forward to serving all of with integrity and honesty for years to come.

Sincerely,

Bob Mihalko
Service Manager
BMW-Ducati Motorcycles
Well Bob,

Sorry it took this kind of situation to get you riled up enough for your 1st post:)

I'm only sorry that I didn't take the time earlier to question the original poster's complaints. When I read the original post I thought to myself, "this doesn't sound like the Bob I know." I thought maybe there was a new service manager down in Charlotte.

I have not met Al Young, I hope he is more reputable than the 2 sides of this story indicate.

Thanks, Bob, for taking obviously a lot of time to put together a very professional response. I'm only sorry that I don't live closer to your shop so I could spend more time there.



===========================================================

To other readers,

Bob's description of walk around and initial W/O write up is exactly what I have experienced during service visits to Ducati-BMW of Charlotte. The shop as a whole seems very open minded to us finicky owners. Take for example this whole reverse operation dispute, these guys are one of the good guys, they really know how these bikes work and what their idiosyncrasies are.

I, for one, although I do a lot of maintenance myself, when I don't have time or the ability to do something, or if I even end up screwing something up, this North Carolina dealer is where I'll be heading.
 
#20 ·
Well, I don't know either party in this but I know a few that do deal with the Charlotte and alls they do is brag about the place... And thats both sales and service....

While I do my business with Cape Fear BMW in Wilmington NC I would really like the other riders who have dealt with BMW-Ducati to chime in.. I'm fairly confident most all will be positive......

JTEC,, You bought a 7 years old bike with 73k on it.. With due respect sir those could have been some of the most abusive miles a bike ever got... But my biggest puzzlement,is why would the service department want to run off a new and potentially long term customer????...........Pete
 
#21 ·
Thanks for posting your side of the issues Bob.

I hope that you two can get these issues worked out in a equally equitable manner.

This certainly was a good start.

John
 
#23 ·
Wow...I appreciate Bob's response to the issues at hand, that was quite a post. I hope you'll consider being a regular contributor to the forum, we won't abuse you just 'cause you work at a dealership....really! I thought you did a nice job on the response.

As for the original poster, I feel your pain too, been there. I'll look forward to your response, but in the meantime, fix what you gotta fix and get riding...you'll feel better.
Good luck.
 
#24 ·
JTEC,

It is really tough when you buy something (new to you) and feel as if maybe you bought the wrong item.. I felt that way when my rear main seal went on my LT. Hindsite is always 20/20. I have learned by my experiences what to look for in a BMW motorcycle and when a specific set of circumstances prove an increase in the amount of risk when buying a specific machine. I would call it the "school of hard knocks".. Experience is the best teacher.

The items that you had mentioned that are an issue would not have become appearant to you unless you had total disclosure from the previous owner and were aware of the service history of that specific bike. That is a tough situation and very uncomfortable. I feel your pain also !!!

The dealer on the other hand is responsible for doing their job. It is always easy to "Kill the messenger".. But, the dealer has to do what the dealer does because you asked them to. It is obvious to me that Bob has done a very professional job of disclosing the details of your interaction. That is to be commended... If anything, and with my experience with BMW service, I would have to say that the prices and treatment that they have provided are quite reasonable and professional. It seems they feel your pain also..

My recommendation is to either fix the bike (and then ride it and enjoy it), sell it and buy one that you have thoroughly researched (including service records, maintenance requirements, etc.), or trade it in. Either way, you will have a great bike to ride !!!

If you decide to acquire a different bike, also keep the following things in mind:

1) Buy one that still has some warranty left on it.

2) Do your research through the BMW dealer(s) that serviced the bike

3) By all means, buy an all inclusive extended warranty from a seperate company that will deal with the financial issues if the bike breaks for a pre-determined period of time.. But, it must be purchased when the bike is under manufacturer's warranty. If you would have had this plan, I am sure you wouldn't be nearly as frustrated as you are now, correct?


But, most importantly, at the time, come to the forum and search and ask questions.. You will get the guidance that you request.

These bikes are great !!!! They are the best full blown tourer out there. But, they do have their issues. Just know what they are and as they say "forewarned is forearmed"..

Good Luck..
 
#25 ·
Bob,

I am glad you replied and gave your story. CYA

As stated earlier, I know the bike was not perfect and it was used!!! no arguement!!!!!

You did offer for me to come back. The question is why: the dealership did enough

I never asked for the 48K service. I thought it was strange since it has 73K on it but I took your lead. As for the book you had it and even wrote my name on it. It was what I thought a high idle, 1200rpm not erratic

AS for the bike having a "history" it just tells me that the dealership could not FIX the problem, If they could there would be no "history" maybe that is why the previous stop going to the dealership. Dealerships never make mistakes.

We will do our own service and repairs. We are very capable. I am very experienced. I have over 20yrs as a Q.A Engineer in the aerospace industry working on such items as the space shuttle navigational systems and many other military nav systems. Mechanically I have collected and retored several cars that have won many concours events. 37 years on motorcyles. I hold 2 B. S. Degrees and one Technical degree. I actually was offered a job in the motorcycle division of BMW NA in the early 80's.


I have been self employeed for the last 18yrs where we design and manufacturer item for big boys in the hobby industry. www. jtecrc.com
We pride ourself on our quality, workmanship and customer service, otherwise we would not be in business.

I will admit that I am getting older and lazy and that is why I took the bike in for service. We bought a 2005 R1200St and were very satisfied with the sales department.

lets face it, you were just happy to get ride of me when I picked up the bike. I had had enough by that time and gladly paid you to get my bike back. It would have not done any good to argue with you.

I would be happy to post some pictures as to how I recieved the bike back. Front tire , Throttle cables , scratch. but its time to put this thread to bed.

I do thank you for the information provided about the cable and cruise. I will bleed the brakes and see if there is any improvement.

This has turned into a pissing contest which nobody ever wins


Al Young
Mooresville NC
 
#26 ·
I almost did not read this thread. I get tired of all the P & M ing and negativism we read here. I am glad I did read it though, as I happen to be a very pleased customer of BMW of Charlotte, et al. While my experience is limited to the last 2 1/2 years, it has been all good. I would go so far as to say that Bob is, by far, the best Service Manager I have ever dealt with: cars, boats and motorcycles. I believe his professional response speaks for itself. The BMW Technician Bob speaks of is top notch and knows his stuff. I would not hesitate in recommending this dealership to anyone.

Motorcycling is a lifestyle we all should enjoy. Too many people make a life of finding fault where there is none. Based on my knowledge of this dealership and not knowing Mr. Young, I would be willing to bet the latter is the case in this situation. You just can't make some people happy.

Mr. Young, the next time you buy a used bike, remember: dealerships can do a pre buy inspection for you. It can save a buyer from making a big costly mistake on a purchase.
Just MHO.

Ultra LT
 
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