New Dog ... Old Tricks
I own a BMW 3 Series. There are very few BMW dealers authorised to carry out warranty work with a service. I booked a service through Group 1's Colchester branch website which offers an online booking facility. The system did not make the booking, instead just issuing an acknowledgement of the 'enquiry' promising a follow up which never happened. I always dreaded dealing with this BMW outlet when it was owned by Inchcape. Surely under Group 1 things would be much better. ...No Chance. I ended up having to ring to book, which I did and was told they no longer pick up cars I would have to bring it in. No trace of the online booking. I asked for a lift the the railway station when I brought the car in and they provided this which was good. Parking at this site for customers is totally inadequate ! Be prepared to have to leave your car in harms way . I had been told the work my not be finished before 5 but I decided to turn up just after 4. I sat in the reception area, much reduced from Inchcape days. I watched the receptionist get coffee for someone who had come in to buy a car. It appears you only get offered coffee if you are going to spend large amounts of money. When I mentioned this I was offered one LOL. When I arrived Iwas given a report on what they were doing, after asking 3 times. When I was presented with the bill and report, there was mention that one of the front tyres needed replacement. This was the first I had heard of it and I was told that they would normally call for permission to do it except they did not. So they lost the opportunity to make a sale almost equal to the service bill and left me to deal with it. Apparently it was my fault for arriving too early even though they had ample opportunity to inform me when I checked in for pick up. I thought I would give them a try as they are under new ownership. I was told by a member of staff, who I shall not name, that Group1 were more focussed on the money than the service. That appears to be absolutely true. I would rather drive further or use an independent service agent who is BMW approved and will do so in the future. I am even considering changing the brand of car as it is no so difficult to deal with BMW service companies.