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      05-15-2013, 11:14 PM   #375
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
I was able to get my BMW dealer down to 7 hours at a reduced hourly rate but they want to charge me an additional $185.00 for balance/Alignment.

I though this should be included in the 7 hours? Did you guys pay additional for alignment?
My dealer recommended letting the springs settle before aligning which I did. I brought car back after I had about 500 miles on them at no additional charge.

There should be no need to balance wheels. Sounds like your dealer is trying to squeeze you. if they won't include it, take it to an alignment shop to pay half that. They will probably do a better job anyway.
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      05-15-2013, 11:35 PM   #376
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Originally Posted by MadZarBMR View Post
My dealer recommended letting the springs settle before aligning which I did. I brought car back after I had about 500 miles on them at no additional charge.

There should be no need to balance wheels. Sounds like your dealer is trying to squeeze you. if they won't include it, take it to an alignment shop to pay half that. They will probably do a better job anyway.

Did you guys have to manually adjust your lights or did they auto level?
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      05-16-2013, 08:42 AM   #377
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
I was able to get my BMW dealer down to 7 hours at a reduced hourly rate but they want to charge me an additional $185.00 for balance/Alignment.

I though this should be included in the 7 hours? Did you guys pay additional for alignment?
I paid $110 for alignment, that's in addition to the 7 hour install.
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      05-16-2013, 08:43 AM   #378
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Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
Did you guys have to manually adjust your lights or did they auto level?
I manually did.
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      05-16-2013, 08:45 AM   #379
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmrm396 View Post
dude, best advice anyone can give u right here - dont bother takin it to the dealer for this stuff. just find a good local shop. 25% cheaper right off the bat and theres no advantage to warranty having a dealer install it. none. dont waste the effort and money lettin them bully u around.

My 2cents
^^^ counterintuitive advice right here.

If you're spending the $$ for an OEM setup, get it installed by the dealer.

Otherwise, just buy the coilover options from HR or Bilstein (whatever is on tirerack.com for our F30's) and have it installed by an aftermarket specialist.

The M Performance suspension isn't the be all end all, it's an OEM option that lets you enjoy your car more with the OEM warranty. Why save 25% when 5 years down the line, if the shocks need to be replaced for whatever reason, you'll be stuck with the bill?
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      05-16-2013, 10:34 AM   #380
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my understanding is, like with all BMW parts, its the parts that are warrentied. not the work, no matter if its done at dealer. i remember a friend who paid for performance brakes on his e90, something went wrong but BMW honored it no problem... those were installed elsewhere, didnt matter.

so i guess in short, if he wants a total peace of mind, do it at the dealer. but if hes whining about savin some change, take it elsewhere - the warrenty will still be honored on those parts if something breaks. (now if those parts where INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, thats an entirely different story)

SOMEONE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG HERE
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      05-16-2013, 11:02 AM   #381
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmrm396 View Post
my understanding is, like with all BMW parts, its the parts that are warrentied. not the work, no matter if its done at dealer. i remember a friend who paid for performance brakes on his e90, something went wrong but BMW honored it no problem... those were installed elsewhere, didnt matter.

so i guess in short, if he wants a total peace of mind, do it at the dealer. but if hes whining about savin some change, take it elsewhere - the warrenty will still be honored on those parts if something breaks. (now if those parts where INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, thats an entirely different story)

SOMEONE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG HERE
You are indeed entirely incorrect.

The parts, work, labor, all of it is warranted for the life of the warranty on the car.

So for my car, since I have a 6 year warranty, my M Performance parts, including labor associated with replacing the parts, is covered until Dec 2018.

They've already had to use it, when I installed the suspension, they put the wrong springs on, and covered the labor to correct the problem....
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      05-16-2013, 02:24 PM   #382
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Thanks guys for your advice, I appreciate both points of view.

My BMW Dealer is doing the install today. Dropped her off this morning.
I know I can save some money with an outside mechanic but I wanted the peace of mind. If something were to go wrong instillation wise in the future, i'm sure BMW would take care of it because they installed it.

Regarding the parts warranty, I believe they come with a 2 Years/Unlimited mile warranty instead of 4 years because I didn't originally install at port.
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      05-16-2013, 03:06 PM   #383
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
Thanks guys for your advice, I appreciate both points of view.

My BMW Dealer is doing the install today. Dropped her off this morning.
I know I can save some money with an outside mechanic but I wanted the peace of mind. If something were to go wrong instillation wise in the future, i'm sure BMW would take care of it because they installed it.

Regarding the parts warranty, I believe they come with a 2 Years/Unlimited mile warranty instead of 4 years because I didn't originally install at port.
Actually, no.
You will get the remainder of your new car warranty with those parts - so if you have 3 years and 10 months left of the 4 year, SINCE you are dealer installing it, you'll receive that. Works out nicely!
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      05-16-2013, 06:47 PM   #384
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shivaswrath View Post
You are indeed entirely incorrect.

The parts, work, labor, all of it is warranted for the life of the warranty on the car.

So for my car, since I have a 6 year warranty, my M Performance parts, including labor associated with replacing the parts, is covered until Dec 2018.

They've already had to use it, when I installed the suspension, they put the wrong springs on, and covered the labor to correct the problem....
He is partially correct. My service advisor has told me that as long as the parts are OEM, they will honor the warranty if something goes wrong.
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      05-16-2013, 07:23 PM   #385
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for people thinking the dealer should install the performance suspension in order to retain warranty, you guys must not know how dealers work.


They will never replace your shocks, or any suspension component for that matter since they will say that you caused the damage. Shocks/ springs don't just "fail" they only fail if they are exposed to some sort of heavy force ie. a pothole, and BMW would never cover damage due to a pothole.

I once hit a bad pothole and my control arms bent, that sure as hell is not under warranty, same goes for if your shock is bent, bmw would not fix it.

Plus, when BMW repairs suspension they replace almost everything, thats their protocol. I remember when i had my bent control arm, the dealer quoted to replace sway bars, control arms on both sides, the knuckle, etc. When it comes to a warranty claim for an amount that high, it will NEVER fly. Maybe, just maybe if BMW's protocol wasn't to replace so many other suspension parts if one part was damaged, then maybe i could see them warrantying the part.

Last edited by infinitigor; 05-16-2013 at 08:06 PM..
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      05-16-2013, 09:38 PM   #386
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
Did you guys have to manually adjust your lights or did they auto level?
Dealer adjusted mine and is part of the installation instructions.

Shivas - i'm surprised you had to pay extra for alignment. I guess now I know why I'm stuck paying $180/hr.

Instructions indicate 6.5 hrs to install suspension and directs tech to perform the following post install:

- On cars with active steering (AFS) the steering angle sensors must be aligned using the BMW diagnostic
system via the service function (SBT)
- Carry out chassis measurement and adjust so it is identical to the Sports chassis settings data in SA 226/704
- Adjust the headlights (ISTA No. 6 310 004)

Quote:
Originally Posted by shivaswrath View Post
Actually, no.
You will get the remainder of your new car warranty with those parts - so if you have 3 years and 10 months left of the 4 year, SINCE you are dealer installing it, you'll receive that. Works out nicely!
Shivas is 100% correct here. This is something I researched and finally convinced me to stick with OEM and dealer install. M Parts and labor carry full vehicle warranty.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bmrm396 View Post
(now if those parts where INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, thats an entirely different story)

SOMEONE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG HERE
I believe this last part is what ultimately makes the case for paying dealer to install.

Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitigor View Post
for people thinking the dealer should install the performance suspension in order to retain warranty, you guys must not know how dealers work.


They will never replace your shocks, or any suspension component for that matter since they will say that you caused the damage. Shocks/ springs don't just "fail" they only fail if they are exposed to some sort of heavy force ie. a pothole, and BMW would never cover damage due to a pothole.

I once hit a bad pothole and my control arms bent, that sure as hell is not under warranty, same goes for if your shock is bent, bmw would not fix it.

Plus, when BMW repairs suspension they replace almost everything, thats their protocol. I remember when i had my bent control arm, the dealer quoted to replace sway bars, control arms on both sides, the knuckle, etc. When it comes to a warranty claim for an amount that high, it will NEVER fly. Maybe, just maybe if BMW's protocol wasn't to replace so many other suspension parts if one part was damaged, then maybe i could see them warrantying the part.
Agree that warranty is not the same as incidental damage protection. That is what insurance is for, but I would never open a claim for damage to suspension parts or even wheels. Not worth the premium increase.

I believe the point is more along the lines of something else going wrong with the way it was installed or something else being negatively affected on the vehicle due to lack of knowledge or simple negligence.

The way I see it, if I paid BMW $50K for the car AND also piled on more $$ in parts/labor, I'm in a better position to have it rectified should something go wrong. I believe Shivas has proven this to all of us after going through his springs fiasco.
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      05-16-2013, 10:18 PM   #387
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Received a call from my dealer late today, M Performance Suspension is on and car is ready to pick up tomorrow! I'll post pictures.

I have been riding on H&R Sports and ill give my honest opinion on the driving characteristic differences between the two.

I paid $125.00/hr x 7 hours + alignment.
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      05-16-2013, 11:58 PM   #388
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
Received a call from my dealer late today, M Performance Suspension is on and car is ready to pick up tomorrow! I'll post pictures.

I have been riding on H&R Sports and ill give my honest opinion on the driving characteristic differences between the two.

I paid $125.00/hr x 7 hours + alignment.
Looking forward to it. Congrats!!
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      05-17-2013, 08:38 AM   #389
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Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitigor View Post
for people thinking the dealer should install the performance suspension in order to retain warranty, you guys must not know how dealers work.


They will never replace your shocks, or any suspension component for that matter since they will say that you caused the damage. Shocks/ springs don't just "fail" they only fail if they are exposed to some sort of heavy force ie. a pothole, and BMW would never cover damage due to a pothole.

I once hit a bad pothole and my control arms bent, that sure as hell is not under warranty, same goes for if your shock is bent, bmw would not fix it.

Plus, when BMW repairs suspension they replace almost everything, thats their protocol. I remember when i had my bent control arm, the dealer quoted to replace sway bars, control arms on both sides, the knuckle, etc. When it comes to a warranty claim for an amount that high, it will NEVER fly. Maybe, just maybe if BMW's protocol wasn't to replace so many other suspension parts if one part was damaged, then maybe i could see them warrantying the part.
No car manufacturer would EVER cover damage due to a pothole under warranty. So BMW isn't alone in that at all.

And suspension parts (struts) can and do fail in the northeast due to excessive wear from horrible roads, salt exposure, and/or the potential of a poorly manufactured strut.

Try getting an aftermarket company to cover a manufacturers defect...even if they DO, you're stuck with the labor bill. Not the case with a bmw part.

Regardless, your money and peace of mind, not mine...
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      05-17-2013, 08:43 AM   #390
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shivaswrath View Post
No car manufacturer would EVER cover damage due to a pothole under warranty. So BMW isn't alone in that at all.

And suspension parts (struts) can and do fail in the northeast due to excessive wear from horrible roads, salt exposure, and/or the potential of a poorly manufactured strut.

Try getting an aftermarket company to cover a manufacturers defect...even if they DO, you're stuck with the labor bill. Not the case with a bmw part.

Regardless, your money and peace of mind, not mine...
and bmw should cover a suspension part due to these northeast factors you speak off? they would never! horrible roads, salt exposure are not bmw's fault for a failing suspension part. and good luck proving that it failed due to it's "poor manufacture"

bmw will have a myriad of excuses not to cover a suspension part, and all those reasons you listed would warrant them not covering it.

I am happy BMW did you right by fixing your suspension issues, but your issues had nothing to do with the part failing, but to do with wrong parts / confusion etc.

Suspension components are considered WEAR & TEAR, and are not covered under any warranty. Unless you could somehow PROVE that the defect was their fault.

Last edited by infinitigor; 05-17-2013 at 08:53 AM..
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      05-17-2013, 08:55 AM   #391
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Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitigor View Post
and bmw should cover a suspension part due to these northeast factors you speak off? they would never! horrible roads, salt exposure are not bmw's fault for a failing suspension part. and good luck proving that it failed due to it's "poor manufacture"

bmw will have a myriad of excuses not to cover a suspension part, and all those reasons you listed would warrant them not covering it.

I am happy BMW did you right by fixing your suspension issues, but your issues had nothing to do with the part failing, but to do with wrong parts / confusion etc.

Suspension components are considered WEAR & TEAR, and are not covered under any warranty. Unless you could somehow PROVE that the defect was their fault.
i'm unsure why you're so jaded, probably a bad dealer, and yes, their coverage for incorrect parts vs. failed parts is a different issue, but in the end, BMW designs these parts to last the life of the warranty (or extended warranty), and if they fail from non-abuse/neglect, they'll replace it like any car manufacturer would. I can see why you have issues with getting these items resolved, you're pretty inflammatory and defensive...just chill out and trust in people, it'll serve you well outside of these forums.
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      05-17-2013, 09:04 AM   #392
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shivaswrath View Post
i'm unsure why you're so jaded, probably a bad dealer, and yes, their coverage for incorrect parts vs. failed parts is a different issue, but in the end, BMW designs these parts to last the life of the warranty (or extended warranty), and if they fail from non-abuse/neglect, they'll replace it like any car manufacturer would. I can see why you have issues with getting these items resolved, you're pretty inflammatory and defensive...just chill out and trust in people, it'll serve you well outside of these forums.
point is, they wouldn't. never has bmw replaced any suspension component under warranty for anyone since it's not covered

I am not being defensive or inflammatory, I'm just trying to get you to understand the scope of BMW's warranty. Suspension is is a wear and tear item. it is exposed to the elements as you mentioned, bad roads, salt etc.
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      05-17-2013, 07:41 PM   #393
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Smile M Performance Suspension - impressions

M Performance Suspension is installed!

Entering the car, I immediately noticed the difference. Amazing!

Feels firm and planted but not at all harsh with little to no body role.

I'll report back when I have had more time with it but so far i'm in love! This is how the sport package should have come from BMW.
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      05-17-2013, 07:54 PM   #394
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Looking awesome, nice stance! I completely agree, this is what a "sports" suspension is, not that wimpy rendition standard on the M Sport.
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      05-17-2013, 07:57 PM   #395
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shivaswrath View Post
Looking awesome, nice stance! I completely agree, this is what a "sports" suspension is, not that wimpy rendition standard on the M Sport.
Problem now is that I want to get all the M Performance goodies! Shit!
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      05-17-2013, 08:28 PM   #396
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335i-SG View Post
Problem now is that I want to get all the M Performance goodies! Shit!
yeah it's actually pretty bad...i started with the M Perf Suspension, and as you can tell from my signature, I pretty much bought everything else.

of ALL the things I've added, in order of sheer joy (and bang for buck):
1. $1200 I spent on PPK
2. ~$2200 on the M Performance Suspension
3. $2500 on the brakes.

So if I was being tight with the $$, I'd skip #3 if I were you and just do the PPK.
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