[smak_91]

I recently had my car in for service at an independent mechanic that I have worked with before. I needed my VCG replaced and a vacuum hose.

While I had a good overall experience once I got home I opened up the hood to take a look at everything. The very first thing I noticed is that my MPerformance engine cover is all scratched up and cracked in the top corner.

Is this something that the shop should be responsible to replace? My engine compartment was immaculately maintained and this was definitely not damaged in any way prior to the service and it's something that as an enthusiast matters to me.

I presume I'll go in looking for some kind of replacement and basically get told to screw off and I can't prove it.

Anyone ever had something like this happen? And we're you able to get reimbursed or replaced?

[435MSport6Speed]

Yes, they should replace. Tell them sooner rather than later.

[bloodline129]

I believe so but it's a bad fight and u pretty much can't go back there. I couldn't trust them afterwards. I get ur point though.

[jmg]

Just think of the same kind of carelessness they treat your car. I'd never go back there.

[bavarianride]

I had a similar experience with a trusted indy shop that scratched my F30 air box when the tech placed the brake fluid bleeder on top and pumped the bleeder forcefully.

The scratches were not too bad so I used some vinylex to cover them up.

In addition, the indy tech did not wipe clean the brake fluid reservoir area before opening the cap, hence lint/dirt got into the brake fluid. Luckily the filter screen got the dirt and the store owner used a vacuum extractor to suck those up.

Needless to say, I will use this trusted(yet careless) indy shop sparsely, and watch them like a hawk.

If I had asked the indy shop to replace the scratched air box, I would have planned to not go back again.

[sspade]

People are scum bags. Thats all I can say.

Surely the tech who worked on your car could give two fucks about your pretty engine cover...

After all, why would he? He drives a piece of shit car, his wife is a pig and he feels he's underpaid.

By the time you arrive with your nice car, its game time.

Lots of ignorance and jealousy is this world... I experience it everyday.



To be honest, scratches are not going to cause a complete replacement but if they actually cracked it... then make them pay.

Regardless, go out of your way to make sure everyone on the web is aware of your experience.

[Wgosma]

Unfortunate, sloppy work. Don't take the car there again.

Reminds me of that old saying about perception: you board a commercial jetliner and notice the cabin has not been cleaned, dirty tray tables, crumbs on the floor, etc. —. One begins to immediately wonder how good a job the maintenance guys do in taking care of the jet engines.....

[smak_91]

Yes, definitely won't be going there again for any other work.

I'll be heading there this afternoon to discuss the engine cover, but setting low expectations for the meeting.

[Gen13 F36]

I understand completely, but these people have alot of things to do, mechanics are tough, most of them just tug with force on all plastic bits in your car. They have no time to be gentle when they have other cars to work on. Trust me, I bet you they use power tools on all screws... and they mostly will not torque everthing into spec.

[Stopsign32v]

Originally Posted by smak_91

Yes, definitely won't be going there again for any other work.

I'll be heading there this afternoon to discuss the engine cover, but setting low expectations for the meeting.

"Independent mechanic"

Sometimes you pay for what you get. In this case I'm sure you used this guy because he's cheaper than a larger chain. However now you have no ladder to climb if you aren't satisfied with his answer. Chalk this up as a loss and lesson learned, doubt he will pay for it but he might.

[smak_91]

Originally Posted by Stopsign32v

"Independent mechanic"

Sometimes you pay for what you get. In this case I'm sure you used this guy because he's cheaper than a larger chain. However now you have no ladder to climb if you aren't satisfied with his answer. Chalk this up as a loss and lesson learned, doubt he will pay for it but he might.

Indy vs Dealership is what I mean. The shop is a franchise of a chain that I had researched and found good reviews of.

Like I said, we'll see where it goes.

[skyline408]

Everybody has different expectations to how their stuff is handled.

Probably not unreasonable to remove that nice engine cover before taking to any shop. When I had nice wheels on my truck, I removed the wheel caps before taking it to the tire shop. I knew they would just pry it off with whatever larger screwdriver they had laying around.

[328iX]

This is why I always pay with credit card, any issue or damage? Dispute the charge if they refuse to make it right.

[smak_91]

Originally Posted by 328dX

This is why I always pay with credit card, any issue or damage? Dispute the charge if they refuse to make it right.

That is an interesting approach. Have you done this?

[328iX]

Originally Posted by smak_91

That is an interesting approach. Have you done this?

Yup, had a supercharger installed on one of my Honda s2000, had an engine fire the next day from improper install, disputed close to $10,000 I paid for parts and labor and won given the evidence I had.

[EDWYER]

He probably tossed it to the side of the garage like a pissed off Ups driver. Sucks but if you checked before you left there you could have had a chance.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by ProjectBoost

He probably tossed it to the side of the garage like a pissed off Ups driver. Sucks but if you checked before you left there you could have had a chance.

Exactly.

If Im being completely honest... my air intake box is scratched to fuck from the exact same thing. Not a big deal but I know for a fact that I didnt do it...

Its like it was kicked across the shop floor face down. Not the most noticeable but its there and it happened.

Worst part is my car has only ever been touched by myself and "factory trained BMW technicians." In other words, no indies (yet).

I guess some of this shit is almost inescapable unfortunately.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by 328dX

Yup, had a supercharger installed on one of my Honda s2000, had an engine fire the next day from improper install, disputed close to $10,000 I paid for parts and labor and won given the evidence I had.

Yeah mine... just small claim stuff through my credit card.... like broken items that vendor won't replace... so I call my credit card to settle it for me. People usually don't know about this protection. Good to know someone reading their credit card agreement and perks

[smak_91]

After speaking with the owner he took some photos of the damage and is speaking with the tech as well as reviewing the shop floor camera's.

He also asked the price of a replacement and how long ago I purchased the parts. So credit to him for the good customer service so far!

[IAmATeaf]

That means nothing, give them credit when they cough up for a replacement.