The Dealership Carwash

mobilejt · 07-26-2006, 04:12 AM

I brought my car into the dealer this past Saturday for its first scheduled maintenance. This service included changing the oil, the wiper blades, and a complementary carwash.

After a couple of hours, I returned to pick up my car and proceed to my next appointment when the engine light comes on. I called up my SA, and he advised me to bring the car back. As it turns out, the technician may have screwed on the oil filter a bit too tight which pinched some washer which resulted in triggering the engine light. This was a quick fix.

On Sunday, I washed my car as usual only to find that I was the proud new owner of at least 10 five-inch diameter swirl/scratch marks on the trunk lid. You can't imagine how pissed-off I was. I called the service department on Monday, and they advised me to bring it in as they have a couple of detail people on staff.

Should the dealer even wash the car if they are not going to do a decent job?

Should I be concerned about the upcoming detail/buff job that the dealership will need to perform on my trunk?

ZuerstBMW · 07-26-2006, 04:28 AM

Ive learned to NEVER EVER let the dealer wash your car. Sorry to hear, hopefully they will return it to the way it was for you.

Gearcraft · 07-26-2006, 04:32 AM

sorry to hear that. next time you can tell them not to wash your car.

sometimes id think that i have a scratch or a huge swirl on my car get a little dissapointed and realize that theyre just wax residue.

Broken1 · 07-26-2006, 04:44 AM

I usually just wash my car before my service, and tell them DO NOT WASH OR DIE. It works :-)

KennyVendetta · 07-26-2006, 06:05 AM

StewtheBassman · 07-26-2006, 06:24 AM

Time for Zaino!!

Bimmer325 · 07-26-2006, 06:54 AM

yeah, the ppl at dealer sucks big time!

txusa03 · 07-26-2006, 07:16 AM

I guess you never been to the back area where they wash car after it has been serviced. I have and it aint that great. I remembered my first BMW, wow, a compliment car wash, awesome. Got home and notice swirl marks everywhere on my jet black car. After that, I alway decline the comp. wash. Those folks don't care about your car, they are paid to wipe the dust off your car to make it look dust free...

e902cool · 07-26-2006, 07:21 AM

now I wonder where does those swirl marks came from on top of my trunk last time I washed my car...

my car been washed twice - once before deliver and once after they replaced the front bumper cover(drilled holes on there when I told them NOT to)

I thought it was

BmwOwnsMe · 07-26-2006, 07:30 AM

The dealer is the best place to get some new swirl marks...Thats why I microfiber my car whenever I wash. Never let the dealer wash your car.

ashecnc · 07-26-2006, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e902cool

(drilled holes on there when I told them NOT to)

I thought it was

I reminded mine about 10 times, no holes in bumper, or I'll not take it.

picus · 07-26-2006, 08:07 AM

FWIW, I receive about 25% of my business as a result of disatisfied dealer washes or detail jobs. I would bring the car back to them so they can fix their mistake, however make it readily apparent that you will not accept a poorly done job. When the car is done check thoroughly for a couple things:

1) The damage is gone.
2) There are no rotary halograms, these appear as strange circular marks that shimmer in the sun; it's actually millions of tiny scratches from buffing an area too quickly, it's a huge problem at dealerships.
3) If you're super anal (as I would be), bring a small bottle of alcohol/water with you (50/50) and a microfiber cloth. Spray the area down when they bring it out and then wipe the solution away. Another dealer trick is to cover scratches and halograms with glazes; this alc/water will remove any glaze. If possible get the area they fixed under direct sunlight to inspect for any residual damage.

In the future I would highly suggest having them put a note on your file: No complimentary wash. Wash the car yourself by hand, it takes more time but as you learned it is worth it.

SCA · 07-26-2006, 08:15 AM

I have never let my BMW Center wash any of my BMWs. In fact, one SA calls the car wash guys, "The Brillo Brothers."

mobilejt · 07-26-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

FWIW, I receive about 25% of my business as a result of disatisfied dealer washes or detail jobs. I would bring the car back to them so they can fix their mistake, however make it readily apparent that you will not accept a poorly done job. When the car is done check thoroughly for a couple things:

1) The damage is gone.
2) There are no rotary halograms, these appear as strange circular marks that shimmer in the sun; it's actually millions of tiny scratches from buffing an area too quickly, it's a huge problem at dealerships.
3) If you're super anal (as I would be), bring a small bottle of alcohol/water with you (50/50) and a microfiber cloth. Spray the area down when they bring it out and then wipe the solution away. Another dealer trick is to cover scratches and halograms with glazes; this alc/water will remove any glaze. If possible get the area they fixed under direct sunlight to inspect for any residual damage.

In the future I would highly suggest having them put a note on your file: No complimentary wash. Wash the car yourself by hand, it takes more time but as you learned it is worth it.

Thanks for the advice- I will definately not leave the dealer if I find any lingering damage.

mobilejt · 07-26-2006, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewtheBassman

Time for Zaino!!

I had actually just ZAINO'd it the week before for the first time. What a bummer!

StewtheBassman · 07-27-2006, 07:00 AM

So that should protect it a bit....good on ya!!

And as for the Brillo Brothers....

that is FUNNY!!!

CALIF65GM · 07-27-2006, 09:51 PM

I just got my car back today from the dealer. I told my SA over the phone "no car wash please." And she sounded surprised like heck and she was making a big deal about how my car would be ready on time and washed too.

Asiann · 07-28-2006, 08:58 PM

I washed my car before I took it in and they still asked me if I wanted a carwash.

Never!

ZuerstBMW · 07-28-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asiann

I washed my car before I took it in and they still asked me if I wanted a carwash.

Never!

I just think they out to screw up the cars.

picus · 07-29-2006, 10:31 AM

I just did an ML500 that was in terrible shape; I asked the guy if he washes his own car and he said he only let the dealership wash it... I think this is proof enough for anyone!

http://****************/pics/ml500072706/a.jpg

Carnage · 07-29-2006, 11:53 PM

dealership + car wash = bad news

mobilejt · 07-30-2006, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

I just did an ML500 that was in terrible shape; I asked the guy if he washes his own car and he said he only let the dealership wash it... I think this is proof enough for anyone!

http://****************/pics/ml500072706/a.jpg

Impressive difference. What did you use?

07-26-2006, 04:12 AM	#1
mobilejt No Spa in '06? 1 Rep 8 Posts Drives: E90 06 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In Town iTrader: (0)	The Dealership Carwash I brought my car into the dealer this past Saturday for its first scheduled maintenance. This service included changing the oil, the wiper blades, and a complementary carwash. After a couple of hours, I returned to pick up my car and proceed to my next appointment when the engine light comes on. I called up my SA, and he advised me to bring the car back. As it turns out, the technician may have screwed on the oil filter a bit too tight which pinched some washer which resulted in triggering the engine light. This was a quick fix. On Sunday, I washed my car as usual only to find that I was the proud new owner of at least 10 five-inch diameter swirl/scratch marks on the trunk lid. You can't imagine how pissed-off I was. I called the service department on Monday, and they advised me to bring it in as they have a couple of detail people on staff. Should the dealer even wash the car if they are not going to do a decent job? Should I be concerned about the upcoming detail/buff job that the dealership will need to perform on my trunk? __________________ 06 330i \| Jet Black \| ZSP \| 6AT \| Aluminum
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07-26-2006, 04:28 AM	#2
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 373 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Mineral White Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Apollo Beach, FL. iTrader: (68)	Ive learned to NEVER EVER let the dealer wash your car. Sorry to hear, hopefully they will return it to the way it was for you. __________________ 23 G42 230i Mineral White Cognac, Aluminum With Mesh Effect Interior Trim MODS Clear Guard, 15% Ceramic Tint, Floating Caps
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07-26-2006, 04:32 AM	#3
Gearcraft misadventurer 57 Rep 708 Posts Drives: bubbie mystic blue whale Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: candied island iTrader: (0)	sorry to hear that. next time you can tell them not to wash your car. sometimes id think that i have a scratch or a huge swirl on my car get a little dissapointed and realize that theyre just wax residue. __________________ 325i I SP
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07-26-2006, 04:44 AM	#4
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I usually just wash my car before my service, and tell them DO NOT WASH OR DIE. It works :-)
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07-26-2006, 06:05 AM	#5
KennyVendetta Salsero 41 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 335 Crimson Red Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)
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07-26-2006, 06:24 AM	#6
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	Time for Zaino!! __________________
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07-26-2006, 06:54 AM	#7
Bimmer325 Major 86 Rep 1,166 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY iTrader: (1)	yeah, the ppl at dealer sucks big time! __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox Last edited by Bimmer325; 07-27-2006 at 11:17 PM..
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07-26-2006, 07:16 AM	#8
txusa03 Major General 550 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	I guess you never been to the back area where they wash car after it has been serviced. I have and it aint that great. I remembered my first BMW, wow, a compliment car wash, awesome. Got home and notice swirl marks everywhere on my jet black car. After that, I alway decline the comp. wash. Those folks don't care about your car, they are paid to wipe the dust off your car to make it look dust free...
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07-26-2006, 07:21 AM	#9
e902cool Private 2 Rep 59 Posts Drives: BMW 330i sedan Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	now I wonder where does those swirl marks came from on top of my trunk last time I washed my car... my car been washed twice - once before deliver and once after they replaced the front bumper cover(drilled holes on there when I told them NOT to) I thought it was __________________ 06 330i TS/ZSP/Steptronic/CA/Burl/Gray Leather/Fold-Down Rearseats/Power Sunshade
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07-26-2006, 07:30 AM	#10
BmwOwnsMe Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2006 325 xi Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bergenfield, NJ iTrader: (0)	The dealer is the best place to get some new swirl marks...Thats why I microfiber my car whenever I wash. Never let the dealer wash your car.
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07-26-2006, 08:07 AM	#12
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	FWIW, I receive about 25% of my business as a result of disatisfied dealer washes or detail jobs. I would bring the car back to them so they can fix their mistake, however make it readily apparent that you will not accept a poorly done job. When the car is done check thoroughly for a couple things: 1) The damage is gone. 2) There are no rotary halograms, these appear as strange circular marks that shimmer in the sun; it's actually millions of tiny scratches from buffing an area too quickly, it's a huge problem at dealerships. 3) If you're super anal (as I would be), bring a small bottle of alcohol/water with you (50/50) and a microfiber cloth. Spray the area down when they bring it out and then wipe the solution away. Another dealer trick is to cover scratches and halograms with glazes; this alc/water will remove any glaze. If possible get the area they fixed under direct sunlight to inspect for any residual damage. In the future I would highly suggest having them put a note on your file: No complimentary wash. Wash the car yourself by hand, it takes more time but as you learned it is worth it.
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07-26-2006, 08:15 AM	#13
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	I have never let my BMW Center wash any of my BMWs. In fact, one SA calls the car wash guys, "The Brillo Brothers."
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07-27-2006, 07:00 AM	#16
StewtheBassman Major General 199 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	So that should protect it a bit....good on ya!! And as for the Brillo Brothers.... that is FUNNY!!! __________________
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07-27-2006, 09:51 PM	#17
CALIF65GM Colonel 97 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: e93-35 May08 ED Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 - Oct. 05 build ... [0.00]	I just got my car back today from the dealer. I told my SA over the phone "no car wash please." And she sounded surprised like heck and she was making a big deal about how my car would be ready on time and washed too. __________________ 5-2-08 e93-35 ED Montego w/Jade Grey, Step w/Paddles, PP, SP, CA, hot seats and iPod.Awaing re-delivery soon. Debadged 330xi ED 11/14/05 Auto/Mystic Blue/Gray leather with Alum/PP/SP/CA/Fold-down rear seats/Alarm. Sold to Carmax on 6/7/08 with 50,624 miles on clock
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07-28-2006, 08:58 PM	#18
Asiann Got Seoul? 116 Rep 2,862 Posts Drives: 2012 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 535i [0.00] 2008 750Li [0.00] 2006 BMW [0.00]	I washed my car before I took it in and they still asked me if I wanted a carwash. Never! __________________ Can you say Alooooha? [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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07-29-2006, 10:31 AM	#20
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	I just did an ML500 that was in terrible shape; I asked the guy if he washes his own car and he said he only let the dealership wash it... I think this is proof enough for anyone! http://****************/pics/ml500072706/a.jpg
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07-29-2006, 11:53 PM	#21
Carnage Lieutenant General 341 Rep 16,407 Posts Drives: people insane Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: classified iTrader: (2)	dealership + car wash = bad news
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