Re: Dealer Labor Charges

[alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Brett Schiftner <bschift@domain.elided> wrote:
> I recently had the Nikasil engine on my '95 540i replaced by the
> dealer with an Alusil short block.  Fortunately, the extended
> warranty picked up most of the charges but I feel like I was
> grossly overcharged anyway.  It's my understanding that the flat
> rate manual calls for about 24 hours for this job.  The warranty
> company picked up about 29 hours (2 hours for leakdown test, 3
> for teardown.)  The dealer charged me for 38.5 hours total.
> Guess who had to pick up the difference!!!

Wow, I though the dealer was supposed to work out the repair details with
the warranty company and could _not_ bill you more than the warranty
company would pay for. Was I wrong? Did you check with your extended
warranty company? What extended warranty do you have?

> My question is, can the dealer legally charge that much over flat
> rate hours?

I think the question is can the dealer charge over what the warranty covers
or not. Period.
Hopefully not. Because if they can, there unlikely to be any limit to how
far they can bend you over.

> It seems to me that since he posts an hourly rate he ought to have
> to charge either actual hours or "standard" (i.e. flat rage) hours.

There is no rule other than what the warranty company (BMW NA or someone
else) imposes on the dealer.

> Anything in addition to that should amount to fraud!

Nope, it's called "market pricing" or price discrimination.
It sounds nefarious, but is perfectly legal and frequently desirable. This
is exactly what educational institutions do when the kids submit parents'
income information during application. Those who can, pay more. Those who
can't, get a discount.
Capitalism at its best, or worst. Depending on what tax bracket you are in
;-)

> They have basically charged me for a complete R&R head.  I've
> talked/written to the dealer ad naseum, and BMW/NA was no help.

Brett,
If you think this is bad, just ask the dealer to quote you the price for
replacing brake pads/rotors all around. Sit down if you don't think you can
handle a $600+ quote that includes 8 wheel (one time to replace the pads,
ones more to do the rotors) and *drum roll* 8 brake caliper removals (you
need to get the caliper off to remove the rotor).
Your common sense tells you the two procedures can be combined? Go ahead
and try explaining that to the dealer!

alex f

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