Today while hanging out in voice mail hell at MAG I heard the following "labor rates for BMW's 2005 & older have been lowered to $85 an hour". Not sure if this would include MINI's, but it seems like a smart move to me. Service is what keeps the lights on for a dealer not sales. Wonder if they have realized that older cars are not finding their way to the MAG shop. I have found that MAG does good work, but the bill is quite painful. Has anyone with an older MINI found reduced labor rates at MAG?
Do you actually think those fat cats in Dublime would keep a Bimmer longer than 2 years? I don't. Now a MINI owner, sure, but then, that's why we are called a Bimmer Lite. So, yeah, we OUGHT to get the lower rate, too, cuz WE KEEP our cars longer.
I'm sure the large majority of BMW owner's bail once the lease is over or once the car goes out of warranty. I see the same thing with MINI's. Looking at various online sources for used MINI's show many with the magic 50,000 mile number either approaching or just past. Independent shops like Best Auto Werks have done a fine job of catering to the out of warranty BMW's & MINI's. The dealers have driven folks there. I'm very happy I found John & Anson. :biggrin5:
That is becoming common practice amongst MINI dealers in Canada also. I had my MINI serviced since new at a MINI dealer and when the warranty expired, I said I would take likely take it to an aftermarket service place for service after that. MINI has come back and offered specials for out-of-warranty MINIs where parts and labor rates are discounted from 10 to 30% off. That brings them in line with the aftermarket and keep their customers.
That is a smart move for the dealers. Folks who are happy with their independent shops will most likely stay where they are comfortable.
I have NO complaints at all with MAG's Service Dept., but it is also good to know that a non-dealer shop like Best Auto Werks is around. I'll probably start going there once I use up all those $100 off coupons MINI used to send me to go to MAG for service, though, if the pricing is better. For my money and for the present [and as long as the coupons hold out] for me, though, MAG is the place to be!