Paul in SF
01-03-2005, 06:18 PM
I wrote this as a reply to another thread but felt I should just create a seperate thread for my whining.
When shopping around for a new car I test drove the Lexus RX330, Volvo XC90, and Tourag. I don't have anything new to add to other comments about those models, except that the X3 really grabbed me in a way the other cars didn't. Now there were a few things about the marketing and electronics that "grabbed" me that weren't honest and I think BMW doesn't do anything to clarify. Here's what I experienced:
- Handsfree/Cell phone. The dealer/BMW had no handsfree cell phone solution when I ordered the car and were cryptic about what the solution would be. Even though I expressed how important the option was to me they couldn't answer or find an answer amonst themselves. I picked up the car last week and inside all the manuals they sent me was a single laminated page explaining bluetooth. No user guide, no instructions. I searched and searched online (finding this site) and low and behold, I have bluetooth in my navigation system! Unfortunate BMW made me jump through hoops to figure it out. :thumbdwn:
- IPod Connectivity. I really was attracted to this feature as well. What Apple and BMW don't tell you, and the dealer neglected to tell me when I placed my order in October, is that the IPod connectivity accessory doesn't work with the Navigation/premium stereo system. Of course they couldn't tell me that until I took delivery of the car. :thumbdwn:
- Sirius. Well I paid for the "pre-wiring" (what the hell is THAT and who cares??) - and now am awaiting the installation of the unit or feature that will provide the connnectivity? Again the usual confusing responses from my dealer - BMW is looking for a new supplier, it will come in January, etc. Wish me luck! :eeps:
- Wrong Trim. I ordered the car with all the options I wanted and waited patiently. When the car arrived the dealer accidently go the the trim wrong. I wanted aluminum. I got dark wood. Dang. :tsk:
- Windshield Crack. I just noticed a nice long crack in my windsheild. I took it to the dealer and it does look like some chip in the glass but the crack is about 7-8" long. My dealer quoted me $1400 to replace it. Only had the damn car a week. My Ford Explorer, 10 years - not a scratch. :mad:
I do like driving the car. I wish BMW USA or my dealer didn't make it so difficult and confusing with the electronic options, or had been more up front. I wish I had done all my homework beforehand and found this site. And I wish I walked away from the dealer when I started getting the bad feeling in my stomach. Driving: Good. :thumbup: Buying experience: Awful. :thumbdwn:
When shopping around for a new car I test drove the Lexus RX330, Volvo XC90, and Tourag. I don't have anything new to add to other comments about those models, except that the X3 really grabbed me in a way the other cars didn't. Now there were a few things about the marketing and electronics that "grabbed" me that weren't honest and I think BMW doesn't do anything to clarify. Here's what I experienced:
- Handsfree/Cell phone. The dealer/BMW had no handsfree cell phone solution when I ordered the car and were cryptic about what the solution would be. Even though I expressed how important the option was to me they couldn't answer or find an answer amonst themselves. I picked up the car last week and inside all the manuals they sent me was a single laminated page explaining bluetooth. No user guide, no instructions. I searched and searched online (finding this site) and low and behold, I have bluetooth in my navigation system! Unfortunate BMW made me jump through hoops to figure it out. :thumbdwn:
- IPod Connectivity. I really was attracted to this feature as well. What Apple and BMW don't tell you, and the dealer neglected to tell me when I placed my order in October, is that the IPod connectivity accessory doesn't work with the Navigation/premium stereo system. Of course they couldn't tell me that until I took delivery of the car. :thumbdwn:
- Sirius. Well I paid for the "pre-wiring" (what the hell is THAT and who cares??) - and now am awaiting the installation of the unit or feature that will provide the connnectivity? Again the usual confusing responses from my dealer - BMW is looking for a new supplier, it will come in January, etc. Wish me luck! :eeps:
- Wrong Trim. I ordered the car with all the options I wanted and waited patiently. When the car arrived the dealer accidently go the the trim wrong. I wanted aluminum. I got dark wood. Dang. :tsk:
- Windshield Crack. I just noticed a nice long crack in my windsheild. I took it to the dealer and it does look like some chip in the glass but the crack is about 7-8" long. My dealer quoted me $1400 to replace it. Only had the damn car a week. My Ford Explorer, 10 years - not a scratch. :mad:
I do like driving the car. I wish BMW USA or my dealer didn't make it so difficult and confusing with the electronic options, or had been more up front. I wish I had done all my homework beforehand and found this site. And I wish I walked away from the dealer when I started getting the bad feeling in my stomach. Driving: Good. :thumbup: Buying experience: Awful. :thumbdwn: