My BMW 3.25i automatically veered to the right if I don't hold the steering wheel tightly. I called a BMW service agent and asked him about aligning my wheels and he said that they can't aligned it until they check the front supensions..saying some older model have bad supensions. My car is a 2001 and already had the 55000 miles maintenance work done 6 months ago..do you think he is trying to rip me off? Why can't he just aligned it? Also he said an oil change would be $85..does that sound right?
2007-11-12 09:27:56 · 7 answers · asked by lotuslightvivi 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The shop is not the dealer. It is a private service garage that works on BMWs
2007-11-12 10:07:33 · update #1
All dealerships are a rip off, take it to a normal garage and see what they say.
2007-11-12 09:53:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bad alignment could be caused by some worn or faulty part(s). You can't jump to conclusions on how to correct it without having a good mechanic inspect the front end.
However, I'd run away from any mechanic that charges $85.00 for an oil change. Although, I don't drive a BMW... Maybe that's the going rate. Should be easy enough to call another BMW dealer or garage and ask what an oil change would cost for your car.
2007-11-12 09:32:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some things I would never let anyone BUT a BMW dealer do, as for oil changes and front end alignments, any reputable shop can do the same thing for far less money. I don't think he is intentionally trying to scam you, but dealers do charge a bit more for their parts and hourly rates.
2007-11-12 09:44:38 · answer #3 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The BMW service agent is right, they have to check the suspension parts before alignment, however oil change is too much. I suggest you look for an independent BMW mechanic, that will charge a reasonable price.
2007-11-12 09:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by "Misinformed" 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is exactly what happens when people buy off-shore cars. Any new car dealer or Monroe Muffler can inspect your suspension linkage and service with your OK and or show you what specific part is loose or bent. They also can do a complete alignment for approximately $80.00 and change your oil with mineral based oil for less than $25.00. If you decide to go for a full synthetic oil (Mobil1) add $22.00 to the oil change.
2007-11-12 10:08:19 · answer #5 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the car is no longer under warranty then i would take it to a private alignment shop. as far as the oil change goes they charge for two things, one to change the oil and two to reset the light on the dash. if you can live with the reminder light on then go to Jiffy Lube. you can also buy a tool online through ebay that will reset your service indicators for around 125 bucks. if you plan on keeping the car it is a good investment.
2007-11-12 09:32:29 · answer #6 · answered by Andy C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
though alignment may be needed it may not be the problem. You may have some severely worn components. This needs attention immediately.
2007-11-12 09:32:41 · answer #7 · answered by fpaulk1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋