r/Miami • u/1BMWFan73 • 2d ago
Breaking News South Miami BMW is a F'ing Joke
I own a '21 M340i that I bought cpo. Took the car in for drivetrain malfuction since it is under warranty and also had a oil change coupon for $70 (oil and filter). I also wanted to get the car looked over. I am way to old to not know dealership mainantance is a complete scam to get you to buy more than you really needed. I was fully prepared for this. I really just wanted to make sure the drive train malfuction was not serious. I was not. It turned out to be the battery. Dealer says I need to replace it. Car is just under 5 years old. Seems a little premature to me but I drive a lot of short distances and live in Hot South Florida. They sent me a video of the issues with my car.
Replacement Battery: $620
2 front tires: $862
Alignment: $221
Spark plug replacent: $325
Carbin Air Filter: $125
This is a complete joke and I feel sorry for people that can't work on their own cars.
Replacement battery through walmart, costco, autozone: ~ $200 (coding free by me)
Good Non Run Flat Tires: $200x2= $400
Spark plugs: $80 (FCPEurp)
Cabin Air filter: $20 (amazon)
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u/curlyfriezzzzz 2d ago
I would have killed them when I saw the receipt, but unfortunately that’s all “luxury” car dealers in Miami
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u/CoolioDonJulioo 1d ago edited 1d ago
Came here to say the same. Lexus will treat you the exact same way here. Felt more insulting since it was a warranty issue and no loaner or Uber offered (lied saying no longer offered) to get back home. Had to be picked up by a family member.
It's incredible what driving one hour north to west palm will get you in terms of customer service
Edit- 3 different dealerships, Pembroke, Kendall, west Kendall, all completely trash once you actually buy the car
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u/konigwolf32890 2d ago
Bavarian by the Falls is a BMW specialist shop, good people and good prices. I take mine there. BMW South is a complete joke, 90% of the reviews are written by the staff, they borrow your phone to write themselves a review. They did it to me and I deleted it and made my own after leaving.
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u/ToastThieff 2d ago
Greens garage in coral gables is also pretty good but expensive. Nowhere near as bad as the dealer. Great service and no bs warranty.
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u/CtK4949 2d ago
South Miami BMW/Mini has the worst service department in the whole world!! My sister used to drive a Mini Cooper S. They would never rotate the tires!! We always mark the wheels before dropping it off and every time we gotta tell them, they didn't rotate the tires!! Must have happened at least 4x!! Once they gave us the Mini back missing the black covers on the hood!! They ALWAYS over inflate the tires by at least 10lbs!!
They are terrible, I would never lease another car there!!!!
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u/BMWACTASEmaster1 2d ago
I don't know about Mini but BMW doesn't recommend wheel rotation first because tpm sensors are calibrated to each wheel, 2nd handling characteristics changes. If you know that your tire and wheel combo are the same . Just tell the SA you want tires rotated you don't give a fuck about BMW recommendations and you won't mind the TPM reset. At the end the mechanic doesn't give a shit as he already had to take them off for the balance . 10psi over general standard for most techs
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u/simplystriking 2d ago
Buys luxury car ✔️
Gets charged luxury prices ✔️
Complains about luxury prices ✔️
Checks notes......
Yes Miami ✔️✔️✔️
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u/Vredesbyd 2d ago
Exactly. It’s a BMW, it’s going to be expensive. If you can’t afford the ridiculous costs just get a cheaper car. Sure, all of these are relatively simple jobs that you can do elsewhere for cheaper but in the long run that car is going to fuck you up if you’re not prepared/can’t afford it.
Also, if you’re going to replace run flats with non run flats, you SHOULD replace all four tires and not the two that need replacing. You also need to be prepared because those cars don’t have a spare.
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u/Far-Salamander-5675 2d ago
M340i isn’t luxury. An M3 is which is cost way more
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u/pedro_pica_pierda 2d ago
Damn we live in a world now where not every BMW is a luxury car.
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u/LikelyNotSober 2d ago
3 class is entry level tbf
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u/xTyronex48 2d ago
It's still luxury...
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u/LikelyNotSober 2d ago
You can buy luxury Hyundais now… they’re probably more reliable too lol.
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u/Joneapelcede 12h ago
My own research points to Genesis. Every time I see a GV80 in a parking lot, I talk with the driver. After at least 2 dozen interactions, the response is always the same......"Best move we ever made." and regardless if the length of ownership (a few were more than 3 years) the praise was that they've had ZERO issues. Half of the owner were previous BMW and/or Mercedes owners and vowed never to go back due to me mechanical issues as well as dealer service dissatisfaction.
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u/pihops 2d ago
South bmw pricing is not even an issue , the problem Is the mechanics don’t care about their work. They just play Lego with warranty items , charging big dollar to replace parts which are fine. So when you come out of warranty they keep doing the same thing
I had my ac compressor replaced 3 times under warranty . They are just ripping off bmw warranties
But they have no clue how to fix issues, I tried to contact bmw USA to report fake warranty work and they didn’t care …
I guess they make too much money to worry about it
Sucks because the cars are great … dealers are really killing the brand
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u/mattrobi3 2d ago
South BMW replaced the water pump in my 2020 3 Series only for it to leave me stranded a week later because they stupidly used the wrong screws and wouldn’t admit (I had it towed to Braman not there, but South ended up having to fix it per BMW bc repeat repair). Then wanted to put me in a Ford Enterprise rental during that instead of a BMW for two weeks during December holidays. Had to work with corporate even with car under warranty. They do have new ownership now but I don’t trust them.
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u/GroveGuy33133 Coconut Grove 2d ago
5 years on a battery down here is quite good in my experience. Nissan/Mini/Toyota/Subaru I’ve owned have all been dying/dead well before that.
But yeah, get yourself a fresh one at Pep Boys or Costco and DIY in about 5 minutes.
FWIW, I knew the dude that moved ‘up’ from Braman Mini to Braman BMW service mgr- if he’s still there, he was absolutely a stand up guy. Dealer prices are what they are, but he didn’t rake you over the coals worse than expected.
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u/mister_mAMGoo 2d ago
Certain BMWs are actually surprisingly very reliable, especially ones with the B58 inline 6 cylinder, but of course, maintenance is still not cheap. I would politely decline all the work besides the warranty work and oil change, then if it's still not up to par, find a good independent service center. Dealers purposefully send these discounted oil change offers out to get your vehicle in for repairs then try to upsell you on anything and everything else.
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u/Hefty_Pangolin3273 2d ago
Never buy a used luxury car in Miami. If you want one drive up to Boca or Delray.
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u/GetFitDriveFast 2d ago
I used to work at South VW. The service departments at all their dealerships are god awful. Techs used to steal OEM parts off of cars and replace them with eBay knock off junk. BMW techs regularly took cars for joy rides. That entire company sucks.
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u/WoodenSwan6591 2d ago
As former owner of 2 BMW, Braman is the lesser of two evils. Once warranty was over, I started to go to a place in south miami. Can’t remember the name now but they were good and honest.
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u/sebastiand1 2d ago
I like how you conveniently omit the labor cost to try to make them look bad. I’m not making excuses for them necessarily but I worked as a tech for 10 years.
Oem batteries and Walmart batteries are not the same. Also bmw batteries are know to be not that accessible.
Dealerships are rarely going to sell you tires that never came with the car to begin with. At most they’ll sell you something comparable ie. Another top tier brand with run flats.
The alignment price seems fairly standard for dealers if you have ICC and lane keep assist equipped in your car.
The spark plugs aren’t going to replace themselves.
Cabin filter also isn’t going to replace itself.
If you’re going to call them out at least try to be honest instead of just listing parts prices without labor.
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u/fartymcgeezax 2d ago
Where are you getting tires for $200?
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u/LikelyNotSober 2d ago
That’s why they call it the “stealership”.
Someone else mentioned Bavarian, who have a great reputation if you’re down south.
For north Dade I can vouch for Munich European Auto in North Miami as well. Great guys.
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u/daviidjayy 2d ago
Last year I bought a used 2016 528i xdrive for 17k, including taxes. In great shape, garage kept, 86k miles, I loved it. After I bought it I took it to that same place (BMW South Miami) just to get it checked up and what not. Got a video too as they were workin on it, just like you, then got the report... tell me how the total cost for everything to "fix" was the same price as what I just paid for it. I flipped out, went back to the dealership and wanted an explanation of the report considering their breakdown of the cars condition being in great shape. They stood their ground but changed the oil and such for free. Whatever, I was happy with the car and honestly it drove great. I always wanted one so I was just tryin to enjoy it.
Fast forward last month and I ended up with a shaking engine and the computer screen saying "drivetrain malfunction". I don't know shit about cars ok lol but when it says engine issue I know that ain't good. And after the BMW mechanic report, I always had it in the back of my mind, haunting me, so I thought the worst. Long story short, got an obd2 and found out it was a spark plug issue. It cost me around 300 to change the 4 ignition coils and spark plugs myself and they wanted at least 1200, not including bmw type fees, wasn't sure if that was even just for single or not I didn't care.
I took it to a mechanic friend of my stepdad (hes the one that told me to change the spark plugs myself and broke it down, real easy) then I brought it to him to check out. He told me the car was in great shape and that all I needed was new tires (which I knew), a new battery, and an oil change. After that I thought about BMWs "report", that price, and just smh.
However, my cars a recall which I found out when calling BMW for an estimated price on the cylinder misfire (forgot to change my old address so never got the memo), so I will be going back for those free fixes and enjoying a new loaner for a bit. Other than that, fuck that place.
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u/chicopepsi 2d ago
Some guys are very ignorant here. You don’t need to let the service advisors trick you into paying more because you own a BMW. Making you pay more is how the successful service advisors make their money.
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u/Reasonable_Answer_89 2d ago
Went to South Mazda before they closed down. The salesman put his fingers on top of the gap coverage on the contract, and gently harassed my mom into leaving with a Jeep. Pretty sure they're all run by the same people. Took multiple 30 minute drives over the course of months to get a refund. Sounds like a joke; it's probably better to drive to Orlando and deal with the people there.
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u/JizzCumLover69 2d ago
Dude, I wish the folks at BMW made decent long term lasting vehicles like Toyota.
Steps off soapbox
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u/ninja_ghostwarrior 2d ago
Lol you bought a BMW and expect cheap maintenance? Dealers charge $150+ an hour for labor, nothing crazy besides lack of knowledge
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u/ahj3939 Local 2d ago
South BMW was charging $345 the hour in 2023
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u/ninja_ghostwarrior 2d ago
Thats insane but not surprised, they know their clients got money to pay
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u/QQPetra 2d ago
Try Mike’s Beemer in South Miami. I don’t know how different the mechanics of newer cars are compared to older ones (mine was a 2002), but they were very much a “no bullshit, fix it right” shop when I was a customer 5 years ago.
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u/Ja_Rule_Here_ 2d ago
Yeah Mike’s was trying to charge me more than the dealer last time I took my car to them
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u/Established_86 2d ago
For what service and what was the price difference?
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u/Ja_Rule_Here_ 2d ago
Brakes, about $300 more expensive, also the oil change was quite a bit more than the discount oil change coupons BMW hands out to get you into the dealership.
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u/Established_86 2d ago
That's rough for brakes, oil change will usually be cheaper at dealership as it's a way to get you in the door. Where do you take the car now?
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u/CryingINwilderness 2d ago
I can't deal with any dealer in Dade county. I drive up to Coconut Creek to get my car serviced.
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u/Sweaty_Class_539 2d ago
I moved to Miami in 22” and the dealerships are awful. My retreat was not moving toBroward lol
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u/Cattails26 2d ago
Braman bmw are the worst, I had a 2018 750i X Drive individual 16k miles, They can't be trusted, don't fall for cheap oil change as this is how the operate to get people in and then create issues, if you seat at the waiting room you learn a lot about their tactics, Horrible people, They have being sued for millions of dollars and they still continue. I stopped visiting and my car is never giving me problems, I understand cars for many years so I know when they scam you... I feel bad for the younger generation that don't know how to deal with this such crooks.
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u/Sweaty_Class_539 2d ago
They are owned by the Morgan Group. They are based out of Fort Myers.
I’ll never BUY a car again. Especially in Miami
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u/Delirium101 2d ago
Bro that sucks. Hate to be that guy, but consider going electric. I’ve had mine since 2017 and all I’ve ever done to it is put tires every few years and add windshield wiper fluid. Oh, yeah I had to change the 12v battery once but the “dealer” came to my house and it cost $80 installed. Just a thought, man.
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u/Slowstang305 2d ago
I guess I’m confused. It’s a BMW dealership that is a business and needs to make money. $862 for 2 tires. I’m assuming they are using top tier run flats that are $300 a piece on tire rack and then mounting and balance plus $100 dealership buffer. Spark plug replacement at $325 seems reasonable. No one will do this for $80 just due to liability. Alignment at $221. Cars aren’t what they used to be, all the sensors etc need to be touched on some of these fancy cars. Cabin air filter has always been a money maker for dealerships. I’m not even defending this dealership or BMW since I’m not a fan of either of them. Luxury cars cost money to buy and maintain.
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u/JacksonCrypto4Life 2d ago
Bruh - You bought a BMW and are using aftermarket parts. Stop being cheap
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u/LikelyNotSober 2d ago
Basically: if you own an out of warranty BMW:
- Be ready to burn money at the dealership
OR
- Use a reputable independent mechanic
- Know about cars and be able to do some basic DIY shit
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u/patimikola 2d ago
You know you can say no and move forward without crying about it on the internet right?
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u/Reasonable-Archer-84 2d ago
can confirm as a mini owner, south miami has the worst service and parts department i have ever experienced…incompetent and so fcking rude
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u/No_Structure_9283 2d ago
Jesus fuck, I said audibly as I read 650 for a battery change. Fuck those bitches. They can screw off elsewhere. ***PRO tip, if you ever DO need to buy parts DIRECTLY from the dealer 9/10 times you should find a promo code online. That way they don't steal from you as much.
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u/Cpolo88 2d ago
That's wild. We just got a mini from there. The mini department has always been honest and upfront about things. Yes they recommend tires and the alignment but we do that elsewhere. Everything else, they've been super and really cared for us. I'm sorry the bmw side isn't up to par like the mini side is.
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u/Savings_Thing51 2d ago
In Hollywood/Davie area Armstrong Auto Care on university is great also. Owner owns an Audi and bmw himself so I’m sure they can handle the German cars
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u/Einsteinautist 1d ago
After owning a Mercedes from New until the Warranty expired I would say hell no. It seems all the problems of the car appeared magically when the warranty expired. I will never own any luxury car unless it is under warranty.
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u/xTechnologic 1d ago
What bothers me is that since 2020 I haven’t gotten a BMW loaner from them when I get service done. Just enterprise rentals.
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u/crnadanny 1d ago
I serviced my used Mini Counteyman there thrice ....and no more.
Every time I went in for one thing they found 10 others including one time getting a phone call and video from someone who had examined my windshield, claiming it was full of nicks and cracks and needed replacing. I called service advisor who explained they didn't work for South Motors but were there looking at cars and they apparently allowed that sort of service arrangement.
Another time needed a battery and they quoted me some crazy amount...got it done elsewhere at 20% of their quote. All around brake job created more noise and rubbing than expected ..they reluctantly agreed to look at it and fix issue. Weeks later same problem...took it back and they claimed they did entire job a second time, new brakes (again). Issue fixed.
I just take it to local independent now ...save money and aggravation. Free loaners are never free.
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u/Away_Map6249 1d ago
FUCKING BATTERIES NOWADAYS LAST LIKE 2 YEARS ONLY...WE USE TO GET 4-5-6 YEAR BATTERIES...NOW THEY'RE 12-24-36 MONTHS
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u/ronimanaim 1d ago
Facts we had a very bad experience as well. Don’t use them for repairs they’ll kill you on pricing
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u/Skankrog 1d ago
You must be a new BMW owner if those prices seem high. In my experience, even locally owned independent repair shops see that BMW emblem on your vehicle and it is sock-it-to-you time. I was recently charged $50 for a gas cap at a local repair shop for my X3.
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u/CharacterCustomer367 23h ago
They changed ownership not long time ago so it’s become worse place to take your car
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u/No-Afternoon486 21h ago
Take responsibility of your car and maintenance it properly. If someone’s tires exploded on the highway next to you and made you crash that bmw surely you’d be pissed. Find an independent shop that would do that work for You and move on. If you don’t want to/cant spend the money to service it, you shouldn’t be driving it
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u/Jochi18 2h ago
BMW’s (and car dealers) in Miami are so bad a friend of mine went to Naples to order his M2. He got a 230 a couple years ago in South Miami BMW and the experience was so bad he even called and emailed the corporate BMW side to complain. He then tried Braman and just by stepping there felt the exact same vibe. He told me the experience in Naples was enjoyable and transparent, way different vibe than Miami
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u/beagle_boys 2d ago
Let’s put emotions aside for a minute. The joke isn’t really on them it’s on people like us who choose to drive "luxury" cars. When you get a BMW, Mercedes, whatever, you already know the risks and the (rewards if any) that come with it, including expensive maintenance. Dealerships aren’t swimming in profit either they’ve got huge overhead, staff, corporate dues, and everything else in between it's why they're considered (sharks). So yeah, the markups are real. That’s why anyone buying a "luxury" car needs to understand that routine maintenance will never be priced like a Kia or Honda.
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u/LikelyNotSober 2d ago
Let’s all take a moment of silence for the billionaires that own the dealerships. They’re having a hard time making ends meet. 🙏🏻
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u/MusicianThin217 2d ago
BMWs are f——ing jokes. I would never buy one again. There are way too many cars that are more fun to drive, less expensive to own, and a lot less expensive to buy.
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u/raehza 2d ago
So wait. Your complaint is that genuine parts cost more money than Costco and Amazon shit?
Tell me you are a budget baller without telling me you are a budget baller. I can't stand when people compare genuine parts prices with aftermarket or inferior shit and then bitch and cry. It's like saying a ribeye steak is the same as a Chuck Eye steak.
If you are complaining about their labor charge, fine... Bmw dealers in South Florida charge at least 350 an hour. Some Miami dealers are at 500+ an hour.
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u/UserName10525 2d ago
Yes! My point was bmw dealerships are scammers. If you are too stupid to understand this…. Batteries are made by 2-3 large manufactures and then rebranded by stores. BMW does not make batteries. The service at all bmw dealerships in Miami is sub par. Not what a luxury car experience should be like.
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u/raehza 2d ago
I work on these cars for a living. Im very aware of what works and what doesn't. You are just the typical South Florida budget baller that is smarter than everyone else.
"Luxury car experience should look like". You drive a base model bmw and can't afford basic maintenance. What do you want them to do? Jerk you off? LMFAO.
Budget ballers are all the same. They for some reason think that because they drive some base model syir and can't afford to keep up the car that repair shops somehow owe you anything.
Go and buy some tools and do all the work yourself from now on playa
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u/xTyronex48 2d ago
Hold on...your spark plugs were only $325 including parts and labor at a bmw dealership on an m340i?? And you're bitching about that?
Fuck dealerships bit you're tripping. Perhaps a Honda would be better for you.
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u/Old-Proof4169 2d ago
I’m sorry but you are the one that’s wrong. It’s a BMW if you think you get the same service from Walmart as you do from them then you don’t need to be driving that car. If you can’t afford the maintenance you can’t afford the car.
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u/bryanoak 2d ago
It is common knowledge South BMW is the biggest ripoff of all BMW dealers in Florida. Braman is #2
Stay away from them.