BMW Owners

[SHIBUMI]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks

[Eagle06]

I took my 2020 BMW X5 i40 to BMW of Ocala in March 2023 for it's 20,000 mile service. This was my first visit to BMW of Ocala since moving to The Villages in June 2022. I had an excellent experience. The place is undergoing renovations so the Service Department looked like a temporary office setting but that did not affect my service. I arrived for a 9:30 Appointment and was informed it would take 3 to 4 hours to complete the service. I waited in the Customer Lounge Area. There was plenty of Panera Bread pastries and cookies, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks available. At lunch time the dealership handed out Panera Bread Menus to all of us waiting and told us to order whatever we wanted for lunch. My Service Advisor kept me informed along the way. When my vehicle was finished, I checked out and left a happy customer. The vehicle wash was not the best but as with most dealerships, they probably run it thru an automatic car wash. I really wasn't bothered by the poor wash job.

[Pondboy]

I cant comment on BMW of Ocala, but I’d recommend All German Motorwerks in Leesburg if you want to stay with some who specializes in the German cars.

Sumpter tire and Auto here in Wildwood for basic services, Oil changes and tire rotation, etc.,

[Velvet]

Are you talking, OP, about the car or the motorcycle? I guess I missed it where you said car, we have a BMW LT motorcycle so my mind defaulted to that.

[Jayhawk]

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[TCRSO]

We have taken our Z4 to BMW Ocala on several occasions. Expensive but we have had great service and the service rep kept us informed and even installed an interior part for us which we had ordered online.

[Michael G.]

That's a shame for a BMW dealership to treat people like that.

It always surprises me when I read J.D, Powers or Comsumer Reports and other reads on those high-end luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Audi, etc. how poorly they are rated for quality and frequent repairs.
Imagine buying on new for $65,000 to $100,000 and taking it to dealerships and waiting 4 1/2 for service.

[manaboutown]

Report your experience to BMW corporate. They do care. I currently own two X5s, a 2017 50i and a 2023 M50i and have had them serviced at two separate dealers. The service managers have always been courteous and helpful. They want 10s on the reports customers send to BMW.

[coralway]

Take my X3 to my favorite mechanic. I have concluded all Dealers are pretty much the same when it comes to cs. The same with Toyota. And also Ford.

[Buzzerbaby]

I cant comment on BMW of Ocala, but I’d recommend All German Motorwerks in Leesburg if you want to stay with some who specializes in the German cars.

Sumpter tire and Auto here in Wildwood for basic services, Oil changes and tire rotation, etc.,
Do you know if they are good working on Porsches? I’m moving there in July and I’ll be looking for a good mechanic. I can do most maintenance and minor repairs myself but not major work.

[Pairadocs]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks

Can't say if it is normal for the BMW dealer there, but if misery loves company, I can tell you it definitely is the way Volvo dealer in Ocala operates. Life time of Volvo ownership, often two at a time, and even when traveling have experienced over the top, kind, courteous, above and beyond service, truly exceptional. Would get to appointment at least 30 min. prior to appointment in Ocala only to be told they had no appointment ! Lucky for me, I took a copy of my appointment confirmation (made appt. on line). Not so lucky after all, was told "that on line appointment thing (yes, they said "thing"), is not reliable ! This happened twice..I know, once should have been enough for me right ? Told both times they would "work me in" since I was from out of town. It took over 4 1/2 hours for routine checks before a long trip, oil, fluids, etc. They did NOT fix the priority item, outlet with an (apparently) bad fuse, needed outlet to charge phone while on a road trip. Discovered this a day later. They DID do several items NOT requested that added an extra $225, this even though I requested they first notify me if additional work was needed. I am looking to replace my SUV this year, will definitely not be considering Ocala Volvo ! If anyone happens to have a Volvo, and has found an honest dealer, let me know. I've tried Winter Park, also very deceptive !

[Pairadocs]

Take my X3 to my favorite mechanic. I have concluded all Dealers are pretty much the same when it comes to cs. The same with Toyota. And also Ford.


You can add Volvo dealers to your list !

[tophcfa]

Interesting thread, I have a really good guy I bring my 330 CI to up north during the summer. I bookmarked this thread to remind me about All German Motorworks in case I need work done while at our Villages home. Just remember, BMW stands for bring my wallet!

[banjobob]

Every time I’ve been there the staff and service are , top notch calls are answered promptly and routed efficiently. Service does require some time as they perform the service then video underside of your car pointing out services and need for future attention. I rate them a “10”

[banjobob]

Top notch Porsche service

[rjn5656]

Currently own a X5 and 430I. Excellent service. Service rep keeps me updated on my progress while there. F/up by the dealer the next day. Then survey by BMW. Nothing but a 10 rating from me.

[bowlingal]

Pondboy...it's SUMTER....no P

[Sgt Ed]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks That is the dealer. Same thing next door at the Porsche shop, same outfit. The Just German in Leesburg has a good reputation.

[turneronce]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in.
thanks

Expensive but top notch service in every respect, quality of service and courtesy of staff. Bad part: normal service, like annual check up, takes about 2 hours with appointment. Currently their usual service area is under reconstruction and they warn customers when making appointments that it may take up to 4 hours.

[Sgt Ed]

Do you know if they are good working on Porsches? I’m moving there in July and I’ll be looking for a good mechanic. I can do most maintenance and minor repairs myself but not major work. All German just hired a well experienced Porsche Tech. I am going to check them out on my 911GTS.

[skyking]

We had similar problems with BMW of Ocala. Our car needed service that would take three days to perform. They told us they would notify us when they had a loaner. We received an email telling us to come in on Tuesday for service. After driving one hour we arrived and the service department said we were scheduled for Wednesday. We told the advisor about the email who said "Yes, our system does that. You need to wait for a phone call from us."

[JoelJohnson]

Sounds like a rich person's problem. I sit here with a 15 year old car with 167,000 miles and no hope of ever getting a new car (maybe not even a good used one).

[olliesnorth@aol.com]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks
Is what normal?
Waiting an xtra hr..

[zigzag]

Do you know if they are good working on Porsches? I’m moving there in July and I’ll be looking for a good mechanic. I can do most maintenance and minor repairs myself but not major work.

My air-cooled '77 had very good service via technician Trevor. Support by Service Manager Skip and Service Writer Rachel was very supportive.

Finding technicians who can work air cooled is not easy but Trevor did a fine job.

All German in Leesburg is very good and owner Gary King is highly available and supportive. Understand he's hired a new lead mechanic.

Suggest you contact Villages Porsche Club via Facebook page that is part of the Ocala based Thoroughbred Region Porsche Club of America. Lots of expertise available to you here in TV.

[Bill1701]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks

I have mine in there now. I made an appointment and took it in on Tuesday at 9 am for an oil change and safety recall. They originally said about 4 hours. It also needed spark plugs (100,000 miles) so that pushed it to 'most of the day.' They don't give out loaner cars anymore, but they did Uber me back to The Villages. No call from them, so I called back yesterday after lunch. They had to order the plugs! It MIGHT be ready sometime today. If not, they will arrange for a rental car, but I have to pick it up in Spanish Springs. Their service is very slow, but they do good work.

I used to take my car to All German Motorworks in Leesburg. I ran into the same problem of everything taking a long time, sometimes days to get a simple part and they charged even more than the dealership.

Next time, I may try going to Orlando.

[wmcgowan]

BMW = bring more wampum (ex 733 owner)

[talonip]

Not a big fan. I have had several calls up there and sometimes they keep you on hold forever. I recommend Sumter tire and they can do most things.
All German be careful. Had a bad incident with them and will never go back. They don’t warranty their work. Had a B check on my Mercedes with oil change. After I had oil all over my garage floor. My wife took the car and had an oil lite come on and was very close to Sumter tire. They looked at it and said the seal ring was installed incorrectly. They had to power wash the engine compartment. Called all German and he said it was not their fault and I should have brought it back. I would have had to have it towed back. Not very friendly and one of the women there was not much better and full of herself.

[OhioBuckeye]

Well you must of hit them at a bad time. Just me but I would think if they would continue to want to get your business, I would think BMW would of gotten your car serviced a little quicker. If it were me I would be looking for another dealer or a car dealership that puts their customers ahead of their break time meetings.

[Signguy]

The dealer didn't have a free loaner, just come get your car tomorrow?

All German told me I needed a whole headlight assembly, when I brought in my 135i. The part would be over $700, and they would email me a quote. I never heard back.

Then I went to Precision German Auto Care, 2844 Main St, Leesburg. Dimitri replaced the daytime running light bulb for $25.

The only thing I miss from NJ is my trusted mechanic of almost 40 years.

[bigjohnny19]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks

Check out Accurso Automotive in Oxford as an alternative to BMW of Ocala. They were recommended to me by a neighbor. I have been going to Ocala since 2016, but recently had service performed by Accurso, and was very pleased.

[srswans]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala …

i had a similar experience at my first, and only, service visit to BMW Ocala. The department seems disorganized and my visit did not go smoothly. The service manager’s follow-up to a problem I had during the visit was also ineffective. I have given up on that service department.

I take my car to Fields BMW of Winter Park for warranty work and to Continental Imports of Gainesville for everything else, Both of these businesses know how to treat the customer well.

[Bettyerter]

I have an XC90 Volvo 2006 and wondered the same about service there

[neilbcox]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks

Sorry to hear that! We have been going to them for service for over 9 years and have never experienced anything but great service.

One thing I love is if you are there around lunch time they will go to Panera Bread and order lunch for you free!

Hope your next visit goes better!

[Romad]

People in the know go to Autobahn Imports in south Ocala. Off SW 27th Ave.

[cthherod@gmail.com]

hi,
so I decided to take my used BMW into BMW of Ocala for a 30,000 mile service. It took 3 phone calls to make an appointment then their call back had the wrong date and time. I went in for a 7:30 appt. and was told they were all in a meeting. At 8:15 I sat with the service agent, he said it would be 3 to 3/12 hours. I said okay if thats what it is. 4 1/2 hours later the car came out, done, oil change, brake fluid, computer check, and the wash was partial. It may be me, but is this normal. BMW owners please chime in. thanks
I had one of the worst experiences of my life at this dealership! I took my 2017 540i xdrive to them for four new tires. After three days, I called them. They told me they had discovered my right front CV joint needed to be replaced. It was covered by warranty. A few days later, I called them to check on progress. They said they didn’t have “the tool” to work on xdrive, and they didn’t know my car was xdrive. Let’s see: It says so on the trunk! It also lets them know when they put my key in the reader. Seriously! I had a loaner, so I offered to drive to one of the five dealers within 100 miles of them to borrow “the tool.” BTW, they could have made one call to BMW USA and had it overnighted to them. Then my service advisor told me they were not to happy with me for having my car on their lift all this time. Folks, you can’t make this stuff up! Finally, we went to get my car. We drove it home, and we noticed a knocking sound when we made a hard left turn. Called the next day and asked them to send a flat bed to pick up the car. Several more days passsd. Finally was able to pick up my car. NEVER AGAIN! We had the best dealer when we lived in Knoxville, TN. (Grayson BMW). I had no idea there was such disparity in BMW dealers. We have driven BMWs since 1996, and I’ve never had such a deplorable experience.

[SHIBUMI]

So the owner sends me an email to thank me for the business and says he hopes I had a good experience............they are so out of touch with customer Service
I did not want a Panera lunch, I did not want a ride to the mall, I just needed to know upfront what I would be subjected too.......this is obviously a normal experience....the car service may be great..... but the customer service is awful
I saw at least 15 employees walking around and wondered what they were doing? Maybe only 1 guy works on the car and if you didn't buy the car from them you go to the back of the line.......disappointing...waiting for the owner to respond to my email...probaby won't...

I had one of the worst experiences of my life at this dealership! I took my 2017 540i xdrive to them for four new tires. After three days, I called them. They told me they had discovered my right front CV joint needed to be replaced. It was covered by warranty. A few days later, I called them to check on progress. They said they didn’t have “the tool” to work on xdrive, and they didn’t know my car was xdrive. Let’s see: It says so on the trunk! It also lets them know when they put my key in the reader. Seriously! I had a loaner, so I offered to drive to one of the five dealers within 100 miles of them to borrow “the tool.” BTW, they could have made one call to BMW USA and had it overnighted to them. Then my service advisor told me they were not to happy with me for having my car on their lift all this time. Folks, you can’t make this stuff up! Finally, we went to get my car. We drove it home, and we noticed a knocking sound when we made a hard left turn. Called the next day and asked them to send a flat bed to pick up the car. Several more days passsd. Finally was able to pick up my car. NEVER AGAIN! We had the best dealer when we lived in Knoxville, TN. (Grayson BMW). I had no idea there was such disparity in BMW dealers. We have driven BMWs since 1996, and I’ve never had such a deplorable experience.

[Paul Verciglio]

I read the post on BMW Ocala and unlike me I have to add to his comments. I do not trust the dealership. I brought my car to them several months ago. They told me I needed a new oil pan and gasket at a cost of $4,800.00. I told the service guy Celistino that they were wrong and they did not know where the leak was coming from. He said , it’s coming from all over the oil pan. I brought the car to a local shop here next to the Villages. I told them I needed the work done, they did not look at the car and gave me a price of $2,800.00. They ordered the parts and I brought my car in. About 2 hours later I go a call from the shop. They asked who told me I needed an oil pan and I told them BMW of Ocala. They told me that was not the problem , it was a power steering leek and an oil level monitor on the pan. My bill went from $4,800.00 at BMW Ocala to $1,200.00 at a local mechanic. Either BMW Ocala was trying to take advantage of me or they are incompetent. My suggestion, DO NOT USE BMW OCALA. !!!!!!

[OhioBuckeye]

Thanks for your response, I’ve never owned a foreign car, so I did want to say to much.

[keithwand]

Purchased my 2016 X5 from them. No service issues.
Went to replace it with a 2022 X5 last year and they wanted 5k market adjustment and over 3k of crap added to the MSRP price.
Low balled on my trade.
Emailed my specifics to Bmw of Wesley Chapel
Within 3 weeks I got an email that the 99% exact car I wanted had just come in.
Still paid MSRP plus 500. For mats. Still better than Ocala.
So much for loyalty from Ocala.
I have a long memory.