I got my car repaired at TATE in August.. I am not going back for them to fix what they missed or messed up AGAIN. Grrrr..Scott the salesperson is great, though..

 

Just made an appointment at MoT for the 11th. Emma had been serviced at Tate for the first part of her life, but I feel a bit more comfortable about taking her to Towson.

They'll take a look at her clutch for the "helicopter" noise, which from what I can tell on these boards (and from the reaction of the SA when I mentioned it) is a fairly common issue. They'll also take a look at a noticeable stumble between 2700-3000 RPM.

 

Is the stumble.... throttle position dependent ? Like you're not mashing the throttle ? Wensley has a little chug every once in a while around there which I've been told is normal. If you accelerate "briskly" its not noticeable.....keep us posted.

Mike

 

I had my son take my MCC to Tate since he works in Annapolis and I can't seem to make it all the way out to Sterling. First time to Tate. The service writer Calvin was great to work with, kept me updated throughout the day and had the car ready on time. Did an inspection service and alignment. They ran out of loaners so he put my son in an Enterprise rental at no cost. I wouldn't hesitate to go back. Thanks, Calvin.

 

So I picked up Emma at MoT about 5PM, right when things were getting REALLY hairy on the roads. Driving back to Montgomery Village was a little scary.

Turns out she needed a new clutch AND a new flywheel, both handled under warranty. Once home, though, I noticed on the parts list that a remanufactured clutch was used. Not sure I'm too happy about that one, but time will tell. DeWayne was great to deal with.

As for the stumble issue, it seems to have worked itself out, so I'm guessing it had something to do with the flywheel/clutch issue.

BTW, I had a R56 automatic as a loaner. I really REALLY love my R53.

 

Re scratchs at the dealer. I ALWAYS both let the SA know I don't want a wash and hang a double sided sign in both English and Spanish on the rearview mirror saying 'please don't wash!'

My other theory is to make sure the care is imaculate, spotless and freshly detailed in and out when I take it in. If they see a car looking like that vs dirty when it comes in, I like to think they're more careful around it. I have had the check in guys, and occasionaly a SA or tech come over during check in to comment on how great the car looks, the shine etc.

So fresh wash and the polish is up to snuff when she goes in. I've taken it to MoS and never had a scratch issue, knock on wood.

 

+1

If it's squeaky clean, including the engine bay, the techs and porters are more likely to treat it with respect.

BTW, what's the Spanish phrase for 'Do Not Wash'

 

I'll have to check. I've got the sign at home in the garage somewhere. I asked a co worker who is no longer here when I made it.

Babel Fish says "No se lave". I'm sure someone will chime in to correct if needed.

 

Thanks, Mark

I wasn't clever enough in school to study a useful language, but took Latin instead. The closest phrase in Latin I can remember is: Non molestare te, which means something like 'don't mess with me' but perhaps a bit more forceful

 

Are you guys suggesting that I take Wensleydale in dirty

She looked like a brand new car both times at MOT and I did request no wash. The tech's just were not careful with her. I hate to come across as a butthole and tell them how OCD I am about my paint. You would think they would treat all as new cars ready to go in the showroom.

The last scratches were ridiculous but I just bit my lip and buffed.

Mike

 

No no! Just throwing that point out there for the car wash challenged.

 

Whilst we're talking scratches, what do you guys do for touching up the rock chips ? I was thinking to get the Langke system along with using my airbrush, Wensley is in bad need of touch ups, just waiting for warmer weather before I give her the spring buff.

Mike

 

Me too, I hate rock chips ...

I might get a VIS cabonfiber bonnet soon.

 

Be careful with that CF, it has its own disadvantages, work with it all the time.....