Figured I'd post this since it was posts like this which helped me choose who to use for service.

So I decided to use Towson for my MINI service even though it takes at least 2 hours in rush hour traffic to get there (from Tysons). I bought my MINI there, but I figured I'd rather use them instead of Sterling, mostly because of the good things I had read about them here on NAM. And I have to say it was completely worth the driving time.

I have a June 2005 MCSC and haven't had any problems at all until the last month. My auto-dimming rearview mirror stopped working and my DSC and Flat Tire light would turn on for no reason. The mirror was more an annoyance then anything and I was going to wait till my 10K service or maybe try out Sterling MINI since it was minor. When the DSC/Flat Tire light problem cropped up I figured it was worth the trip to Towson. I also figured I'd want to get it taken care of before we get bad weather.

So I ended up with DeWayne rather then Wayne, who I think is the main MINI service advisor at Towson. He took down my problems and they gave me a loaner. They were out of MINI loaners so I was handed off to the Enterprise rep there. Ironically, he gave me a Surburban for a loaner. During my drive home I got a call from DeWayne and of course the rearview mirror was working fine when they checked it. I explained again what was wrong to the tech, and he said he'd take a look at the connections again.

I get called later this afternoon and the car is ready to be picked up. Turns out they figured out what was wrong with the mirror, but they had to order the replacement part which means I'll have to go back for it. I don't mind that at all since it meant they kept looking into the problem until they found what was wrong rather then just dismissing what I said, which they probably could have legitimately done.

The second problem with the DSC involved them replacing the DSC sensor and that was fixed by them today.

So I don't know how Sterling or Tate are for service, but based on this experience with Towson I don't think I'll ever want to find out how they are.

 

So you drove 2 hours instead of the 15 - 20 minutes to get from Tysons to MINI of Sterling without ever having been to MoS before? I can understand if you have had a bad experience there but otherwise, I don't get it. I hear great things about Towson here on the NAM forum, too, but I've taken our MINIs to MoS and have had success with them - no complaints, no need to drive so far.

I'm just curious what made you decide to not use Sterling?

 

Ya. Unless you've heard recent horror stories, I'd figure try MoS first. That's a lot of gas/time to get out to Towson.

I also went to Towson, but only after having problems with Tate. Since then, Tate has gotten a good service advisor, and now I go to Tate for everything since it's closer. If he ever left Tate, I'd likely end up back at Towson.

 

I will also say I would rather try who is closer for service. Tate is 100% better since the new SA has showed up I have had 2 service jobs done since he has arrived. I have also had several email conversations to help ease my nerves.

 

A Suburban for a loaner?

 

Awesome! Keep coming back to Towson. I live about 5 minutes from the dealership and have never had an issue with DeWayne or Wayne. They are great guys. Plus, the more people that get their car serviced there and the more satisfied customers means the rest of us get great service too!

Cheers

 

TOWSON MINI RULES

 

MoS is very good too. Not saying they are "better" (OR worse) than MoT... but I want to also agree that it seems ridiculous to drive from Tysons to Towson to get service, unless there is a very good reason for it.

Tradd Dozier, the MINI SA at MoS, has been fantastic in the quality of service that he provides.

 

If there is any problem with Sterling, its that the are very backed up in appointments. Takes 3 - 4 weeks just to get in. They say BMWs are worse ... cant keep the mechanics.

I like them both. Wayne is one of the top 10 SAs in the country. Both are accomodating!

 

I drive from Arlington VA to Towson for service. I had a poor experience trying to get an appt at MoS. That was a long time ago, but I have never been tempted to go back because of the wonderful service I get at Towson. I know them. They know me and the MINI. We bought our second MINI from Towson.

Being in the service industry for 15 years, I tend to be very loyal to those who have shown me they can provide good service.

 

I really didn't mean it to become a who's better at service type of thread. I just wanted to say I had a good experience with Towson.

I have no idea what the appointment wait time is for Sterling but I know I called Tuesday afternoon and brought my car in Wednesday morning with Towson.

And as far as the drive time, I really don't mind it at all, since traffic doesn't bother me. Though it was a lot harder to bear in the Suburban then the MINI. And the drive during non-rush hour is about 45-60 minutes depending on how fast I drive.

I should add that if I was taking my car in every week, the drive time would be impossible to make it to Towson all the time. And with my work I have the flexibility to make the drive. If I had other factors which made it unreasonable I would probably switch to Sterling.

 

They just told me to come in anytime and they would take the car. I've done this several times, just showing up at like 2 - 3 PM and they have always taken it. Sterling, you need an appointment and its a long wait.

 

Didn't you just hold onto the loaner till they ordered the new mirror part? Usually takes em a day or 2 at max. I remember when I wanted to get my NAV system screen replaced at Towson and it was going to take a week or so to order the screen so they just replaced it with a nav system screen from a car on the lot.

 

Have had recent difficulties with "translation" at Towson.

Me: Right repeater vent mount is broken.
SA: [writing] Passenger-side light will not stay on.
Me: Um, no. The repeater vent itself is broken.
SA: I'll let the tech know.

Talked to Jeff about halfway thru my install on another issue, and because I had to leave the car there, went back to the car to get my Garmin. Because I was unsure that my translation had cut through, I mentioned it to Jeff. Sure enough, Jeff had replaced the passenger-side headlamp bulb per the written instructions.

There were numerous other difficulties on this, my 30k service, but most of them were logistical and had to do with parts availability. Having said that, I regularly have to ask twice for things @ Towson. Last time I mentioned the flywheel squeakage, my concerns were blamed first on me (aftermarket wheels, yeah right), and then were summarily ignored. Glad I got to speak with Jeff this time who rec'd a lightweight flywheel (see thread in MCS drivetrain), and I think I'll go that route.

I'm not going to name names, because I think the techs at Towson--Jeff in particular--are top notch. But if you can talk to them, do so, and be explicit and firm with the SAs about your requirements, as my experience with them has been less than good.

 

exactly what is a right repeater vent mount??
(is it in the passenger compartment??)

i usually just leave a note for the tech in the car
to overcome the oneliner directions from the SA's
at various dealers

 

Repeater = turn signal = blinker

Right repeater vent mount = the turn signal mounted on the right body panel, with the vent (chrome on MCS, black plastic on MC).

 

lcubed, question on repeater answered better than I could've done by Dandy, but yes... good idea on the notes for the tech. Will do that next go 'round. Thx for the tip.

 

ahh!! in the parlance of my job, a repeater usually refers to
a signal boosting device

 

That's very good news indeed, as our MINI approaches its first oil change!

 

Chromed plastic on the MCS.