It's time to take our '05 MCS in for it's 10K mile service (if I ever can, Sterling doesn't seem to return calls to schedule visits . . . ) I've got what seems to be a typical squeel from cold start, some trim has fallen off, and the passenger seat is sometimes hesitant to cooperate. All that said, when I take it in, is there anything I should ask them to check into such as software updates?

Thanks,

Tony

 

Let us know how it goes with scheduling. I am disappointed that I have heard this about MoS in lots of places. I suggest calling your salesperson ("Motoring Advisor") and having them schedule the service for you. They'll tell you that they can't, then you tell them that the service folks don't return your calls and ask them to do something about it.

 

Do try to find a service dept that will take the time to talk to you, then ask them to run your VIN for recalls. If they turn any up ask them to be sure that the parts are in stock for your scheduled appointment and/or move the appt as needed. Talk to them about other issues and ask how long they think they'll need the car for that and if overnight see if they offer loaners and set that up in advance if possible.

If your car is running well I would personally not seek to have software updates unless they force you to with a recall - if it ain't broke...

Best of luck

 

The MoS service folks are very overworked... MINI is carrying the dealership, it would probably fall on its face if only selling BMWs... but there are so few SAs... used to be only one, just recently added another... and they are restructuring a bit to handle the load better.

So I think it will improve soon.

Keep in mind that MoS is covering a HUGE area by themselves - from central DC and ALL points west... Tate and Towson split the load somewhat since they are (relatively) close together, covering east of DC combined. The next closest dealerships are in Richmond, or in Pennsylvania!

I'd be willing to bet that MoS handles as much service volume as both Tate and Towson combined, but I have no evidence to back that up.

 

I really really really like Debra Mcguire. I switched form oh what's his name - never ever got a call back

Just my opinion

 

You're talking about Tradd Dozier. Keep in mind that part of the problem is that everyone knows him, so everyone calls him. As more people start calling Debra, he will likely be more available too.

They're both excellent SAs, I've worked with both of them, and they work well together too.

 

Thanks for the feedback. As it is I'm about ready to make the drive to Annapolis. Had a HORRIBLE purchase experience with them (there's a thread on here somewhere about it) and after writing letters to the manager and owner of MOS and Mini NA with no response, I'm not too surprised by this experience with the service department. Good thing we love the car. Just tried to schedule an appoinment online, we'll see if that works. Granted, it's been 4 days since leaving a message, so I doubt it'll help. Failing that I'll call roadside assistance and have it towed over there. Ridiculous.

I'll report back and let y'all know what works.

 

TATE MINI of Annapolis's Service dept has had a huge turn around since Will joined the team. They are still just as busy as ever and have the same great techs but the change of the SA made them 100% better. Will normally will answer emails with a day. But making an appt can mean emailing a few days in advance to get into the schedule. Will is getting a new assistant soon which should make it easier to get through on the phone but till then email is the best way to get an answer. service@tatemini.com

 

Mr Dozier's reluctance to return calls has become a far to frequent topic in this Forum. After leaving three messages on three separate occasions with no return call I think that one can sense that there is perhaps a trend. I believe he has an "A" list and a "B" list - I am obviously on the "B" list - I had an issue with a contractor who installed my leather interior. This same isssue resurfaced a few monthes later and in working with Debra I found a marked contrast in resolving the issue. I don't care how busy either is - it is up to the dealership to ensure that the customer is handled in a proper and timely manner. I would not have minded if all my communication were handled by the receptionist. I just want them resolved. Hey I'm busy too!

Maybe they should press into service one of the many BMW salesman who seem to have nothing to do

 

I agree w/ MDSBRAIN. Tate service - I was the first one to give a neg. feedback - has improved a lot thanks to Will and recently there is a new Service Mgr. so the mentality at Tate maybe changing and improving. Having used their service dept. 4 times just in the last year I think I have enough experience with them.
One thing for sure, you need to schedule a couple of weeks ahead.

MD STREGA2


yes... I am driving my Streghina again..

 

But he was the SA who told me to bring a towel in my car when it rains cause they couldn't fit my leaking roof. I always go to Mini of Towson now for service.

 

I don't know if there is an A and B list but the two times I went there for some work, Sterling was excellent. When a problem wasn't get resolved, they scheduled me for the same day the regional MINI rep was there for a meeting and had him look at the issue. Both the Shop Foreman and their top MINI Mechanic and parts there (Herb) are great. I think there problem is that they are swamped with work. They said BMWs had a month wait!

On the other hand, if you bought from Towson, you can just drive in, toss them the keys and they work on it. If its more than an hour, you get a loaner.

 

Shameless plug.
Will @ Tate rocks, though he's overwhelmed being the only SA for the Eastern DC area.

 

I don't doubt he rocks... but doesn't MoT count as "eastern DC area" too? Yeah I know it's really "Baltimore" but still... same rule as Tate being "Annapolis".

 

Quick Update: Still waiting on the return call from Trad, though yesterday I realized that you can schedule an appointment online with MoS. Within a few hours Kerri had returned my email and I'm now scheduled for the 10th. I've alerted her to a part she may want to order in advance (chrome on the hood has started bubbling) in the hopes that both it won't be in there for an extended period and I don't have to fight 66 out there after work twice. Here's hoping Trad isn't the SA that writes up the ticket . . .

 

I'd say MoT is more Northern DC. I don't know if anyone north of Laruel would go to Tate over MoT. /shrug

 

A quick note about MoS, I had a short chat with the gen. manager over there (Crystal) and she said that they just hired on a new MINI tech from Mercedes. I said I hoped that he could dial a phone as well as work on MINIs, and she smiled and acknowledged that returning calls has been a problem, but she has confidence that the new guy will be on top of it.

Let's hope!

-Paul!

 

Sweet Jiminy Christmas . . . dropped her off this morning @ 7 and went through the list of problems with Tradd. Told him about the passenger seat (occasionally it won't lock back into position after it's been folded forward) and he replies "yah, that's a bad design, what you have to do is climb into the seat backwards and put a shoulder into it to free it up." which, not only doesn't address the problem, but also doesn't exactly inspire confidence in them. I then pointed out a bubble in the chrome trim piece on the hood to which he said "yah, that's not great build quality, huh?"

I'm I just being picky or is this a hell of a way to run a business?

We'll see what happens when I pick it up . . .

 

Hi all,

I'm scheduled to go into MoS for the first time on the 19th for an SES light issue. It won't go away no matter what Tate Mini has tried (not everything yet though). I just got an email from Kerri Brown that says I'll get a free loaner for 24 hours if I bought from MoS (I bought from Tate), otherwise there's an Enterprise rental store there. Does this mean I would have to pay for the loaner out of pocket? I'm still well within my warranty period (May 2005 purchase date). Will MoS cover my loaner costs? Thanks.

 

I doubt they will give you a free loaner. What many people don't realize is that the dealer eats the cost of loaners. That is why they are usually stingy about only giving them to customers who bought the car there. The reason they do it at all is of course to help keep the customers coming back, and deterring them from going elsewhere.

Exceptions may be given, but I'm just telling you the norm.

 

I figured it was kinda like that. This would be my first time not going to Tate for this issue, but I've got a lot going on right now and I'm not in a position where I can shell out $25/day for a car, plus filling up the gas tank. Guess it's gonna be a rescheduled date with Tate!

 

Before cancelling call and ask them. What edge said I was also told, but it does not hurt to plead your case, they might want your future business in order to do it. I doubt it, but it never does hurt to ask.

 

I just called MOS yesterday and found out that Debra is no longer there. When I called back this morning they transferred me to someone else (not Tradd) and he set me up for an appointment right then. This is the first time in over 30 calls to MOS that I was able to talk to them instead of thier stupid voice mail.

 

did you talk to Larry?
I called to set an appointment and as usual I was directed to a voice mail, but got a call back in 5 min.

 

Ready for my first big service and wondered if anyone has any recent favorites in service deptments, i.e. Tate, Towson, or Sterling.