So I just got my car back from a 9-day stint in the shop. First thing I notice is horizontal hairline scratches down the whole thing (like swirlmarks but all in a straight line). Turns out the dealership did a complimentary wash and vacuum after deeming my issues to be "within spec". Thanks a lot guys.

Looks like they dropped a sponge on a sandy parking lot, picked it up, and did a quick once-over on the car. Even the black window pillars are horizontally swirlmarked now.

Once I pointed it out, the drop-off driver noticed it too and we called the manager. They said they'll buff it out, but I think they're the last people I want touching it at this point.

WTF?

 

I would look at it from the standpoint someone screwed up and they are going to fix it. I would take your before pictures before they touched it. If they are able to polish out the scratches all good move to another dealership. If they can't buff out the scratches to your satisfaction your before pictures and their attempt to fix it might put you in a better shot at getting a new paint job. Not sure the extent of the scratches but they should buff out... Good luck....

 

I feel your pain - I have a placard that says "No Wash, No Detail - Thanks!!" that I put on the dashboard whenever I have to drop one of our MINIs off at the dealership for anything. It's worked well so far.

 

It really sucks, because I'm pretty particular about how I wash my car and keep my paint swirl-free. I have a fleet of heavy-duty microfiber towels, and I cycle them and wash them after each use, etc. Not to mention the 3M clearshield I put on the whole front facia when it was brand new.

 

Ouch sorry to hear, no one touches my paint but I and i dont regret it.

 

Yikes! I hope they do everything they can to get it cleaned up!

Our MINI dealer just uses an automated car wash... Though I do wish they would take the time to dry it afterwards. I hate water spots.

 

swirls galor if it uses brushes!

 

Amen to that brother!

I also put a Do Not Wash sticker on my speedo when I take it to the dealer.
Although one time they chose to ignore it!

Good luck. You could also take it to a detailer you trust and make the dealership pay for it.

 

The dealership "complimentary washes" are my worst nightmare. I had recently taken mine in to have the drivers side speaker replaced under warranty, and as they were finishing up, the service guy came around and told me "your car will be right out, they're just washing it now for you". I almost flipped out, I was like "WHAT?! THEY'RE DOING WHAT!? I DIDN'T TELL YOU TO WASH IT!"
#1, I had just spent 3 hours (my usual time) the previous weekend detailing my car, good wash/wax/buff/polish, interior vacuum, leather cleaner and tire shine-we hadn't gotten rain since I had done this, so it was still very clean.
#2, I don't even take my cooper to regular car washes, I don't want anyone I don't know touching it (obsessive and possessive, yes).
and #3, Coming from someone who doesn't utilize the free wash service voluntarily, I know it would be incredibly extensive and time consuming, and therefore would not expect the dealership to perform such a service, but if they're going to offer a free wash, I'd want my car detailed to show room perfection. I mean, these guys don't even dry the entire car! They don't dry the exterior plastic, so the water streaks dry and leave marks, and on the 3 involuntary occasions I've had my car washed for free at the dealership, they left my rubber floor mats SOAKING wet...kind of a driving hazard.

 

My Laminated Sign that I put on Molly's dash reads: "Please Do NOT Wash Molly!! Thank you, RJKimbell"

 

+1

 

when I sent OC on the AutoTrain I hung a sign on the **** that said

Manual Choke - if car won't start pull out 3/4 inch .. . .

 

We supply a laminated sign to our customers that says No Wash in both English and Spanish which is crucial here in So Cal along with instruction on telling the dealership to skip the "free car wash". I've used this method for years on my own cars.