When I picked up my MINI last night from MoS, after its voice recognition system was fixed, I spoke with the service manager. I had mentioned that I was concerned about their ability to fix the thing, given posts I have read as a NAM member. Upon hearing that I was a NAMer, he engaged in a long discussion with me, explaining the migration of things BMW into the R56 and that new equipment and software is on the way to help dealers. He told me, with the new equipment, the download that took 7 hours for my car will take 1.5. He also made sure to tell me to come see him if I had any concerns. Nice to know NAM counts!

 

cool!

I actually asked when I picked up my MCS... NAM was the top of their list, followed by BMWCCA...

 

That is a good thing, Lynn. My dealer, on the other hand, automatically dismisses the simple mention of any internet message boards as "rubbish".

 

+1 on NAM membership.

Most MA/SAs worth their salt know the impact NAM can have on a dealership... if they start treating their customers poorly, it won't take long for a bunch of people to know about it. Which can be very bad if there are other dealerships close by.

It also lets them know that you are an enthusiast, not just someone who wants a car to drive, so they'll probably take you a little more seriously.

That's been my experience anyway.

 

Chances are, your dealership received some negative "press" then.

 

Don't forget your local DC Metro Mini club is based on NAM.

 

Yes they have in the past. They are pretty competent but I find their dismissal of discussions regarding known issues with the cars fairly annoying to say the least.

 

+1 on NAMbership. It certainly has an impact. What I learn here helps me to be knowledgeable and clearly articulate any issues I'm encountering with my MINI. It lends credibility to what I'm telling my SA. Not to mention, I think they clearly understand the breadth and scope of the audience that is, NAM. A bad reputation is extremely hard to turn around, so they make every effort (at least in my personal experience) to make me happy.

Further, membership in a car club helps too; as long as the club also has a good reputation with the dealership. In my case, on the afternoon I picked up my MINI, 4 other MINIs from the club came to the dealership - providing moral support, cheering me on, celebrating with me, and hounding the Salesman, General Manager, and Finance guy, "she's one of us, you better take good care of her".

It's a mutually beneficial relationship - NAM, car clubs, and dealerships. Last weekend at a "Cinco DeMINI" event at Brecht MINI - they provided food, bands, dancers, events for the kids, major discounts on parts/services, and a great "party" environment. The Car Club, in return, organized a run and managed the people. The dealership sold 5 MINIs that day - more than the "normal" 3 I'm told. Car club members spent lots of time with perspective customers - showing them our cars (modd'd and you-ified), talking about the MINI life-style, and sharing our passion.

NAM, clubs, the cars, the people, the adventures, the fun....it just doesn't get any better.

 

It got me info and an invite to an incredible car show/gathering in Irvine CA- MaxN hoked me up for cars and coffee- he even sprang for a cup of joe! Super nice guy as is Sideache who had his classic Mini a the show. Not to mention the priceless information!

 

Mine was mixed. I go to Lauderdale Mini, and one of the guys there, Scott, liked the idea but seemed unsure of NAM. The other guy, not sure of his name at the moment, acted like a man stated before, forums are rubbish.

This all came about when I was trying to get them to program the OBC. I have an '06 so it has all the wiring and everything, all that needs to be done is to re-program the computer. Scott said he would look into it. The other guy just shrugged and imidatly said it was not possible. I know this to be worng because of NAM. Although neither one of them has gotten back to me, I will be visiting them soon to get that programed in.

Thanks NAM!!

 

My dealer actually told me about NAM and various venders that have MINI bits and things for sale.

 

Considering that MINI owners are an enthusiastic and energetic group, many are internet savy and already know about NAM.

NAM is one of the very best car web sites overall in terms of community and support for one another. It's also a great way to network with other owners locally and across the country.

And we welcome not only those who live and motor in North America but throughout the world.

Besides NAM has awesome stats:
Threads: 96,483, Posts: 1,511,413, Members: 35,306
Welcome to our newest member, logocindy!

Kudos to Mark our Founder.

 

The BMW dealership had a parts guy who knew about NAM. He thought for the most part, it contained valid and excellent advice. He said that some of the Mini owners had to know their stuff because of the tech talk. I think that speaks for NAMsters in a high regard.