I've had my all silk green Mini for 2 weeks and I'm loving every minute. I did decide at the time I was accessorizing to add an additional remote control key with my purchase (boy are those keys ever big!!) I knew that the electronic chip keys were rather pricey, but heh, the car was relatively cheap when you consider the fun factor. Debbie, my not so knowledgablbe saleperson, was happy to add it to the invoice. She also informed my that it would take a couple of days to get the key. I indicated no problem, just another excuse to take Aldridge on another spin (30 miles one way to dealer). A week passed, I left a message to find the status - no answer. 3 more days pass - I leave a message, no answer, another 2 days pass, I decide to contact the service department to see if I can get a status, leave a message - no reply. Finally, I call the part department, they do some checking and lo and behold, my long lost key is there. They indicate I can pick it anytime. So Aldridge and I hop on the freeway, zip in-and-out of traffic and reach the dealer about 40 minutes later.

Parts ckecks my ID and gives me the key, then indicates that I should take it over to service to get it activated. I pull into service, wait about 15 minutes for them to locate the Mini service guy. I explain why I'm there and he indicates that I will need an appointment to get my key programmed, and there is an additional $57 charge for the service call.

The radar antenna is starting to go up now, as I realize that it is going to be a real challenge to deal with a BMW based service center. I explained that I had ordered the key with the car, was charged for the key, and now you are telling me that the key ($125) is worthless without a service appointment, and that I will have to make another 60 mile round trip to get it to work? Shouldn't you have told me this before I made the trip. Shouldn't you be telling the salespeople that this should be communicated? From the look on his face it was obvious that this was my problem and not his.

I am very concerned that we are in for a long and arduous road in dealing with these very arrogant non-customer orieted BMW guys. I just pray that Adridge stays healthly and I never have to spend anytime back there again. :???: [img]null[/img]

 

GIJOE, where are you located? This sounds like a dealer that people should know about and possibly avoid.

 

My dealer is Mini North Scottsdale in Arizona

 

You ordered the extra key with the new car? If thats the case I think they (the dealer) had better take a step back, take a deep breath, count to ten, and program the damn key. Good luck. The folks at MINI do follow this sight I would imagine you will hear something.