I see a lot of reviews for the buying experience from all over the country. Well, the time is quickly approaching for me to experience the service department. How about you? Is there a rating for the service department? I have a choice of three dealers to take my MINI to, unfortunately they are all 2 to 2.5 hours away. Most of us will spend much more time with the service department than the new car sales people. Let's rate them! Should we have a seperate rating forum for the service departments? I don't see much regarding service in the Dealer Ratings section!

_________________
Hello.....Goodbye

 

Bryan Brookman heads up the Service Department at Moritz MINI, Arlington, Texas...super guy. Keeps up-to-date on current MINI "anomalies," is willing to discuss symptoms, also is knowledgeable about various mods and how they might affect the car. No loaners at Moritz, but good courtesy van. They even picked me up in a Z3! Also, for the one problem I did have, the service folks were quite thorough in diagnosing and correcting the problem. Two thumbs up!

 

Holman BMW/MINI in Lauderdale Grade=D- these guys need to learn that a MINI is just as important as a BMW. Just because I don't drive a 7 series don't treat me like I'm a lesser valued customer. And customer service is everything to a succesful business. You reading this MINIUSA???

 

I stand by my earlier assessment of Universal MINI (see feedback) though I must modify it a bit. I think my main issue is with a service writer named Laurence. Nice enough guy but totally lacking " the nessecities" of service. Every issue, I had to call him, were the parts in? When can I get an appointment? What time will my car be ready? Is my car ready? (x 4or 5)... loaner?

I ended up in a unique situation as my bumper was forcibly removed by a wayward tow-truck driver at the dealer lot. I received a 325 to drive while the repairs were made BUT... they did the repairs out of order. My car was in for the 4th time to fix the sunroof rattle (BTW it is finally fixed, look for another post on the details). While waiting to get into a service bay the tow-truck driver did his deed. They took it to their body shop to assess the damage, then it sat waiting for the parts. Did they fix the sunroof in the mean-time? NNNooooo So I waited 2 weeks to get my MINI back partly because as they got into the roof repair, more parts were needed and had to be ordered.

The service manager Dennis is a good guy. If you need your MINI serviced by Universal, ask for Dennis and avoid Laurence.

 

There is a total lack of customer service in
most industries. People go to work to make
money and that is it. Very few people enjoy
what they do or really care about it. It is too
bad. Do what you want...not happy, find another
job...but if you are in customer service...you
should know your products. It is not just Mini.
I had the same experiences with my wifes Toyota.
Same problems with Harley Davidson....

 

I'm going in to Universal MINI to get my CD changer installed (it was part of the dealer added ripoff). My appointment is with Laurence ...

Is there anyone else there. You mentioned Dennis, but he's the service manager, right? Would the service manager deal directly with a customer for a normal appointment?

How many people do they have there to service MINIs?? Just that Laurence guy?

 

i too bought my mini at universal at msrp, but with 400 miles on the clock didnt need any service yet

sambusik and bluegervis---where you guys located? i dont know ANY mini owners around my area..it would be fun to talk to you guys

i am located in simi valley, the exit right after topanga canyon on 118 frwy :smile:

-ryan

 

New Country Mini, Hartford, CT. Rating: A+

I've had to take my car in for service (airbag light problem) twice. Even though I didn't buy my car from them -wait was too long- I'm treated like my business was the most important thing to them. My service advisor, Anthony, is the greatest, if I get his voicemail, I can be sure of a callback in short order and he does his best to work around my schedule for appointments, instead of the other way around.

X2

 

>>I'm going in to Universal MINI to get my CD changer installed (it was part of the dealer added ripoff). My appointment is with Laurence ...
>>
>>Is there anyone else there. You mentioned Dennis, but he's the service manager, right? Would the service manager deal directly with a customer for a normal appointment?
>>
>>How many people do they have there to service MINIs?? Just that Laurence guy?


WHO THE HECK IS LAWRENCE????

Are you going to MINI or to Century West BMW? I always go with TONY....
Universal sales ... I was disappointed with them, Century West Service A+

And Shawn, used to deal with MINI, but no more.... he was a great wealth of knowledge and help...

Like I said, I ALWAYS go to TONY....

GOOD LUCK


PS - In West Valley.... Indi Blue Black windows white top and mirrors.... Stock 8 holed 15's Vroom...

 

Haven't met Lawrence yet, he's the only service advisor I've spoken to coz I've gotten transfered to him whenever I've called. He did call me back today pretty quickly and said that it would be no problem for them to set some programmable features when they had my car in for the CD changer.

Bought at Universal, but the service gets done at Century West BMW. They're a top BMW dealership (they have two Z8's on the floor if that means anything), so I figure their service must be good.

PS, in Sherman Oaks. Dark Silver MCS with black top

 

Ann Blythe at Rasmussen MINI (Portland OR) is the BEST!! Absolutely an A+ all the way. I didn't buy my MCS at Rasmussen and she's never cared one iota. I've had a couple squeeks fixed, a warrantied passenger seat back cover replaced, cold start software updated, options programmed and coolant overflow tank replaced. All done in I think 2 visits, maybe three (due to rattles). There hasn't been a time I've called/stopped by to request an appointment and was not responded to with, "tommorow good for you?" That's just amazing. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I really, really think that's awesome.

R

 

Being in the After Sales Service profession myself, I judge service very hard.
Irvine Mini has service down pat.
JB

 

>>Ann Blythe at Rasmussen MINI (Portland OR) is the BEST!! Absolutely an A+ all the way. I didn't buy my MCS at Rasmussen and she's never cared one iota. I've had a couple squeeks fixed, a warrantied passenger seat back cover replaced, cold start software updated, options programmed and coolant overflow tank replaced. All done in I think 2 visits, maybe three (due to rattles). There hasn't been a time I've called/stopped by to request an appointment and was not responded to with, "tommorow good for you?" That's just amazing. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I really, really think that's awesome.
>>
>>R

I second Davbret's comments. Ann is great to deal with, and Rasmussen has handled my single warranty issue promptly. I had the passenger seat jam and they had to replace the rails so it would slide again.

 

In case the MINI Peabody guys are looking in and disappointed ...

I will just say that the service guys there are the VERY BEST. Some own their own MINI, all of them are genuinely interested in MINIs and they care for their customers.
Three cheers for Gary, Kevin, Lee, Scott and the others whom I have not personally dealt with ... and thanks to Martin for assembling such a great team :smile:

 

>>i too bought my mini at universal at msrp, but with 400 miles on the clock didnt need any service yet
>>
>>sambusik and bluegervis---where you guys located? i dont know ANY mini owners around my area..it would be fun to talk to you guys
>>
>>i am located in simi valley, the exit right after topanga canyon on 118 frwy :smile:
>>
>>-ryan

Ryan-

Tony is the other MINI guy at Universal/Century West. He is who I will call next if I need to, next service is the inspection at approx 27.000 miles. I work on Topanga in Chatsworth, live in Palmdale and commute via Angeles Crest/Lower Tujunga. I keep an eye out for other MINI's so I'm sure I've seen you guys..

 

>>WHO THE HECK IS LAWRENCE????
>>
>>Are you going to MINI or to Century West BMW? I always go with TONY....
>>Universal sales ... I was disappointed with them, Century West Service A+
>>
>>And Shawn, used to deal with MINI, but no more.... he was a great wealth of knowledge and help...
>>
>>Like I said, I ALWAYS go to TONY....
>>
>>GOOD LUCK
>>
>>
>>PS - In West Valley.... Indi Blue Black windows white top and mirrors.... Stock 8 holed 15's Vroom...

Of course I go to Century... Universal (right across the street) doesn't have it's own repair center. Laurence must have taken over from Shawn... trust me, I will go to Tony my next time...

 

Lawrence had a funny sounding snooty accent, any idea where he's from?

 

jbs111...Anyone in particular i should deal with at Irvine Mini? My S is arriving early april and this is my first new car, so i'm not too familiar w/ dealing w/ service people @ dealerships. I have an 89 crx, so i usually just go to midas. Peace...

 

I had to bring my car in twice (foam moved in door causing a rattling when the bass hit) and for an oil change and Dave Chastain at Bill Jacobs MINI/BMW, Naperville, IL was extremely helpful and took care of the issue. Christina Annes (my sales person) is also very helpful with any questions and has always been very upfront with me. I highly recommend both of these individuals for your MINI needs.

Craig

 

>>Lawrence had a funny sounding snooty accent, any idea where he's from?


I believe he is British, but lived in South Africa for Several Years... I know who he is now...if it's who I think he is. hehehe

 

MINI of St. Louis - I haven't had to use the service department yet, but I expect my future experiences with them to be excellant!

I did have to use the body shop however I could not be a happier customer.

Kecia, who is very happy it will warm enough to give her MINI a good wash this weekend

 

>>>>Lawrence had a funny sounding snooty accent, any idea where he's from?
>>
>>
>>I believe he is British, but lived in South Africa for Several Years... I know who he is now...if it's who I think he is. hehehe

I'll be meeting him today. I hope he's knowledgable about the coolant expansion tank problem. I'll be bringing a copy of the service bulletin with me in any case.

 

MINI of Sterling - I can't say enough good things about them

We've had Scooter in for all the various nit noy fixes - got a rental car every time