Dealer overfilled my oil....

[Silverr]

Just rode home from getting my 12k service done...Was very pleased at how unadjusted my valves are. Also, when I got home, just started inspecting the craftsmanship. Noticed a few nice scratches on my valve covers. Also, noticed that the oil was completely filling the site glass. The overfilled my oil and i checked the airl box plug and sure enough. There was oil inside. Any idea if there has been damage done. Does that box need to be cleaned out? Is it safe to ride back to the dealer on the bike so I can get them to fix things?

Thanks in advance.....

[pjpockets]

I would not ride the bike back but make them pick it up, and correct any problems. Make sure it is there senior tech that works on your bike with the store manager supervising. These are expensive machines, and when we take them on the road it's our asses on the line out there. If you do not get immediate action then get in contact with BMW home office. If that fails swallow your pride and money and find another dealer because that one is not worth a poo!!!!!!!!!

[dwayne]

Just rode home from getting my 12k service done...Was very pleased at how unadjusted my valves are. Also, when I got home, just started inspecting the craftsmanship. Noticed a few nice scratches on my valve covers. Also, noticed that the oil was completely filling the site glass. The overfilled my oil and i checked the airl box plug and sure enough. There was oil inside. Any idea if there has been damage done. Does that box need to be cleaned out? Is it safe to ride back to the dealer on the bike so I can get them to fix things?

Thanks in advance.....

-A

Call the dealer, calmly. Don't act like an ass; just explain what happened, and what you would like done about it. Getting the dealership to pick up your bike because there is too much oil is silly, absurd, I'm being nice. Now if your dealer was a few hundred Km's away then MAYBE, but otherwise just ride it there, and have them make it right for you. Of course if the oil is overfilled, drain some out yourself. Lets not forget that the people working on your bike are not perfect all the time. I don't think they would have messed your bike on purpose, but if there are scratches where there were none before, and you can prove it, then have them make it right. Don't expect new parts, just have them fix the problem. Just what ever you do don't go in with an attitude. Cause I'll tell ya, if someone walked into my dealership and started with an attitude right off the top, you'd be escorted off the property and advised to take your business elsewhere.

There are some that will tell you to do the "fire and Brimstone" but come on, that never works. Just be courteous but determined, you'll get much further that way, IMHO.

As for will that cause any damage? I dunno, though I doubt the damage would be enough to warrant any extreme measures, just tell them when you got home the oil was all the way to the top. Also, did you follow a procedure to check the oil?

[Silverr]

Unfortunately, this dealership has done more that one job for me and both were very poor. Its unlike any BMW dealer I have ever been to. They did finally make the first blunder right when the bike was almost new. As a last resort, I had to bark abit. That is never my first choice. As for the oil, I followed the song and dance...it does not make much difference, its so high, its coming out the airl box. I guess I am gonna need to drain it all, otherwise it would be a huge mess trying to plug it back up? Anyway, it good to have the feedback. its 3 strikes your out with me now.. Its not worth the anger energy, that is for sure. I am gonna pour myself a nice cold one.

cheers

-A

[leno]

My dealer always filled the sight glass to the top, I've never looked in the airbox. Why would I, thats what I pay them for. But the bike missed a beat.

[Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales]

Yes. Dwayne has it. I always listen to what Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby would say.

Ride safely

Rog.

[dwayne]

Unfortunately, this dealership has done more that one job for me and both were very poor. Its unlike any BMW dealer I have ever been to. They did finally make the first blunder right when the bike was almost new. As a last resort, I had to bark abit. That is never my first choice. As for the oil, I followed the song and dance...it does not make much difference, its so high, its coming out the airl box. I guess I am gonna need to drain it all, otherwise it would be a huge mess trying to plug it back up? Anyway, it good to have the feedback. its 3 strikes your out with me now.. Its not worth the anger energy, that is for sure. I am gonna pour myself a nice cold one.

cheers

-A

That is a shame. In hindsight one could ask why you went back there, but then again how can they make it right if you don't give them a chance to make it right.

Checking oil; this use to be a real sore spot for me. I've finally figured out how and what to do, but wow what a PITA. I would ask that if the oil has dirtied the air filter, to have it replaced. Are there any other dealers that are within a reasonable driving distance?

[rdsmith3]

Call the dealer, calmly. Don't act like an ass; just explain what happened, and what you would like done about it. Getting the dealership to pick up your bike because there is too much oil is silly, absurd, I'm being nice. Now if your dealer was a few hundred Km's away then MAYBE, but otherwise just ride it there, and have them make it right for you. Of course if the oil is overfilled, drain some out yourself. Lets not forget that the people working on your bike are not perfect all the time. I don't think they would have messed your bike on purpose, but if there are scratches where there were none before, and you can prove it, then have them make it right. Don't expect new parts, just have them fix the problem. Just what ever you do don't go in with an attitude. Cause I'll tell ya, if someone walked into my dealership and started with an attitude right off the top, you'd be escorted off the property and advised to take your business elsewhere.

There are some that will tell you to do the "fire and Brimstone" but come on, that never works. Just be courteous but determined, you'll get much further that way, IMHO.

As for will that cause any damage? I dunno, though I doubt the damage would be enough to warrant any extreme measures, just tell them when you got home the oil was all the way to the top. Also, did you follow a procedure to check the oil?

I think this is very reasonable advice.

I personally have not had great experiences with BMW dealers, but I have only dealt with two for service. In my most recent experience (on another thread about fuel line disconnects) I got home and saw that gas was leaking. I called the dealer Friday morning. No response. I called Friday afternoon. No response. They finally called back Tuesday (closed Monday).

They wanted me to ride the bike back to the dealer. I told them it was a 100 mile ride and that fuel was leaking. They asked if it was a big leak or just a trickle. Hmmm, gas is gas, and gas on a hot engine is never a good thing.

I fixed it myself. I doubt I will go there again.

[pjpockets]

Dwane. Nice is for service people that show respect for your property and the customer. After nice does not work then grow some hair and take some action.

[HiOSilver]

Call the dealer, calmly. Don't act like an ass; just explain what happened, and what you would like done about it. Getting the dealership to pick up your bike because there is too much oil is silly, absurd, I'm being nice.

...Cause I'll tell ya, if someone walked into my dealership and started with an attitude right off the top, you'd be escorted off the property and advised to take your business elsewhere.

Man, have I got to disagree!

First of all, I just read a thread by Dean talking about the rear seal that was blown by a tech overfilling the oil on his bike. When that happens, you can kiss your clutch good-bye as well because it's likely to be soaked with oil. If you can't see the top of the oil, I would not ride the bike! If you are comfortable doing it, drain a quart or so and refill as needed to get the oil level right. If you're not inclined to do that, then I would absolutely expect the dealer to come and get the bike!

Second, while I agree that approaching the dealer ranting and raving will not help your cause, I would be extreamly firm with them about my expectations and make my disappointment very clear. If you paid for that service, that is not "acting like an ass". Getting the oil level right is a basic task for a professional tech and at the rates we pay for shop time I would expect them to get it right EVERY time.

Third, I would make sure whatever paperwork results from this clearly documents the dealer's mistake. Problems as a result of this may not show up for a while, and I'd want to have a clear paper trail if you are facing a big service bill down the road.

Lastly, the way dwayne used the description of a customer with an "attitude" makes me suspect that he has little experience dealing the public. If you open a dealership and plan to only do business with people that are polite and happy to see you then you'll probably be out of business very quickly. Given this set of circumstances, the dealer should be appologetic and understanding of your frustration. Anything less than that would have me going up the food chain to the regional BMW factory rep very quickly.

BTW, I didn't mean to sound like I am slamming dwayne. We just have different expectations regarding service.

[owldaddy]

Silverr, I see your in Ca. I'm sure some of us in Ca. would like to know the outcome of your involvment with the dealer and who that dealer is. I usually do my own work on my cars and bikes, just so I know it is done right. I have had dealers mess up in the past, and trust my work more then theirs. After all, they are working in an evironment where they need to get the work done as quickly as possible, I don't have that environment to work in. I have the luxury of taking my time and making sure things are done right. However there may come a time when I need to use the dealers techs to get something done that requires special tools or knowlege.
Don

[dwayne]

BTW, I didn't mean to sound like I am slamming dwayne. We just have different expectations regarding service.

No worries. My point is simply to not assume that a) you are right b) that the dealer made a mistake. Look, if you go in with the expectation that they are going to fix this regardless of what it costs them...good luck with that.
You are correct, I have no expierence dealing with the public but I do believe that given the same situation I would handle it....a little different. Perhaps I would not get the desired result, but I would at least not be feeling guilty for reading the riot act to someone who may or may not have deservecd it.

I have had a problem with a dealership in the past, and actually the reason I ended up with the Beemer is because of the lack of customer service I recieved. My action ended at sending them a letter of the issues I had and what they 'could' do in order to not lose another customer. I took it from the point of view of the dealership owner, editing my prose accordingly.

Again, to each his own. Just because it works for me, doesn't mean it's right by you.

[Mike UK]

I had the same problem a few days ago. My dealer has serviced this bike 3 times from new and they always overfill the oil. They charge me for 4 litres evrytime and I have pointed this out re the overcharge on the bill but their answer is ....it's correct because that is what they put in it! They use 4 x 1 litre bottles and are being very lazy not measuring it more accurately....just pour and go so to speak.

I drained my engine (cold) and it took 3.1 litres to get it just above the halfway mark.

I have complained (nicely) everytime but it just doesn't seem to be registering. I will be doing my own oil changes in future.

It might be teh the small things but customer satisfaction is key here.

The oil can escape two ways, via the air box and I have heard also via teh rear m ain bearing seal? If the latter, I assume the oil should find its way out via the clutch housing.


Mike

[dwayne]

I had the same problem a few days ago. My dealer has serviced this bike 3 times from new and they always overfill the oil. They charge me for 4 litres evrytime and I have pointed this out re the overcharge on the bill but their answer is ....it's correct because that is what they put in it! They use 4 x 1 litre bottles and are being very lazy not measuring it more accurately....just pour and go so to speak.

I drained my engine (cold) and it took 3.1 litres to get it just above the halfway mark.

I have complained (nicely) everytime but it just doesn't seem to be registering. I will be doing my own oil changes in future.

It might be teh the small things but customer satisfaction is key here.

The oil can escape two ways, via the air box and I have heard also via teh rear m ain bearing seal? If the latter, I assume the oil should find its way out via the clutch housing.


Mike

Every dealer is different I guess, I've had the 1000Km service done, and when I got the bike back the oil was smack in the middle of the oil window. Some people just take the time I guess.

[jon pierce]

Reading through these threads it continues to amaze me the service some of us seem to get. Clearly by the fact that we chose to ride BMW suggests that we mught be a little bit particular about how things are done - and clearly the rates that BMW dealers charge suggests that we should be getting a particular level of service.

I would like to think that the experiences written about here and indeed my own experience represent the minority but I am not so sure?

I am sure that there are a lot of very satisfied customer out there but more increasinlgy I will do the work myself.

My only issue with this is - if you service the bike yourself here in the US do you invalidate the warranty?? Years ago in Europe if you did it yourself the dealers would be tough with you over warranties.............but that has changed now via an European directive which states "so long as you can demonstrate that the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations etc, etc."

I noticed that someone suggested talking directly with BMW if you could not resolve a dispute over servicing issues.............well I tried this as follows.........

At the first 600 mile service in May of this year

1. I was charged for 3 hours labour but it only took 1.5 hours - they said another guy helped out. If my memory serves me correctly this same service in Germany takes a little over an hour.
2. Engine idle was 1500RPM - I told them about this when I took the bike in.
3. They scratched the gas tank.
4. The seat was not properly re-installed.
5. There was 50psi in the both wheels - 2 valve caps were missing
6. The cylinder cover protector was missing a bolt and bush and another bolt was the wrong one.
7. Oil was leaking out of the oil filler. Despite the fact that I got billed for a new one.
8. Rear wheel bolts were loose.
9. I was billed $76 an hour plus $11.40 for shop supplies (that's rags and rubber gloves to you and I) they charged for a new oil filler gasket (which I thought was a non service item), $3 for hazmat, a seal ring that I thought came with the filter to a total of $300. Let me bend over again

I spoke to the dealer who essentially said that 'junior' had done the work and if I wanted to I could take the bike back for them to re-do part of the service. Based on this I had little reason to believe that any of the service had been carried out correctly in the first place.

So I spoke with BMW...........I pointed out my concerns and asked that they help me get another dealer to re-service the bike. They said I was free to take the bike anywhere I wanted (of course I am!). So I asked who would pay for another service? They told me that the dealers are their customer so they would always support him. They would not intervene on my behalf - apparently that is for my attorney to do. BMW had no interest in the service that I had had and seemed unconcerned with any safety issue.

I took the bike back and asked to watch the service but of course was not allowed to and this time the service took 3 1/2 hours and they scratched the rocker cover - which they have just replaced.

Whilst waiting the 3 1/2 hours I got talking to another customer who was having intermitant problems with the horn on his R1150R.......they traced and repaired a broken wire around the steering head and charged him $349...............! Oh and they forgot to refit the wiring harness, they just left it all hanging.

I will never return to that Mickey Mouse outfit where Laural & Hardy are employed as mechanics. If anyone is interested in knowing who this dealer is in New Hampsire just ask me.

[rdsmith3]

Jon,

I think your dealer is the worst I have heard about yet!

Whilst waiting the 3 1/2 hours I got talking to another customer who was having intermitant problems with the horn on his R1150R.......they traced and repaired a broken wire around the steering head and charged him $349...............! Oh and they forgot to refit the wiring harness, they just left it all hanging

That reminds me of something else that happened at my last service. I told them that the low fuel light goes on intermittently, regardless of whether the tank is full, half full, whatever. It goes on for a bit, then goes off by itself. I told them that I wanted them to look at it, but did not want to pay for hours of diagnostic time. When I returned, the service advisor said he rode the bike for 4 miles, but the light did not go on, so there was nothing they could do about it. Huh? The good news is, they credited my bill for the time spent on the test ride.

[Motorrad]

If you're willing to ride a few hours, there's a dealer in Connecticut I've been using, and they're pretty decent. Although, they are usually back-logged for 6 weeks or so.

[rph802]

Reading through these threads it continues to amaze me the service some of us seem to get. Clearly by the fact that we chose to ride BMW suggests that we mught be a little bit particular about how things are done - and clearly the rates that BMW dealers charge suggests that we should be getting a particular level of service.

I would like to think that the experiences written about here and indeed my own experience represent the minority but I am not so sure?

I am sure that there are a lot of very satisfied customer out there but more increasinlgy I will do the work myself.

My only issue with this is - if you service the bike yourself here in the US do you invalidate the warranty?? Years ago in Europe if you did it yourself the dealers would be tough with you over warranties.............but that has changed now via an European directive which states "so long as you can demonstrate that the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations etc, etc."

I noticed that someone suggested talking directly with BMW if you could not resolve a dispute over servicing issues.............well I tried this as follows.........

At the first 600 mile service in May of this year

1. I was charged for 3 hours labour but it only took 1.5 hours - they said another guy helped out. If my memory serves me correctly this same service in Germany takes a little over an hour.
2. Engine idle was 1500RPM - I told them about this when I took the bike in.
3. They scratched the gas tank.
4. The seat was not properly re-installed.
5. There was 50psi in the both wheels - 2 valve caps were missing
6. The cylinder cover protector was missing a bolt and bush and another bolt was the wrong one.
7. Oil was leaking out of the oil filler. Despite the fact that I got billed for a new one.
8. Rear wheel bolts were loose.
9. I was billed $76 an hour plus $11.40 for shop supplies (that's rags and rubber gloves to you and I) they charged for a new oil filler gasket (which I thought was a non service item), $3 for hazmat, a seal ring that I thought came with the filter to a total of $300. Let me bend over again

I spoke to the dealer who essentially said that 'junior' had done the work and if I wanted to I could take the bike back for them to re-do part of the service. Based on this I had little reason to believe that any of the service had been carried out correctly in the first place.

So I spoke with BMW...........I pointed out my concerns and asked that they help me get another dealer to re-service the bike. They said I was free to take the bike anywhere I wanted (of course I am!). So I asked who would pay for another service? They told me that the dealers are their customer so they would always support him. They would not intervene on my behalf - apparently that is for my attorney to do. BMW had no interest in the service that I had had and seemed unconcerned with any safety issue.

I took the bike back and asked to watch the service but of course was not allowed to and this time the service took 3 1/2 hours and they scratched the rocker cover - which they have just replaced.

Whilst waiting the 3 1/2 hours I got talking to another customer who was having intermitant problems with the horn on his R1150R.......they traced and repaired a broken wire around the steering head and charged him $349...............! Oh and they forgot to refit the wiring harness, they just left it all hanging.

I will never return to that Mickey Mouse outfit where Laural & Hardy are employed as mechanics. If anyone is interested in knowing who this dealer is in New Hampsire just ask me.

Holy crap Jon!!! What little service I've had to do to my bike I've been able to do myself so far though there are a few remaining tasks I havent summoned the courage to do yet.

I'm glad you said NH and not MA for the location of the dealer. Check your PM's because I think I knew who it was.

Silverr, hang tough there man!! I agree with someones comments above not to go in yelling and screaming. I've worked retail for a lot of years and while you may get want you want that way, you may not get it easily. I think you have some very legitimate greivances here that needs to be addressed. Take them to the service manager or better yet the general manager/owner if possible. Tell them what you NEED in order to continue being a customer there. Be clear and calm that if these errors (come on how hard is it to properly fill the oil??? I'm a mechanical idiot and even I can do that) occur again, you will be taking your business else where. Just curious, do you know if it was the same tech that worked on your bike?? Maybe just a bad apple in the bunch...

Again, be calm but be firm about it too. especially for the amount of money for these routine services, having the job done correctly is NEVER expecting too much.

[slowpoke 04]

It doesn't matter what you have serviced. A person with a little knowledge and a lot of desire (the owner) will always out perform a person with a lot of knowledge and little desire (service tech). It just a fact I have learned and accepted for years. I never go back to the dealer for anything service related. Not to service new cars and especially motorcycles. I tried to support my local dealer several times. Each time I go in the BMW show room I have yet to have a person say hi to me, let alone can I help you. So, I just go home and buy on line. Get the repair manual and learn to do the repairs yourself. If something major breaks under warranty, it's going to be a hassle anyway. Save all the fussing and fueding for that. Sorry about your troubles, but if BMW don't care..... well, then you are the only one and that won't get you far. YMMV RANT OVER

[jon pierce]

It doesn't matter what you have serviced. A person with a little knowledge and a lot of desire (the owner) will always out perform a person with a lot of knowledge and little desire (service tech).

I like it, I like it! I never thought of it that way before..............