[nick620y]

So the other night I pulled my car into the garage only to hear "tick, tick, tick, tick" - a distinctive metallic ticking noise that's pretty well documented in the General Forum Sticky. I called and left a message with BMW of Peabody (it seems like many on the board like them the most) explaining the situation and letting them know I wanted to make a service appointment. I figured it was a good time to have them look into that and also take care of some other warranty issues (leaky passenger window, broken reflector clip on the bumper, and a radio rattle - the only one that I can't live with, there are many others).

Seeing as they'd be doing a lot to the car, I asked them about a loaner, especially because they suggested leaving the car overnight (the ticking usually happens when it's cold). The SA on the phone told me that loaners were only given to repeat customers that had been there many times before. As many of you know, I bought my car in CA and brought it back here and am looking for a dealer to complete all my service and warranty claims at...so unfortunately I'm not going to fall into that "category".

My question is: Is giving a loaner car to select customers only a normal practice or was the SA pulling a fast one on me? I'm not sure I want to deal with not having my car for a few days, so I'm thinking of just cancelling my service appointment, especially after reading that the ticking usually isn't a big issue. Should I try and push for a loaner or find another dealer that will give me a loaner? Or is that expecting too much?

This is my first warranty claim/service - never owned a car that I didn't have to fix everything on myself, so any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Arustik1]

To answer one of your questions ... many dealers do "select" who they give cars to based on a set of criteria.

-D

[virtualbong]

At BMW Gallery of Norwood they gave out rentals to people. So I drove a 2009 Honda Accord for a couple days until my car was ready. I would have rather had a BMW but I dealt with it. It was not a big problem but if it was an old ass Ford Focus or something, then we probably would of had a problem.

[twinturboa51]

go to norwood theyre the best

[ibeclueless]

Same with BMW Gallery of Norwell.

[DJKhan85]

BMW Norwood Gallery has given me a loaner everytime even though I bought my car at Herb Chambers. They did initially question me on why I didn't buy my car there and I just mentioned that I was looking for a manual and they immediately understood why.

[virtualbong]

Originally Posted by DJKhan85

BMW Norwood Gallery has given me a loaner everytime even though I bought my car at Herb Chambers. They did initially question me on why I didn't buy my car there and I just mentioned that I was looking for a manual and they immediately understood why.

What type of services did you go in for? And did you ask for one or did they just give you a BMW loaner?

[twinturboa51]

they gave me a an x3 once for a minor service oil change and trim peeling. they just have the bast service around the boston area. i didnt buy my car there either, but they were the only ones that said they would give me a loaner car. my friend even knew the service advisor at HC and they wouldnt give me a loaner

[leemik]

I've been to Norwood BMW Gallery for an oil change, windshield repair+broken gas cap and software update.. they have given me a loaner every time without question..

Two times I got a 328xi and one time I was joking around about getting an M5 loaner and they gave me some 5 series sedan.. and during the software update I was able to keep the loaner overnight..

--mike

[jopa489]

Peabody offers cars to people who bought their cars there before offering them to anyone else. BMWNA leaves the loaner program up to the dealers - it is not something they have to do and they are allowed to manage it at their discretion. From what my SA tells me, they book current customers in their rental BMWs first and if someone else calls looking for service, they can choose to wait until a loaner is available (often a few weeks out) or take an Enterprise rental or something.

Peabody does have the best service around here though. I would explain to them that you just moved here from CA and are looking for a new dealer to handle all your service and future sales. This should get the message across and should get you into a BMW loaner in the future. Being honest and explaining your situation goes a long way. Just let them know you're not a random walking in never to be seen again (even if that's not the case). Establishing a relationship at the dealer is good.

[BMWjames]

No dealership gives me a loaner, not even Peabody where the car came from, but completely understandable.

[nick620y]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I actually ended up cancelling the appointment at Peabody today and made one at Norwood. They took the car right in and gave me an Enterprise rental for the night - that's all I was really looking for, something to get around in. We'll see how the service goes and will see if I end up going back there or trying Peabody next time.

[Mr. BMW]

Originally Posted by jopa489

Peabody offers cars to people who bought their cars there before offering them to anyone else. BMWNA leaves the loaner program up to the dealers - it is not something they have to do and they are allowed to manage it at their discretion. From what my SA tells me, they book current customers in their rental BMWs first and if someone else calls looking for service, they can choose to wait until a loaner is available (often a few weeks out) or take an Enterprise rental or something.

Peabody does have the best service around here though. I would explain to them that you just moved here from CA and are looking for a new dealer to handle all your service and future sales. This should get the message across and should get you into a BMW loaner in the future. Being honest and explaining your situation goes a long way. Just let them know you're not a random walking in never to be seen again (even if that's not the case). Establishing a relationship at the dealer is good.

+1 Only thing I would add to this is if the dealer is not willing to working with you, move on find a dealer that is more flexible. Some will give loaners if that's what it takes to earn your business.
I bought my car at Peabody but after an issue with them I now go to IRA in NH for service. They initially said that they could not give me a loaner but after a few visits they did say they could work something out if I ever needed to leave the car over night.