12,000 MILE (not Kilometer) service complete

[JaimeC]

And it was less than I actually expected it to be. Apparently, no expensive parts (V-Belt, Drive Chain, etc) was replaced as others seem to have reported. Just filters, gaskets, etc. The only EXPENSIVE items replaced were the tires. Normally I'd do them myself, but since the scooter was in for service anyway, I figured what the hell... let them do it this once.

They also addressed THREE recall items; two of which we all knew about and one I hadn't seen discussed. The cam chain tensioner and side stand switches were replaced. Also, BMW apparently recalled the luggage rack support brace, and it was replaced with a newer, sturdier unit. Last year's recall addressed the fasteners loosening up; it seems there was ANOTHER recall on the luggage rack/trunk mount so check with your dealers if you haven't had this done yet.

Total parts/labor/tax came to $783.62 in New York dollars (cheaper I'm sure in other parts of the country). NOT having the tires done would've saved me over $500.00 parts and labor. Justscootin asked me what the labor rate was by me and I wasn't sure. I can now answer "$105.00 per hour." Woof...!!

Ah well... consider it my contribution to the economy. I'll just call myself a "Job Creator" and go pour myself a cold one now.

 

[justscootin]

Now that you have had the service done and the belt was not replaced did they say anything about it? What is the life expectancy and what are the symptoms of needing a new one, what about the rollers/sliders as we saw in a previous post they wear flat. When may all this work need to be done, did they really even look at it/them.

New York dollars, must be different from Kansas dollars and the other 48 states

 

[JaimeC]

Unfortunately, all I spoke to was the service writer who didn't know anything beyond what was written on the receipt...

I get the feeling Forum Member Yellasei (sp??) works in a BMW dealership so maybe he has those answers?

 

[SteveADV]

My dealer called today to let me know they are ready to do my chain tensioner work. I'm fairly close to 12,000 so maybe I'll have them do that in addition to the Dr. Pulley sliders. 28gm sliders, right?

 

[Snowdog]

Now that you have had the service done and the belt was not replaced did they say anything about it? What is the life expectancy and what are the symptoms of needing a new one, what about the rollers/sliders as we saw in a previous post they wear flat. When may all this work need to be done, did they really even look at it/them.

New York dollars, must be different from Kansas dollars and the other 48 states

I was surprised that the shop manual doesn't have any sort of replacement spec for the belt. But, You can be sure it needs replacement if it starts to slip. Flats spots on rollers are easy to see and there is probably a diameter spec.(I will check) Did they really look at them? Ask them! If the guy at the service desk is unsure, ask him to fetch the mechanic who worked on your bike( a good dealer will do this) if the mechanic seems straight forward and says yes they were checked and gives you some feedback about their condition you can probably believe him. Most shops have digital cameras these days, when you drop off your bike tell them what you are expecting in the service and what you are concerned about, and ask them to take some pictures so you can see.
OK, here is the most important thing to know to get good service!!!---------------------------------------TIP YOUR MECHANIC!!!!!
Insist you give it to him face to face, so he remembers who gave it to him (and so he gets it). When I was a car mechanic, the customers who tipped got the best service. A jug of D&D coffee and a box of donuts for the whole shop will make you a favorite customer. They will remember. If it doesn't work, find another dealer or shop. Showing them you appreciate good work will make their day. If you go into a shop acting like your bike is more important than people, you will get a cold shoulder, and no one is gong to really care if you are happy or not.
When I started as a mechanic in a tire shop, I found it interesting that the most reliable tippers drove the oldest , close to the junk yard cars, and it was obvious they appreciated you as they would give you a couple of bucks for coffee (you could by the whole shop coffee with that, back then). It wasn't the money, it was the appreciation.

 

[Skutorr]

AMEN to that. I twisted wrenches for over 20 years...

 

[JaimeC]

The mechanic at this particular shop has worked on my bikes since the late 90s... We've hung out together at rallies too. In fact, the only reason I'm going to this particular shop is because they hired him after his previous employer got shut down by the NYS tax authorities. He's rather introverted and shy, but he knows his stuff and he's VERY conscientious and quite meticulous about his work.

 

[SteveADV]

.......
OK, here is the most important thing to know to get good service!!!----------------TIP YOUR MECHANIC!!!!!

I read this while sitting at my car dealer and could not agree more. One of the best tips I made was to the lot manager who picked up and delivered my car to my office. We had a great talk when he came back and are on a first name basis.

The reason I am I here at the dealer today (rather than having them come get the car) is that the last time they had the car for an oil change they went way above and beyond and completely detailed the car rather than just running it through the wash like they do for most of the cars, and I wanted to give an extra tip to the detail guy. My lot mgr friend brought him over to introduce him to me, too.

It isn't just the money. It's the sign of appreciation for the effort.