Sammi Iqbal

xtremely disappointing service department — buyer beware I have lost all confidence in the service department at Herb Chambers BMW of Boston. After multiple experiences, I can’t help but question beware I have lost all confidence in the service department at Herb Chambers BMW of Boston. After multiple experiences, I can’t help but question their recommendations and pricing. On my most recent visit alone, I was told I needed: * A “ground coil” repair that they wanted to charge approximately $600 for. My independent mechanic subsequently did the repair for $147. * A $700 battery that my mechanic checked and determined was perfectly fine. * A tire rotation and alignment that I had already had done elsewhere. And this isn’t an isolated experience. This has happened three separate times with their service department—being told I needed repairs or services that, after getting a second opinion, either weren’t necessary or were available elsewhere for dramatically less. Unfortunately, I bought my used BMW from Herb Chambers, which is why I went there in the beginning. Within a year, I needed new brakes (since it was certified Preowned-this made no sense). . When I questioned that, I was actually told that the problem was that I didn’t drive the car enough. At around 30,000 miles, I was also told I needed approximately $800 worth of spark plug work, which is usually done at 65K. I was particularly taken aback when I subsequently heard a service representative recommending the same thing to another customer. At this point, I simply don’t trust the recommendations coming from this service department. A dealership can charge more than an independent mechanic—that’s expected. What is not acceptable is repeatedly recommending expensive work that turns out not to be necessary, or charging several times what another qualified mechanic charges for the same repair. I foolishly assumed that buying a BMW from a BMW dealership meant I could trust their service department. I was wrong. My advice: get a second opinion before approving any significant repair at Herb Chambers BMW of Boston. I wish I had done that from the beginning. More

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