Calgary BMW or BMW Gallery

[SuPhistiKatEd]

We purchased a BMW from Calgary BMW about a year ago. I am aware of the Calgary Crusaders against Calgary BMW webpage and the millions of bad comments against the dealership. Ever since then, we've been pretty skeptical of their service. We always feel unconfortable when we go there for service. The mechanics and service department people are sketchy and have a "I don't care" attitude about their customers. We feel like we are being ripped off, I know that's normal at any dealership, but this place really takes the cake. Don't even get me started on David "Schmoe." I was pretty ticked off when one of the techs decided to be a jerk and tighten the tire caps, so tight that I had to use a pair of pliers to get them off. They were excessively over-tightened. Is it just me, or do you always have to book an appointment 3 months in advance with them? I can call Brasso Nissan a week or two before and get in with no problems. There's just been too many problems (I won't go into detail) with them, and we can't really take the BS anymore.

My question to you guys is, is BMW Gallery better in terms of customer and vehicle service? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Weapon_R]

Unfortunately, they know that there is no competition, so they don't have to care. From what others have said, they are both owned by the same person

[t-im]

It depends...

I've usually had no problem with either, and I can usually get any of my cars in semi right away...loaners is another story, but BMW Gallery is more then willing to rent me something for a day if they have none left. If it's anything else that doesn't require a service loaner (something that takes 2 or 3 hours) and I tell them I don't want to wait, and theres no loaners, and no shuttle, they get someone to drive me home. I goto BMW Gallery just because it's close to my house (over Calgary BMW). The people there are pretty attentive and nice about everything, and always wash my car (which isn't a big deal but that saves me time)

The one service guy I had problems with at BMW Gallery is gone so all is good. haha

But, both are owned by the same person, so it's generally the same...Some people I know who know the owner have said "i'd never buy a BMW from either place because he's such a crook (or something of that)"

my 2 cents

[kerr]

I use BMW Gallery and have had no problems what so ever. Ive been there several times for both the major and minor service maintenance programs. They seem quite friendly and usually i book a week in advance. There usually have nice talent for front desk girls too.

[Kaos]

Im happy with Calgary BMW's service.
But thats because I have a couple friends who work there.
Maybe you take their attitude the wrong way?
Maybe its the techinician you should be complaining about and not the entire dealership.
I mean, they did SELL you a car and you did happen to buy it.

[bol]

Calgary BMW and BMW Gallery are the same business, just different locations and names. Same owner, same bullshit.

I go to BMW Gallery simply because it's closer.

[cello]

in defence of dealerships the public see then as crooks but compare the service you get at a small shop to the knowledge that your dealer have of the car they sell and its justifiable why they might be a bit higher in price also genuine parts are used on your car at the dealer and usaully the dealer has no control over what the parts cost calgary bmw has always been good to me

[bol]

Originally posted by cello
the dealer has no control over what the parts cost

The parts costs are inflated 20-60% over list 99.9% of the time. It makes a big difference when you're looking at parts that are more than a $15 oil filter. Although I am sure most other brands dealers practice the same behavior.

[max_boost]

I have had very good experiences in the parts, sales and service departments at Calgary BMW. It helps when the sales guy and technicians eat at my shop on a regular basis I had my E36 325 and E46 323 both serviced there.

As for Crowfoot, that's where I bought my current car, 330Ci from. C4S aka Malcolm is by far the nicest salesguy I've ever dealt with. He really went the extra mile.

I think every dealer has their issues with individual customers, you just can't please everyone. People have bad days?

Anyway, I'd be happy to have my car service at either location.

[jblitz101]

I purchased all my Bimmers at Calgary BMW and they have been very good to me so far. Everything was done on time and done right.

I use Jeremy Kosior and he's a wealth of knowledge and very easy to deal with.

However, I did notice that one of my side skirts was scratched right after I had brought the car for service.

The scratch is on the sideskirt just before the rear wheel opening, so I'm thinkin it was the arms for the hoist that scratched it. But of course, I can't prove it. Otherwise, it's been good.


John

[SuPhistiKatEd]

Yea, I know who Jeremy is..nice fellow. He helped me when my remote key reset itself. Very outgoing.

Maybe I'm just being too fussy about the whole thing. There has good times, and there has been bad times and I really was not happy. I guess I'm blowing it all out of proportion. Indy was a great salesman, I really can't complain on the deal he gave us. I guess when you have a million customers waiting on you, it is hard to please everybody or be pleasant at the same time. But those Calgary Crusaders really cut them down, and I mean really down.

[robpark]

I have used Calgary BMW for some things, and Nick O'Donnell is a nice guy; attentive and easy to get along with....

I have used Sheni's Auto-trend for service and have walked away pleased every time.

Good luck!

[g-mcstud]

BMW Gallery has the best looking secretaries. That's all I know.

[LudeRoca]

My buddy got his bmw's front end re-done from there. I went with him cause he was having some insurence issues. They treated him great. They were very helpful. I thought there service was awsome.

[2m0a0x2]

I go to Gallery because everytime I go to Calgary BMW, I get a sense that that place is falling apart. Everything is so messy. When I go to Gallery, they have awesome service and I usually don't have to book in advance. Actually if I drop my car off for problems, usually it's looked at by the afternoon.

[SuPhistiKatEd]

They've outgrown that location, hence the reason why they're building a bigger location by IKEA. Sure they need a new location, but I strongly think Calgary needs another dealership. BMW sales are so high in this city.

[bol]

Realize that Calgary BMW and BMW Gallery are owned by the same person...

Calgary does need another BMW dealership - but one owned by another independant party so that there is some competition!

[nismodrifter]

Noticed a license plate frame while on the road today that said "Dilawri Auto Group - Regina" on a Mini.... which means that the same owner of Calgary BMW/BMW Gallery also runs the Mini/BMW dealership in Regina. Looks like this guy runs a monopoly in more than one city..

[2m0a0x2]

Yeap that is true.

SUPHIS, are you serious that they're building ANOTHER dealership near ikea!??!?

[t-im]

Originally posted by 2m0a0x2
Yeap that is true.

SUPHIS, are you serious that they're building ANOTHER dealership near ikea!??!?

I don't think he meant another dealer (to make it 3 in Calgary) but another to replace Calgary BMW. Calgary BMW is awfully small and not very pleasant inside.