what ever happened to a mechanic who tells you what the problem is.

Discussion in 'General chat' started by OHP, Jan 8, 2019.

  1. OHP
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    OHP

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    So my car goes in for its recall, all sorted thank you BMW.

    but during their health check they notice that my passenger window doesn't work ( long going issue that I know about).

    they inform me, but refuse to actually tell me what the issue is. but insist that I have an investigation done at the princely sum of £130.

    I spoke to the tech who did the recall work, but he stopped short at telling me what the issue is.

    what ever happened to the good ole mechanic that points you in the general direction for those DIY'ers :scratchchin:
     
  2. Mieke
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    Mieke WARLORD Site Supporter

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    I suppose that knowledge is what's paying his wages.
     
  3. bishbosh
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    bishbosh WARLORD

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    Presumably it's a faulty window regulator and he probably knew that. However he couldn't 100% say that was the problem as he'd have to run a diagnostics check to reveal any fault codes.
    There does seem to be an over-reliance on diagnosing things by computer but then cars are a lot more complicated than they were 15 or so years ago.

    He's also not going to suggest getting a replacement from Eurocarparts is he?
     
  4. markyboyt
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    markyboyt WARLORD

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    If the window doesn’t work and you haven’t asked them to investigate it then he probably doesn’t know why it doesn’t work surely.
     
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  5. edthefed
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    edthefed

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    BMW dealers don't employ mechanics they employ fitters in my opinion.

    A mechanic works out what is wrong and if possible repairs it,

    A fitter simply replaces a faulty part with a new part, having been told what to do by a computer
     
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  6. OHP
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    OHP

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    well, I know for well that they had scanned my car.

    I have Ista, and it tells me that I have a signal below threshold in terminal 30. stored in the FRM as an error code.

    I know the motor works fine ( operated it using the rear passenger door loom connector.)

    door loom is fine, all wires check out no visual issues with the FRM ( or random light issues)

    I do believe that its actually a simple case of deleting the error thats stored in the FRM which will enable it again.

    I was hoping that when the guy would've at least have said oh its a simple case of...reprpgramming the FRM

    there are a few master technicians cutting about they are not all Spanner monkeys.
     
  7. zarnd
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    zarnd

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    Main problem is that you can’t get parts to repair things only complete replacement units.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  8. OHP
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    OHP

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    It's also easier and cost effective to replace than repair.
     
  9. zarnd
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    zarnd

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    Exactly. Plus you can guarantee the repair and the part. First time fix is also what manufacturers are looking at as well.

    Cheers


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  10. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Then there is the labour vs. parts 'balance' of costs. Nothing worse for a customer paying for repairs that get close to new parts prices.

    We all wish for cheap fixes, often based on free advice, or the benefit of someone's experience. Being realistic, we can't expect it these days, where getting the expertise usually has been hard earned.

    What we need are a few more 'Man Shed's', where retired guys have something to do with their experience. :D

    Peter
     
  11. The_Master
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    The_Master

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  12. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Yes, I've recently seen a couple of news items on the subject.

    I'm all for it, can save a lot of waste. There is the issue of value in repairs, if we have to pay the true labour costs. We've got in the habit of buying new to get a warranty, best chance of no more issues, etc.. I've repaired stuff at home, only to find something else breaks after a short while, making me wonder if it was worth the while, sometimes spending hours repairing something of little value.

    There's satisfaction in repairing, but it can be questioned whether we always win.

    Peter
     
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  13. OHP
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    OHP

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    Well, there's repairing or Bodging.

    Speaking from experience some components are not even worth attempting a repair.

    BMW already recondition Thier injectors etc so they are doing there bit.
     
  14. Mieke
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    Mieke WARLORD Site Supporter

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    Having an engineering background, I have often repaired things that require a simple component, such as a thermostat etc. It does give a sense of satisfaction saving waste and helping the environment. But not all repairs are successful and the fault can re-occur after you've spent a long time fixing it. Sometimes it's easier and more effective to just buy a new part. As @Peter has said, main dealerships will replace faulty parts as it's more cost effective and also carries a warranty, that would not apply to repaired components.
     
  15. snrbrtsn
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    snrbrtsn WARLORD

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    Had a horrible flash back not to dissimilar with our Henry vacuum
    It went kaput so we bought a new one
    However, I had all intentions of getting the broken one functional
    I replaced the pcb, the switch, the motor brushes, the vacuum bag, the hose and voila, delighted and proud I stood!
    Only to be told by the wife, the cost of Parts was more than replacement Henry!
    Poor girl never got the principle and missed the point entirely
     
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  16. bishbosh
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    bishbosh WARLORD

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    I repaired a DeWalt palm sander which had seized after many years of use. Replaced the bearings which had failed. However it failed again not long later, not sure if it was the armature or what.

    For £50 I ended up buying a new sander - but at least I tried.
     
  17. The_Master
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    The_Master

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    Nice work bishbosh....always pays to have a go, I'll have a go at fixing anything - I mostly succeed....have done it for years,,
     
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  18. Merc? No. BM!
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    Merc? No. BM! WARLORD Site Supporter

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    To answer your question in the title, he probably got fired!

    :D:D
     
  19. OHP
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    OHP

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    On a good note... My dodgy window has spluttered into life... But only goes down in increments
     
  20. Peter
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    Peter WARLORD

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    Maybe she "correctly" thinks you missed the point. :D

    Peter
     
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