BMW Urges Dealers to Use Computerized Repair Inspections - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Jason · 08-31-2010, 06:01 PM

Via WardsAuto

Quote:

BMW of North America Inc. wants more of its 338 U.S. dealers to use a computerized system to do vehicle inspections when customers arrive for repair and maintenance work.

The auto maker is offering a special program subsidy for dealers who sign up to use Mobile Productivity Inc.’s product, MPi-EDGE/World Class Inspections. Pricing is based on dealership size and number of users.

While participation is voluntary, BMW is encouraging its dealers to consult with MPi to see if the program is a fit for their service departments.

The goal is to boost the number of multi-point vehicle inspections by making it easier and faster for service technicians to conduct them. With the MPi system, mechanics use hand-held devices to check off formatted inspection points on a mobile screen.

The finished product is a report using layman’s terms and illustrations to describe what is in good working order and what is not. The report recommends repairs and includes costs.

It is designed to boost repair orders, increase service and parts profits and enhance customer satisfaction by keeping clients’ cars in good and safe running order.

Despite the mutual benefits of inspections, mechanics often skip the traditional clipboard variety because of the time and effort involved in writing things down, point by point.

Even when inspections are done that way, mechanics sometimes stop short of doing a full report. The MPi system keeps that from happening because the software doesn’t accept incomplete inspections.

Some BMW stores using the system already report it leads to more thorough inspections, a better job of explaining needed repairs to customers and an average $100-$125 in additional needed repairs per inspection.

“We’ve seen a very marked increase in service department up-sells this past year,” says Lisa Schomp, owner of Schomp BMW in Highland Ranch, CO.

She expects that to get even better. “We’re still discovering what this tool can do for us.”

Dealerships facing soft vehicle sales of late are turning to their back shops to pick up the profit slack.

“We now see the service department as a great place for sales and growth opportunity,” Schomp says.

BMW’s backing is valuable, says David Boyle, MPi president and chief operating officer.

“With current market conditions, the key is to promote and sell all legitimately needed parts and service work to existing customers,” he says.

MPi’s vehicle-inspection program includes the EDGE software system; two customized, customer friendly reports called “Recommended Action Plan” and “Know Your Vehicle”; management reporting and analysis capabilities; consulting and training services; and process and performance metrics.

mihink · 08-31-2010, 06:15 PM

Another reason to avoid dealers "up-selling" you on repairs.

Find a good indy shop after your warranty ends!

MDyDinanM · 08-31-2010, 06:15 PM

pros: ideally make things more efficient and more thorough inspections

cons: BMW trying to make more money? and/or still doesn't fix incompetence when it comes to repairing your vehicle

aajami · 08-31-2010, 06:39 PM

Quote:

It is designed to boost repair orders, increase service and parts profits and enhance customer satisfaction by keeping clients’ cars in good and safe running order.

“We’ve seen a very marked increase in service department up-sells this past year,” says Lisa Schomp, owner of Schomp BMW in Highland Ranch, CO.

She expects that to get even better. “We’re still discovering what this tool can do for us.”

Fuck that.

BGM · 08-31-2010, 06:39 PM

i love this line..

Quote:

It is designed to boost repair orders, increase service and parts profits and enhance customer satisfaction by keeping clients’ cars in good and safe running order.

they think we're mugs?

piloto · 08-31-2010, 06:47 PM

Sir, our scanner has indicated that your turn signal blinker fluid is low. That'll cost you $150.

bavarian19 · 08-31-2010, 06:52 PM

Tag · 08-31-2010, 07:05 PM

Where's the scanner that gives the customer cash back for all of your wasted time and trouble when you need to go in for repair work? Ohh right, there isn't one.

Singletrack · 08-31-2010, 07:16 PM

Interesting technology. They might also want to address the fact that dealers often have no idea what service is actually due at the regularly scheduled intervals. When I asked BMWNA about how I could confirm that the dealer has done the proper service, they referred me to the dealer. I suppose I could ask the dealer what service they just forgot to perform or what service they are unaware of...makes sense.

ptack · 08-31-2010, 07:16 PM

Is that the Sucker-meter?

tres · 08-31-2010, 07:22 PM

i guess it has its pros and cons but we all know the computer cannot check everything eg tires missing bolts rust etc

Oulixes · 08-31-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

The goal is to boost the number of multi-point vehicle inspections by making it easier and faster for service technicians to conduct them.

The finished product is a report using layman’s terms and illustrations to describe what is in good working order and what is not.

It is designed to boost repair orders, increase service and parts profits and enhance customer satisfaction by keeping clients’ cars in good and safe running order.

Despite the mutual benefits of inspections, mechanics often skip the traditional clipboard variety because of the time and effort involved in writing things down, point by point.

The MPi system keeps that from happening because the software doesn’t accept incomplete inspections.

Some BMW stores using the system already report it leads to more thorough inspections, a better job of explaining needed repairs to customers and an average $100-$125 in additional needed repairs per inspection.

Dealerships facing soft vehicle sales of late are turning to their back shops to pick up the profit slack.

Another software illusion: a virtual repair, with the usual ultimate goal, as shown in bold.

Vel · 08-31-2010, 08:45 PM

I'll reserve judgment for now. If it gets the mechanic to do the multi-point checks he's otherwise too lazy to do, I say the system is fine; if it's only purpose is to up-sell, then it blows.

Dackelone · 08-31-2010, 08:51 PM

Back in 1995 the national average for service repair dept income was over $116K per LIFT in the service dept. The dealer I worked at had 16 lifts! Do the math.

I bet that average is over $250K per lift/rack now. $$$

positiveions · 08-31-2010, 11:12 PM

Indy shops are not to be taken lightly either; some will try to rip-off customers. If a person is not mechanically "inclined", he/she will not know what hit them.

FLOSS M · 09-01-2010, 03:37 AM

Another reason to lease!

subieworx · 09-01-2010, 06:51 AM

My service center used this a few weeks ago when I took my car in to have a DRL bulb changed as it had died. I pulled in and talked to the service adviser who explained how the visit was going to proceed (mind you the car was directly behind us and still running). He said they would plug it into the computer and see what light was out. I turned around and said, it's the left one, see? He said well, the computer will know....

Ash83 · 09-01-2010, 09:46 AM

Fix The Hpfp First

Steve325xi · 09-01-2010, 11:23 AM

And this is why I will never take my BMW to a dealer once it's out of warranty. I wonder if BMW and its 338 dealers calculate that...

EDIT: This really fucking pisses me off, to the point that I will probably never buy a BMW again.

Ajax-Prime · 09-01-2010, 12:24 PM

"Uhhh we're sorry Mr Smith, the computer says your ECU file has been altered. It has been noted in your profile. Thank you very much for coming to our dealership today."

catserfp · 09-01-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subieworx

My service center used this a few weeks ago when I took my car in to have a DRL bulb changed as it had died. I pulled in and talked to the service adviser who explained how the visit was going to proceed (mind you the car was directly behind us and still running). He said they would plug it into the computer and see what light was out. I turned around and said, it's the left one, see? He said well, the computer will know....

ROTFL

formula M · 09-01-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mihink

Another reason to avoid dealers "up-selling" you on repairs.

Find a good indy shop after your warranty ends!

If it's bad, it's bad.. isn't it? What does the dealer, being the bearer of bad new, have anything to do with it?

Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills, always let me go back and discuss things with the tech. Show me the results, or even run additional diagnostics. These guys are as nuts about bimmer's as we are.

I know the cost & the severity of any problem and am able to weigh my decisions. If it's a worn belt, etc.. what's a quick $200 going to hurt? It's documented.

08-31-2010, 06:15 PM	#2
mihink First Lieutenant Drives: '10 M3; '10 535i; '08 RX 350 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: DC Metro/MD Posts: 352 iTrader: (4)	Another reason to avoid dealers "up-selling" you on repairs. Find a good indy shop after your warranty ends! __________________ '10 BMW e60 535i. Monaco Blue/Saddle '08 Lexus RX 350. Bamboo Pearl/Parchment '10 BMW e92 M3. Melbourne Red/Black

08-31-2010, 06:15 PM	#3
MDyDinanM OIF Veteran Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Coast Posts: 1,927 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [3.44]	pros: ideally make things more efficient and more thorough inspections cons: BMW trying to make more money? and/or still doesn't fix incompetence when it comes to repairing your vehicle __________________ Retired: '06 BMW E46 ///M3 Current: '08 BMW E60 DINAN ///M5, Interlagos Blue, SMG DINAN Stage 2 Suspension, Exhaust, Stage III Software, Front strut braces, Intakes, 13% Underdrive pulley, 3.91 Differential, RPI Scoops.

08-31-2010, 07:05 PM	#8
Tag Colonel Drives: 335is Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CHICAGO Posts: 2,610 iTrader: (2)	Where's the scanner that gives the customer cash back for all of your wasted time and trouble when you need to go in for repair work? Ohh right, there isn't one. __________________ 335is Coupe Space Gray, ZPP, 609, 2TC, 688, 494 and 6FL. Matte Black M310 19's \| Michelin PSS 235/35F, 265/30R \| COBB AccessPORT \| Eibach Pro Street S \| Painted reflectors \| Glossy Black Kidney Grilles –Modding ain't easy FS: Front Lowering Spring Perches

08-31-2010, 07:16 PM	#9
Singletrack 4th down; 4th quarter? Renegade. Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3; 12 AW X5d Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 3,800 iTrader: (3)	Interesting technology. They might also want to address the fact that dealers often have no idea what service is actually due at the regularly scheduled intervals. When I asked BMWNA about how I could confirm that the dealer has done the proper service, they referred me to the dealer. I suppose I could ask the dealer what service they just forgot to perform or what service they are unaware of...makes sense. __________________ Singletrack's M3 iND/Singletrack's X5d

08-31-2010, 07:16 PM	#10
ptack Brigadier General Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 4,065 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [3.00]	Is that the Sucker-meter? __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Forgestar F14s, PPK Stage II

08-31-2010, 06:47 PM	#6
piloto Captain Drives: 2011 E90 M3 - AW/FR Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 832 iTrader: (0)	Sir, our scanner has indicated that your turn signal blinker fluid is low. That'll cost you $150.

08-31-2010, 06:52 PM	#7
bavarian19 General Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA Posts: 18,658 iTrader: (22)

08-31-2010, 07:22 PM	#11
tres Major Drives: 2011 bmw 335is 6MT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: maryland Posts: 1,197 iTrader: (6)	i guess it has its pros and cons but we all know the computer cannot check everything eg tires missing bolts rust etc __________________ Member #431510 oem perf cf spoiler and front lip/m3strut brace/m3 subframe bushings/wavetrac lsd/ TMS solid diff bushings/MR adjustable toe arms/MR adjustable upper link/full m3 suspension/ecs tuning ss brake lines/GC coilovers./CPE dci's,catless dp,intercooler,charge pipe bov/BMS OCC/tuningtechfs tuned/RB pcv valve/defiv diff lockdownkit

08-31-2010, 08:45 PM	#13
Vel Private Drives: Looking for a Z4 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: FL Posts: 58 iTrader: (0)	I'll reserve judgment for now. If it gets the mechanic to do the multi-point checks he's otherwise too lazy to do, I say the system is fine; if it's only purpose is to up-sell, then it blows.

08-31-2010, 08:51 PM	#14
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,029 iTrader: (0)	Back in 1995 the national average for service repair dept income was over $116K per LIFT in the service dept. The dealer I worked at had 16 lifts! Do the math. I bet that average is over $250K per lift/rack now. $$$

08-31-2010, 11:12 PM	#15
positiveions Major General Drives: 09 MKV JETTA 2.5 & E90 M3 :) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 8,837 iTrader: (1)	Indy shops are not to be taken lightly either; some will try to rip-off customers. If a person is not mechanically "inclined", he/she will not know what hit them. __________________

09-01-2010, 03:37 AM	#16
FLOSS M ///M3 Drives: 2013 e92 M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 286 iTrader: (0)	Another reason to lease!

09-01-2010, 06:51 AM	#17
subieworx First Lieutenant Drives: 07 335 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 361 iTrader: (1)	My service center used this a few weeks ago when I took my car in to have a DRL bulb changed as it had died. I pulled in and talked to the service adviser who explained how the visit was going to proceed (mind you the car was directly behind us and still running). He said they would plug it into the computer and see what light was out. I turned around and said, it's the left one, see? He said well, the computer will know....

09-01-2010, 09:46 AM	#18
Ash83 Major Drives: 05' 325i/10' 135i/10' Audi A4 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,098 iTrader: (1)	Fix The Hpfp First __________________ Alpine White, Coral RED , Glacier Silver Aluminum trim, M sport, 6MT, NAV, HiFi, USB-iPod, Bluetooth

09-01-2010, 11:23 AM	#19
Steve325xi Private First Class Drives: 2001 BMW 325xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NY Metro Posts: 124 iTrader: (0)	And this is why I will never take my BMW to a dealer once it's out of warranty. I wonder if BMW and its 338 dealers calculate that... EDIT: This really fucking pisses me off, to the point that I will probably never buy a BMW again.

09-01-2010, 12:24 PM	#20
Ajax-Prime Hydrocarbon Man Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 428 iTrader: (3)	"Uhhh we're sorry Mr Smith, the computer says your ECU file has been altered. It has been noted in your profile. Thank you very much for coming to our dealership today."

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