Problem with pre-starters & collection box

[ChrisLux]

So, my '05 3.0d was in garage (Main Dealer) for 220,000 kms inspection, change of brake fluid and coolant fluid.

I got a call this mrng to say that the car wasn't ready as they were waiting for some parts.
'What parts?' I asked.
'You had a dead pre-starter (I assume they mean Glowplug) and so we had to replace them all. Also
we had to change the Collection Box and the Black-box to match, total €1400'

Now, as far as I remember you can just change one glowplug, and I don't know what they're talking of
when they say Collection Box, so can someone who maybe knows better than me if I'm being rightly
stitched up here pls??

[X5Sport]

Sounds like they have replaced the plugs, connectors and control unit, and you have been royally stitched if you did not give consent to replace anything!!  It depends upon what you signed (if anything) allowing them to do?  You can replace the plugs one at a time without anything else needed.

I have had this happen and refused to pay as they carried out work beyond the agreed scope and failed to seek my consent.  That bill was £500 and to this day it has not been paid!  They argued about it but I refused point blank.

Richard

[fenj66]

Sounds like the collection box is something for the staff  xmas party and they want you to make a big contribution! !

[Steamyrotter]

[quote="fenj66"]
Sounds like the collection box is something for the staff  xmas party and they want you to make a big contribution! !
[/quote]

wheres the like button when you need it....... O:-)

[ChrisLux]

OK, so quick update on the X5.

Spent 2 1/2 hrs yesterday afternoon at the garage with Technician and the head of Customer Service.
We went over the bill together. It appears I misunderstood the fone call, they were calling to ask permission!!

As the car has 220k, when one Glowplug (€30 each) goes they replace all as they expect the others to expire shortly afterwards.
The DME is a dedicated black-box just for the cold start, and they automatically change that at same time. (€110)
It's underneath the Collection Box.

The Collection Box they were talking about is not replaced, he was just explaining it takes nearly 3 hrs to remove and
refit, hence another reason to change everything whilst it's off. It's basically their name for what is I suppose the Inlet
Manifold with the Butterflies inside it, and the MAF attached to it.

A big portion of the bill was Brakes, front discs & pads (€325 + €180) rear pads (€165) and handbrake shoes (Can't
remember price)

Fluids, oil was €150, brake and coolant too, plus Full Inspection, wiper blades front & rear, 2 washer jets, door
mirror surround, and small assorted sundries.

At the end of going through the bill I could see where it had all mounted up to €2385 (labour is €95 per hour) but I
said due to all the messing me around previously I was expecting a 'nice discount' (it's a word not recognized in
Lux coz usually Custy Service is SH1T) and they eventually offered me 10% off, so not too bad.

[Raj]

That's not a nice bill just before Christmas Chris but if she's all sorted then not too bad.

I've had similar in the past and after a bit of time and choice words the bill has always been heavily reduced or waived.

You back this way over Christmas as could meet up for a drink.