Bimmex

In February 2020 I took my vehicle to Bimmex for some repairs one of which ended up being the valve cover costing over $1K. A few days ago I took my vehicle in to the dealer for a 55-pt inspection to be told that my valve cover is not in fact fixed but leaking badly. I do VERY little driving and limited it even further since mid March due to COVID19. The worse part about this-- is that I agreed to fix the valve cover after Bimmex told me that the original issue (steering angle sensor) that I brought the vehicle in for was not an issue when in fact it was. I regret ever taken my vehicle to Bimmex ***. I ended up agreeing to repair something that did not need immediate repair, didn't in fact get repaired, and the original issue which I was told did not need repairing still needs to be repaired. Beware! Below are further details of my experience for anyone who cares to read about it.

On Tuesday February 4, 2020 I took my vehicle to the "Bimmex" in Markham after receiving a diagnostic report from my car dealer on Monday February 3, 2020 identifying that the steering angle sensor and rear coil spring needed replacing due to warning lights on my vehicle. I authorized Bimmex to complete one repair on my vehicle (rear spring) and have Bimmex do their diagnostic regarding the steering angle sensor and any other potential repairs.
They agreed and later that morning advised me that the diagnostic showed no issue with the steering angle sensor but that in addition to the rear spring (coil), the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket and brakes needed repair. All of these were also identified on the dealer diagnostic but were listed as secondary to the steering angle sensor and rear spring.
I asked him why the dealer advised that there was an issue with the steering angle sensor. He advised that it could have just been a glitch and assured me that there was no issue. Given that the vehicle is almost 10 years old (not even 98,000 km), I had to decide whether or not to trade it in or go ahead with the additional repairs and keep the vehicle. I decided to move forward with the repairs and keep the vehicle.
Bimmex completed the repairs and I received the vehicle back the morning of February 5th. On Saturday February 8th the same warning lights came back on my vehicle along with the air bag light (which had never come on before). This was in a matter of 3 days and approximately 200km from getting the car back.
I returned to Bimmex first thing Monday February 10th and spoke to the owner as the advisor was on vacation. I explained everything to him and he took the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The test came back showing an issue with the steering angle sensor AND now the coolant pump and catalytic converter (these last two items were not on the report from the dealer).
Alex, the owner, advised me that it was very important to get the coolant pump fixed and that it would be another $1,000. I asked to see the diagnostic report that they did on the Tuesday when I brought the vehicle in. Alex then called the mechanic who worked on the vehicle who confirmed that he remembered the vehicle and that there was in fact a steering angle sensor issue. Alex then said that clearly a mistake was made and that he would honour the repair of the steering angle sensor. Not 10 min. later did he come back and advise that he didn't realize how expensive the part was so was only prepared to cover the labour. I asked again for the report from Tuesday when I brought the vehicle in as they advised that they keep the reports. They could not find the report. Despite several requests I still have not received that report. Ultimately I ended up going ahead with a repair that was not immediate, spending that money and then being put in a position to have spend further on the part for the steering angle sensor. Had I known I would have just traded in the vehicle.

On October 08th, 2019 I brought my 2010 *** VIN#WBSNB9C57ACXXXXXX to BIMMEX for an oil change at their Markham location at XXXX XXth Avenue, Unit ***, work order #XXXXX, Invoice #XXXXX. After the oil change I was informed that my oil pan was leaking. I requested for the oil pan gasket to be repaired that same day, work order #XXXXX, Invoice #XXXXX. The vehicle was left with Bimmex to order the parts for the oil pan gasket and call my warranty company i-Select - Claim #XXXXXXXXXXX.

On October 10th, 2019 I received an emailed coupon from BIMMEX for 35% off all labour from October 10th, 2019 to November 3rd, 2019. I called BIMMEX and requested that since they are opening the motor to replace the rod bearings and high pressure oil line inside the motor. I was advised that there is a wait for the parts and I would be contacted when the work is completed.

On November 1st, 2019 I picked up my car and paid the work order #XXXXX, Invoice #XXXXX, by *** for the amount of $5629.77. When I drove my car home (44km) I received a "below 1L of oil" engine warning. I placed 1L of oil inside the engine and continued to receive "1L of oil required warning". On Saturday, November 3rd 2019 I attempted to start the *** and it had difficulty starting and displayed electrical issues and would shut off. The *** then displayed a "check engine light" error dashboard warning and shut off. Upon reviewing the billing invoice I noted that there was no 35% discount on labour, a 300% markup on smaller parts, 25% markup on a $1400 part, and was charged twice for a $35 oil filter.

On November 4th, 2019 I called BIMMEX and spoke with the owner ***. I informed him of all the issues and he offered a $400 credit for future labour and told me to have my car towed back to his shop. When I asked for the $400 to be refunded to my credit card, he refused stating that I called about the billing issue on November 4th when the labour discount ended on November 3rd, so he is not required to honour the discount and began to yell at me over the phone.

I brought in my *** to BIMMEX (***) for a brake change ($1300), after taking the car for the day, they started listing off a bunch of other items that had to be changed because of wear and tear. I trusted them because I used this mechanic shop about 10 years ago when it was still ***. The quote was jacked up by $1200. Now I was looking at $2500 when I pick my car up at the end of the day. I took the car home, the very next day screeching loud engine noises as soon as I turned the car on. I called them back and let them hear the noise, they said it was common, probably a little bit of water on the engine because they washed it. The noise continued for the next five days, so I brought the car back. David, their service attendant, was ambivalent and did not seem to bat an eyelash about what had happened. They said they would have a look, I left the car there for an hour and came back. They kept me waiting until everyone else was served (6 customers). David said he was preparing an estimate. I was pretty shocked! It turns out they're trying to tell me my belt and my belt tensioner are both now "worn down" and need to be replaced. That's another $750 please. Really? When they had the engine opened up would they not have seen this "wear and tear" if it was really there? Other mechanics have told me they probably spilled oil all over it (hence the engine washing) and ruined the belt. BIMMEX told me it was a "coincidence" and would take no responsability for their work. I now have a problem I didn't have before I brought the car into them. I have to miss a day of work to get the issue fixed, and the independent mechanic that did fix it told me they found the belt soaking in engine oil. Now I know there was no coincidence and no where in tear. ***. I had to pay for the mess they made in my car.