Halliwell Jones Ltd

After my scathing review of the service department at BMW Southport I thought it only fair to say about a good experience I had at this dealership. My vavigation system was in need of an update, and I didn't have a clue how to go about it. I contacted BMW, who suggested getting in touch with the BMW genius at Southport. This I did, and I'm pleased to say he was excellent. He guided me through what I needed to do, then he downloaded the update on to my cars navigation system for me. Top bloke. My review is for the genius at BMW Southport.

I bought a 2013 320i auto from this dealership last year. I have to say that I love the car but......... About a week after I bought the car the plastic panel around the memory seat buttons broke and came away. I contracted them and was asked to bring the car in. I did so. They looked at it and came to me and said that it's not a warranty repair as my car was used and it's a piece of trim. So it's not covered. As you can imagine, I wasn't happy!!!! When I raised my voice somewhat, I was told to come back tomorrow and see the salesman who sold me the car to see if sales would pay for the repair as service wouldn't. I duly went back, and the salesman was mortified that this had happened. He made me a coffee and went off to speak to whoever. He came back 10 minutes later and said the part had been ordered and to bring the car back next week and it would be repaired free of charge. He was apologetic etc etc. The panel was replaced and all was well. A little while later, I saw a Facebook post from BMW inviting comments, so I told my story. The next day I had a message to say that the dealership wanted to talk to me. Anyway I was offered a service with a discount of 50%. I was told that I'd receive a letter in the post to confirm. When the letter hadn't arrived 1 month later I got back to BMW via Facebook. The dealership called me and offered me a free service, which I accepted. I have to say the the salesman went above and beyond the call of duty to help me. It was the initial contact with the grumpy man on the service desk that got my goat up. I think this is probably just this dealership as the other ones I have used over the years have been outstanding.

I purchased a car from Halliwell Jones in October, the car has since failed 4 times. This included two power steering pumps, the steering rack and also the whole exhaust backbox. They did fix the issues through warranty, albeit in reluctance and I do not feel as if I was treat the way a customer of BMW should be, especially in comparison with some of the other BMW Franchises. After owning the car for 2 months and it gone through all the apparent 'Used Approved Checks' when the car was taken to an independent BMW garage they discovered the car had 4 buckled alloy wheels, the brake pads, discs and tyres all needed changing and even the front and back wipers needed changing. This was unrealistically possible since the car was last in their custody and one of these health checks was done (about 2 weeks prior). When confronted, they refused all liability despite it being their responsibility to prove that it was myself who caused the issue and have now resulted in me having to take further action to reject the car as they have refused to repair or pay out for the car. My personal recommendation would be to avoid this garage at all costs as the communication, the customer service and the quality is extremely low.

A standard service on a two year old car with no additional work required came to over £500. Not only that but I was charged for 1 litre of windscreen washer fluid when I had already topped up before taking the car to the garage. There was no way that any additional fluid could be added. Also they charged me for 1/2 litre of oil which was left in the boot even thought there was already a spare container of oil in the boot. When I complained later they did refund me the cost of these items. Two months later I travelled to Spain and the Engine Management Warning light came on. I then had the inconvenience of taking the car to be repaired at the BMW agency in Marbella and having to pay for the repairs. This was subsequently refunded under the 3 year warrenty arrangement Yes, they came to pick up the car and returned it to my home but did I pay for it!!!