HOW LOUDLY DO I NEED TO SCREAM TO GET BMW TO CHANGE MY OIL?

With the i3 being an EV, I didn’t think oil changes were needed, but with the range extender, I suppose they are. And it’s a nightmare.

Back in July I had an appointment set for an oil change. They even called a couple of days prior to confirm the appointment. They were aware I was coming and what services/parts I would be there for. I hoped that this all meant this errand wouldn’t take too long. Especially since my migraine was at a higher level that usual.

When I pulled into the shop I saw that there were no other cars being worked on. I sighed in relief that they would get to my car right away.

But sat for a long time (my back now also in pain from the chairs) and right around the time I start to think  "this is the longest I've ever waited for an oil change," someone walks over to me with a piece of paper.

It was only a quote for the oil change. They hadn't even started. I sat for longer, and only one other customer came in during that time. They were very attentive to her, but ignored me while I tried to sit politely without ripping out my spine. I also witnessed mechanics walk out several times on their cell phones commenting on how it wasn't a busy day and they had very little to do. Two+ hours later they called me over to tell me they didn't have the part they needed. Nearly three hours in agonizing pain only to tell me they didn't do the oil change, but didn't bother to tell me they couldn't do it until two hours later. I had an appointment, so they had time to prepare and ensure they had all parts needed before hand. And they waited two hours before they told me they couldn't do the oil change. I didn't want to go through this again, so I asked if this was something that could be completed at any shop (because it would have been faster to drive to Durand and back to do this). The associate rudely said "no. Well, I guess it's your car, so you can do whatever." I reigned to be stuck with this awful place.

He ordered the part and would call me in a few days when it came in. It's nearly six months later, and they've never called. But they did write on the Carfax report that they did the oil change, even though they did not. Overall, it cost me $160 and two painful hours to NOT get my oil changed. And it looked like they never intend to change my oil, but I don't suppose they plan to compensate me for any damage that does to the car either. So I'm stuck having to continue to drive the car without ever getting the oil changed. I don't know how long that will be, but it looks like by that time there will be plenty of non-BMW options.

I’ve contacted multiple customer services, but the most response I get (they either try to sell me a different i3 or don’t respond at all) is to keep bothering the dealership because they don’t sell parts to customers.

I don't mind the scheme of having to pay large mark-up  when a company makes specialized parts that only the dealership can get. But you have to actually make these items and services accessible to customers.