This ASE certified Master Mechanic picked up our 1986 BMW 325 to replace the timing belt/water pump / and tensioner, and also the muffler, tie rod ends, and the alternator and starter. Hte work was to be done at Meadow Creek Tire.
All service was routine or preventative maintenance, so my grandaughter could take the car to college.
John Friend picked up the car in July, and kept giving excuse after excuse. The car was 'giving him problems;, he was 'swamped with work', he had health problems'.
And then, he'd promise 'this week, I'll stay on this car until its finished'. The engine was disassembled, so we could pick it up and drive it.
John Friend kept claiming that parts were defective, so we exchanged 3 Bosch remanufactured starters. Finally, in May, John Friend said that the car was 'terminal' claiming that there was some sort of 'starter interupt' problem.
But, John Friend claimed 'the rest of the car was ready, there's only a problem with the starter'. And he demanded $500.00, and guaranteed his work and promised to be responsible for any problems.
So, we had to tow the car to the BMW dealer and soon learned that he had installed the timing belt incorrectly, and left the crankshaft pulley retaining nut loose.
The muffler was not connected, the tie rods were installed but he had not performed the alignment. The front end was so far out of alignment that the car could not be driven.
Of all his work, only the alternator installation did not have to be redone. So, the diagnosis and re-do of the repairs cost an additional $1000.00.
I called John Friend to let him know what the BMW dealer had diagnosed, and he told me flat out 'our business is finished' and hung up.
Isabel
Edwards, Colorado
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