My wife and I purchased a used 2006 Audi A3 from Germain BMW in the summer of 2008. We live in Michigan, and found the car online in Naples, Florida.
After confirming the vehicle's condition with pictures and making a deposit, we flew down to the dealer on a weekend and planned on driving thru the night to get back home. Upon arrival, we noticed the vehicle had body damage to the passenger side. This must have been a recent accident. Germain BMW offered to fix it, however we did not have time as we needed to drive the vehicle home to be back in time for work. Germain BMW assured us we could have the vehicle fixed in Michigan and they would reimburse us for all the body repair cost. THEY suggested that we take it to the same shop that our local Audi dealer uses, and supplied us with a signed "I owe you" note stating they would pay for the necessary repairs.
After returning home, we received one quote from the Audi repair shop which was $2000. This seemed high, so out of courtesy, we received another quote from the local BMW body repair shop which was approximately $1800. We supplied the detailed quotes to Germain BMW.
This is when the problem started. Germain BMW dismissed the quotes and stated that the price should not be more than $200. Yes, I said it - $200!! Keep in mind that the car has a large shallow dent, a crease in the sheet metal and the paint is scraped thru to the primer.
At this point, I took the car to 2 MORE "budget" repair shops. I did not want to take our Audi to such shops, but wanted to get additional quotes in hopes Germain would come to their senses and realize the true cost. After all, what incentive do I have for all this? The prices were $1400. After going back and forth a few times, Germain BMW was no help, and offered us $400 for an $1800 repair!
We were insulted and denied their offer. They even had the gull to say it could be repaired via a paintless dent repair. I'm no expert on the subject, but how can paintless dent repair fix the PAINT!?! Again, out of courtesy, I took the car to a paintless dent repair facility to see if it was possible to fix it. They just laughed, but more importantly assured me that it needed paint work/blending and bodywork to get rid of the crease.
We now have 4 QUOTES from local repair facilities and additionally, 1 paintless dent repair review. Note: Germain has NEVER done a detailed look at what it would cost to repair - just a quick look at the car on the morning we pointed out the damage. Germain refuses to converse with any of the body shops to discuss the necessary work and are overall extremely unaccommodating.
Think twice before dealing with such a company - or better yet, do not take a risk with your hard earned money. I hope this has been helpful to anyone considering buying a car from Germain BMW. Find your car elsewhere. Have a great day!
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