If you’ve been around me for some period longer than 30 minutes in the last 4 or 5 years, we probably engaged in a conversation about what kind of car I should purchase. This was probably followed by or included one of my lame jokes about how cars should be black given how all except two have been black and one I didn’t really have a choice. The conversation was typically a pro / con discussion about lifestyle, job, the high cost of cars these days, how I wanted a truck and several other dimensions. Well, the other day I woke up and decided I was buying a car regardless of how long it took.
With the help of Jill, kbb.com, and last minute Twitter advice from @cp2 and @canook_65, we purchased a BMW 550i. Side note – I still have no idea how to interpret the arcane model numbers that BMW uses. Last minute, @cp2 and @canook_65 talked me out of buying a Jeep primarily due to them being generally average. After lunch, I drove to Hendrick BMW and bought the 550 from Jeff Shinn (jeff.shinn@hendrickauto.com – not yet on Twitter but hopefully soon) and Jhoda Edquist (@jhodabmwcpo) who were both absolutely awesome to work with. Jeff did a great job with the initial explanations and Jhoda did a great job putting up with my kids climbing all over the store and explained the benefits / programs really well. I highly suggest working with either of them. if you are in the market for a BMW. The end to end transaction was fast and painless.
Now comes more praise for Hendrick. While switching lanes on Graham, I ran through a pothole the size of the grand canyon. I was quite upset and worried that I had ruined my BMW forever or that it was going to cost me several thousand dollars. Immediately after hitting the hole, I dialed up customer support on the BMW hotline in the car. They set up an appointment for me the next day!
The next day I drove the car down to the service area. While there, I treated myself to a complimentary donut, some complimentary freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and a surprisingly great atmosphere in the wait area. It was quiet except for the TV. It was clean which is rare in Charlotte for a service area and the manager (Rob Moore) was super cool and explained everything to me so I knew I was getting ripped off.
About two hours later, I got my car back and it was perfect. Hendrick replaced the tire and rim without any questions based on the Road Hazard agreement, washed the car, and I was on my way. This was a perfect service experience!!!
So, I’ve decided that I like everything about Hendrick BMW and the BMW company after the purchase experience, the driving experience, and the service experience. Thanks for all of this Hendrick / BMW!!!
- Dana
Nice – BTW – 550=5 series model with a 5.0 liter engine. I think the ‘i’ was put on at a time when not all cars had few “injection”. Impressive car – one of their very best models IMHO.