Parkview BMW Experience

[anderson87]

I want to give my experience I had with Parkview BMW in Toronto so others can be aware if they are thinking about using them for service or already do use them. This is my experience and although not in the US I figured it's a good reminder to keep a close eye on any dealer.

I have a 2016 M3 and I had a differential leak where I took it to them for service just prior to warranty ending. It was determined the rear passenger axel seal was leaking and they corrected it for me as well as a few other items. All went well.

About a month later I notice oil drops under the differential again so back to Parkview I go due to the above recent service. It was determined that the differential cover gasket was leaking and they needed to remove the cover and reseal it with liquid gasket. Again all went well no complaints.

I had no issues with the car until May 2021 when I noticed the rear differential was leaking oil drops on my driveway. I crawled under the car as far as I could (without lifting it up) and noticed it coming from the passenger side right near the axel again. I called Parkview and advised them which they said they can diagnose it for $87.50 and if found to be the same items they fixed it will fall under the 2 year repair warranty at no cost or they will advise the issue and the cost if it's something else.

They found the diff pan had become porous and needed to be replaced for $1400 plus tax. I told them I disagree with this as I have never heard of aluminum becoming porous unless cracked or punctured. I advised to leave the car as is and I will get it fixed elsewhere which came at less than half the cost.

I ended up getting the car repaired at a independent shop who specializes in BMW's and specifically M cars. The issue I have is when I picked up the car they asked me if anyone had done work on the rear end of this car which the answer was yes that Parkview replaced the axle seal and also resealed the cover about a year ago. Note - No other shops have ever done any work on the rear end of this car. The shop pointed out that it appeared either a tool slipped or someone used a tool against the aluminum pan to pry against which is right beside where the axle seal work was done. There was a very small indent in the pan creating a hole where oil very slowly seeped out and eventually started to leave drops on the driveway. Where this is located makes it impossible for road debris to damage it. Attached is photos which show it's not damage from a rock or something off the road.

Parkview advised because I didn't get it repaired by them they can't assist even though I brought it to them originally for the diagnostic. If I paid the $1400 I would have never heard about it and since I went elsewhere they can't stand behind the issue. I have raised this with BMW Canada who has reached out to the dealer but will not do anything further and stands behind the dealer. Attaching photos to this so you can see the text from Parkview who points out the exact same spot the damage is. Also part of the invoice mentioning the aluminum becoming "porous" which is a new one to me.

The dealer has offered a $350 store credit to me which is about 60% of what I am out of pocket but I'm not looking to ever service my car there or buy parts (I get discounts on parts through friends).

I just find it baffling both the dealer and BMW Canada wouldn't just make it right for the $5-600 it is and cover it as a one off mess up. It is disappointing BMW Canada doesn't at some point get involved when it's more than just hear say since I have the old pan and photos as backup. My ask was they reimburse the $100 diagnostic and the roughly $500 bill from the independent shop.

This dealer will never get any business from me in the future although I'm sure they could don't care.

[M5D]

Dealers make most of their money from the service side of their business, so that is exactly where they do their best to milk, fleece their customers. They are all the same! I am sorry you had to experience this with them. Had you not taken it to an independent shop you would have never known it was damaged by them. If you have the time, you should have sued them in small claims court, if you have that in Canada for the cost of replacing the pan!

[rmanm4]

I know that dealership well, I would never buy or get my car serviced there! They take time to show you how big and clean their facility is but they don't mention that they don't have experienced techs. Take your car to BMW Toronto downtown or Autohaus on Steeles. I only take all my car's to Autohaus, ask for Joe!

[FatHulk]

Had my own personal terrible experience with Parkview and will never be going back to them again.

We had a problem with our rear diff was sweating and the dealership advised that they weren't able to fix it because BMW Canada wouldn't allow them to.

BMW Canada was not the easiest to speak with and I don't even believe they contacted the dealership because they didn't even acknowledge what they had told me. I just refused to accept that they wouldn't fix it and kept emailing and calling until they agreed to fix it. What I still don't understand is it was clearly a gasket issue and they refused to fix it when the car is under warranty.

Feel for you as they caused the problem for your leak and aren't taking responsibility for it!

[N1rve]

Your diag fee is so affordable... here it's like 250 dollars per hour.

It's unfortunate that they did you like that though.

[anderson87]

Originally Posted by N1rve

Your diag fee is so affordable... here it's like 250 dollars per hour.

It's unfortunate that they did you like that though.

That's Canadian too so like $60 USD

It did seem reasonable but I think they figured it was just a quick lift on the hoist to see it.

[AutoTalent]

edit