Any mechanics out there?

3x Beemer · 10-06-2012, 01:28 PM

Can anyone tell me what an Environmental and Compliance fee is?
Also is it the industry norm to charge for misc nuts, bolts, electrical wire when doing a repair that requires none of this?
This is all on top of oil disposal fee when oil is changed.

blakneto · 10-06-2012, 02:54 PM

I've been charged misc nuts/bolts/gaskets just depends on what they are, if mine are worn out, or "special"
For an oil change you may get charged the oil, the filter, the o-ring, drain screw, and "friendly disposal" of the old oil...
RMP is good with their prices as there are no surprises...

Dinanstu · 10-06-2012, 03:08 PM

How much did you pay for the oil change and where?
Hamilton has a few good mechanics that won't ding you for an oil change...

Shop supplies are normal.

3x Beemer · 10-06-2012, 04:07 PM

There is a repair shop (they like to think they are high end) here in Hamilton that charges more than the dealerships. My son brought a car to be safetied and emission tested and walked out with a 1900$ estimate for everything but the work he requested. It was noted that front and rear brakes required new pads and rotors. Pads were more than 70% good and rotors have no gouges, and no wear Measured new rotors at 22.5mm while his were 22mm. Car had not been driven for apprx 6 months so some surface rust. They indicated brake pulsation which we could not replicate. Had one of my cars in for safety and they replaced rear springs of which one was broken which was legit. There too they added 40$ for environmental and compliance fee and 30$ for disposal fee.
Also $70 labour to replace cabin filter which would take all of 30 seconds.
I am planning on complaining to Ministry of Transport, Safety stds. etc
IMHO this is downright robbery. Please correct me if I'm wrong
It's worth the drive to RMP.

blakneto · 10-06-2012, 09:11 PM

Hmmmm where did you go in Hamilton?
I've personally used Daines Auto, and they are pretty good.
They show you all the warn out or failed parts to justify work.
Plus they have nice, clean, itemized bills...
Their only knock is the price on parts, but I think they get them from BMW and affiliates.
They try to help out with price, but sometimes you gotta bite the bullet or get your own parts. (That's what I do!)

I think with ALL MECHANICS you need to be specific, and the more you know about you car, the less overhead on headaches you get.

The worst is when your car won't start, it could be various things and may cost you more overall due to troubleshooting...

BmW1819 · 10-14-2012, 10:36 AM

what car is this e46??

3x Beemer · 10-14-2012, 01:06 PM

325Ci.
Their guys must make huge commissions

blakneto · 10-14-2012, 04:42 PM

What garage?

325isdan · 10-15-2012, 03:19 PM

I like how shops charge you "enviromental fee's" yet I can bring oil to the dump for free and dispose of tires for $10 and thats having a car full of other crap.

Like to know where these "enviromental fee's" really go besides their bank account.

cisco911 · 10-15-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325isdan

I like how shops charge you "enviromental fee's" yet I can bring oil to the dump for free and dispose of tires for $10 and thats having a car full of other crap.

Like to know where these "enviromental fee's" really go besides their bank account.

Actually, the environment fee has nothing to do with oil disposal. It has to do with the fee that is charged to purchase the oil. Each container of oil has an environmental fee attached to it when it is purchased. If you go to CT or partsource and buy oil, they will charge you an environmental fee. Even buy a computer monitor? They charge environmental fees on those too. So when you see an enviromental fee on your mechanic's bill, it is legit because that is the fee attached to the purchase of the oil. Same thing goes for tires.

frankie591 · 10-17-2012, 02:18 PM

change your own oil. I personally would never ever let a mechanic touch my car.

Blades · 10-17-2012, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3x Beemer

There is a repair shop (they like to think they are high end) here in Hamilton that charges more than the dealerships. My son brought a car to be safetied and emission tested and walked out with a 1900$ estimate for everything but the work he requested. It was noted that front and rear brakes required new pads and rotors. Pads were more than 70% good and rotors have no gouges, and no wear Measured new rotors at 22.5mm while his were 22mm. Car had not been driven for apprx 6 months so some surface rust. They indicated brake pulsation which we could not replicate. Had one of my cars in for safety and they replaced rear springs of which one was broken which was legit. There too they added 40$ for environmental and compliance fee and 30$ for disposal fee.
Also $70 labour to replace cabin filter which would take all of 30 seconds.
I am planning on complaining to Ministry of Transport, Safety stds. etc
IMHO this is downright robbery. Please correct me if I'm wrong
It's worth the drive to RMP.

If Oakville is closer to you check out AutoEvolution .. great place.

blakneto · 10-17-2012, 09:51 PM

How much?