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Consumer Affairs


BMW of Fairfax


Consumer Complaints & Reviews

I bought a used BMW from BMW of Fairfax. The sticker said "As Is", however the salesman James ** told me that it was a very reliable car and that I shouldn't have many problems. He said that BMWs were very reliable cars. I have been stranded at least 3 times already, and I haven't even had the car for 9 months. James does know about the product and was very friendly, and even sent me a "thank you" card. When I called for my first problem, which was a "check engine light."

3 weeks after I purchased the car used, James tried to tell me that it was minor. No matter how minor he thought it was, I still did not expect that from a BMW that I purchased used or new after only 3 weeks from leaving the lot. Chip then re-set the "Check Engine" light after James informed him to do it. James told me that maybe I left the gas cap off or something, and "check engine" lights were minor. A week later the "Check Engine" light came on again and when I called James he then instructed me again to call Chip.

When I called Chip, Chip became very angry and agitated that I called. He then told me that he makes a lot of money and that his time was money. And that I needed to go to the service center with the vehicle. He did authorize the service center to fix the problem for free which was a thermostat in the engine. Since then, I have had a gasket leak, and the car has just stop on my way home once also. I did not expect that from a BMW. I am sorry to this day that I traded in my Mazda 5 which had 56,000 miles for a flashy BMW, which had 139,000 miles on it. BMWs are nice looking but very costly to maintain. I recommend to buy a Honda or American car instead. You won't regret it.

I took my BMW 97 318 IC for repair in Fairfax BMW VA Service Center. I paid $200.00 for the diagnostic and $2,000.00 for repair. When they told me it's already fixed, I picked my car and it was worse.

I don`t think the mechanic knows how to fix it. Now, they want me to pay another $2,000.00. This is rip off and I am very upset. I have to look for help; this is not right. I told them that I am going to pick up my car as is.

We took our 2003 BMW into BMW of Fairfax for a thermostat replacement. The passenger xenon headlight was on/off intermittently as well so we asked for them to fix this too. BMW of Fairfax fixed the thermostat which was still under warranty but then told us that the headlight malfunction was due to a bad connection and we would have to replace the headlamp assembly for about $1400. This sounded excessive to me, so I took the car home and found that the headlight igniter was the culprit after searching the web for the symptoms we were having (intermittent on/off).

I ordered a new OEM igniter (not from BMW of Fairfax) for $118 and fixed the problem myself. BMW of Fairfax was either extremely incompetent or trying to take advantage of the situation and run up the bill. Either way, I would NEVER go to this dealership for car repairs let alone to buy a car from them.

We have purchased this vehicle brand new in March of 2008.The car has 7,800 miles on it now.In 2008 we have had the problem with the 4x4 Malfunction.We have had the vehicle in the BWW of Fairfax Service Center 3 times in 2008.Each time they have ran the diagnostics with the BMW engineer.Many tests were done,parts and components were replaced as I am told.On Tuesday 04/21/09 I had to bring the car in again for the 4th time! The same problem appears again!

I truely believe that this vehicle is a defect lemon! As per the engineer and the service manager,Frankie Johnson,no one seems to be able to tell what exactly is the problem ! Today is Thursday and no one can tell me what is wrong, all they can say is they are working on and it will take longer than expected.

I am very frustrated with BWM! I've paid nearly $60,000.00 for this defected vehicle! It has caused me a lot inconnvienence! I hope BWM live to their name and reputation and have this problem resolve! I hope to hear back soon from someone! Thank you for your attention!

2008, i spent over $5000+ having my BMW fixed for multiple problems outlined by dealer. My auto insurance company helped some, but i payed most. This dealer ran up the bill, and did not fix one thing correctly. Went back for more work March, 2009 and tried to get the new manager to fix old issues and take on new issues. He (Marsh), promised to fix everything right this time. Again charged me a ton of money, and the car was never fixed --all same problems right out of the door.

When confronted both times, they lie and state the dont know what happened. They are a fraudulent operantion that takes money , charges high rates, and does not deliver. They are a very dishonbest dealership. Car non functional, and no better condition. Ongoing problems after paying thousands. A total rip off

Don't even think about dropping off your car at the Fairfax BMW body shop! You will thank me later. I had the worst experience with these chumps this past week. I dropped of my 328i for a quick lock repair on Monday. Here it is Friday, I still don't have my car back. The assistance manager Peter W promised a return call but he never did. I had to call him numerous times to get status. I'm still waiting to get my car back...


~On December 9, 05, Salesman Charles places an order for pick up for BMW X-5 from Fairfax, VA to Orange, CA. Vehicle needed to be delivered prior or on Christmas Eve. We gave Charles a quote of $1095.00, open car carrier.

We had no open car carriers available to delivery prior to 12/24/05, coming out of the East coast. The only way we could make the delivery time requesting by the dealership was to enclose the vehicle for a higher cost. Charles agreed to the cost to enclose the vehicle for $1895.00.

We pick up the vehicle and delivered it on 12/24/05 as agreed. The dealership also committed payment prior to the delivery of the vehicle.

We fax over the invoice several times and no payment. Operations decided to delivery the vehicle knowing the dealership will pay us for the transportation.

On December 28, 2005, Charles the sale rep who is dealing with our company on the pick up and delivery of this vehicle said he never received an invoice. He also stated he never ordered an enclosed car carrier.

Our company took a loss of $873.00. The dealership verified the pick up was on an enclosed car carrier. The customer verified the delivery was an enclosed car carrier.

We want everyone who reads this to know how this dealership handles their business with us.

I bought a new 2005 BMW X3 at BMW of Fairfax. Basically, the salesman did not know his product and told be the car could do things it couldn't. Then, upon learning that, and in order to fix the issue, the dealership tried to send me to some second-rate audio chop shop that supposedly installs "high end" audio electronics. The audio shop said they could not do it, but only after tying up hours of my time. The error by the salesman could be forgiven, as I believe it was an honest mistake, but then management totally blew me off. Additionally, and most painfully, they gave me my "purchase detail" where they clean up your car for you. Well, there less than professional detail crew decided to buff my car without washing it first. So imagine an electric buffer on a dirty car. Yes, there were swirls all over the car, and to me, the paint was ruined.

There response- rebuff it. Of course the swirls were still there. Lastly, it takes 3 weeks to get a service appointment there. Just a thought- if you're that busy, maybe you could afford to hire more help? The bottom line- when you pay good money for a high end car, you should get comparable service. The most insulting installment of this was that once I hammered them on the JD Power survey, they called and whined asking why I did that because they lose money in bonuses when that happens.


On 16 April I purchased a 2005 545i and need to relate some thought to you.

When I walked in I was ready to buy and knew what I wanted; I explained to the sales manager (I believe it was John) where I came up with my numbers and the deal was sealed by his word without drama. I was pleased with the process and thank the manager I dealt with for not wasting my time.

However, that transaction is a one time deal (for this car) and of little relevance considering the issue I have.

That issue being the delivery (explaination of the features and walk through) was THE worst I have ever had in my life. I've had better walk throughs from the place that sold me a bicycle.

The salesman (and using that term is generous at best) didn't even know if the CD changer was in the slot or elsewhere; and then didn't even know how to play it.

At that point the salesman started talking about the CSI! I can assure you that if BMW calls me I will relate everything as it happened, bith the good and the bad.

I was so frustrated that I figured I could figure it out myself and HAD to leave before I lost control of my temper.

I am fanatical (see the records on the Audi I tradeded in) and hope that the delivery of this car is not a reflection of the service department.

In closing, I like the car very much and hope that my feedback may help you to avoid others having this problem.

Just need to make certain others know that after spending 64K on a BMW from BMW Of Fairfax one can expect no service from them. When I set up an appt with rthe sales manager to go over the features of the car; he never showed or called to explain why he failed to show. The worst car buying experience ever.


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