My E30 M3 Nightmare

"Battery Tender Unnecessary" (carac) 07/23/2014 at 11:35 • Filed to: auto shop nightmares, e30 m3, eurohaus motorsports

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Old BMWs are even bigger money pits when you deal with a bad shop.

Before I get started, know up front that I'm fully aware what I should have done in hindsight. If you've ever had a car you love at a bad shop, you need to know there's a weird set of emotions and compromises you make. You can draw a number of parallels to abusive relationships. You leave a car and end up having to choose between cutting your losses/showing up with a trailer and boxes for the parts or giving more time to get it back complete. Given how much you've already been through by the time you get to that point, you just want the path of least resistance. I also know that I've provided a perfect setup for some schadenfreude. So learn from my mistake.

It's no secret that after finding, vetting, and buying an old BMW you will have a lifetime of maintenance and the associated costs that are higher than average to look forward to. You overlook this fact because the cars are so great. I accepted this fact the day I drove a friend's E30 325i in the late 90s and he told me there was an even better one, the M3. I didn't see an E30 M3 in the flesh until five years later in college when I saw a Cinnabar Red one parked on the Charlottesville. My search then began in earnest. But being a poor college student, I would have to wait until gainful employment and an eBay ad for a Alpine White '88 in rural Ohio came together in 2010.

It was part of an estate sale of a dentist whose life had been cut short by cancer. His son wanted it to go to someone who would take care of it like his father had. Finding out I was a dentist seemed to ease the thought of letting it go. His father had kept every sheet of service paper in folders so I knew its whole life. From a new transmission swapped under warranty shortly after it's initial sale, every oil change and valve adjustment, every time the owner tried a new muffler and would shortly thereafter swap back to stock. The car had been taken care of and I felt a responsibility to continue the watch.

The history showed no accidents, all the body panels were original, and save for a tear beginning on the driver's seat, the interior was in great shape for having covered 178k miles. The only issues that needed immediate attention were a little rust around the sunroof (there was none in the usual location at the base of the windshield) and a spot inside the driver's side rear wheel arch. There was the looming issue of a rebuild around 200k miles and I wanted to be able to drive it like it was meant to be driving without hesitation, so I decided to get it over with soon than later. I talked to quite a few shops in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Even shops that dealt exclusively with BMWs were reluctant to open a S14 motor so the pickings were slim. I then saw reviews for a shop in Knoxville that seemed glowing so I decided to test the waters with my daily driver. The differential seals on the E46 M3 I had driven for 96k miles were starting to leak. I talked to Robert Berry at Eurohaus Motorsports and he said they would be no problem to replace. A week and a half later I returned on my first free day off work to pick it up while dropping off my E30 M3. He said he had built a couple S14 motors and that it would be no problem. That was July 2010 and little did I know that it would be one of the costliest mistake of my life so far, both monetarily and temporally.

I should have seen it coming when it took nearly four months (Nov 16th, 2010) just to get around to tearing the engine down and the estimates kept creeping up. I was told the cylinder head needed some "serious machine work." $1275 for the machine work, in addition to the initial estimate of $7400 for the rebuild, and $1750 for clutch, rear diff, and transmission parts.

Here's a partial transcript of our conversations. I dropped the car off at the end of July 2010.

11/26/10

Me: Any updates on the M3?

Robert: Waiting on head

Me: Have a guess when she'll be ready?

Robert: Should have head ties then I'll let you know.

12/10/10

Me: How's the m3 coming along?

Robert: Head will be here tues

Me: Sounds good, I'll be in town next friday to pick up the other M3 from the body shop. If you think it will be ready by then I can arrange to bring someone else to drive the other M3 home, no rush, just planning ahead.

Robert: Will let you know

Me: Sounds good, thanks again.

01/03/11

Me: Any update on the white m3?

Robert: Have been out of town will update tomorrow

01/11/11

Me: Any update on the m3

Robert: Stuck in Florida will call when I get back after all this snow is over

Me: Sounds good, would rather be down there myself.

01/21/11

Me: Any updates, left a couple message with the front desk, no return calls

Me: Some possible track days coming up

Robert: All parts came in have it on the schedule next week

02/04/11

Me: Any progress? Gonna stop by with some c-pillar trim to replace the peeling passenger's side.

Robert: Out of town will be back Monday.

02/14/11

Me: Progress on M3

Robert: Found a place on the crackshaft should get it bak Thursday

03/01/11

Me: How's it coming?

Robert: Will have crank back Monday and we will get right on it

03/10/11

Me: Think m3 the will be ready by next Friday? Will be in town for a family member's surgery next week.

03/14/11 (Three days later)

Robert: Just got in town crank just got here fri.

Me: K

04/21/11

Me: Any news on m3?

04/29/11

Me: Left a message with the front desk last Friday. Haven't heard back about the m3.

Robert: Just got it town last nite will give update Monday

05/06/11

Robert: Sorry I typed in message but didn't hit send. The machine shop is waiting on a main bearing to come in from BMW so we can put oil pan on. I will keep you posted.

Me: Sounds good

05/25/11

Me: Any news on that crank bearing?

06/06/11

Me: Any news on that crank bearing for the M3?

Robert: Got them trying to work back into sched

06/17/11

Me: Any chance she (m3) will be ready by first week of July? Friend is having a car show, kind of hoping I'd bring it. Planning to take it to a couple track days as well. Thanks

Robert: Will do my best sir

06/28/11

Me: Any update on the m3?

08/01/11

Robert: If anyway possible I would like to run 800 dollars on card toward balance to help cover all the work and effort we have already put in the car. Sorry it's taking so long. We want it to be right. If so which card number do we use. Thanks, Robert

Me: Will call with the number a little later.

Robert: Must have written wrong number down it want process

08/10/11

Me: Any luck with the m3?

08/16/11

Me: Been a couple weeks, any updates?

08/17/11

Robert: The new valve is bent ordered a new one last week will keep you posted?

09/14/11

Me: Any luck with the M3?

11/01/11

Me: Any News?

Robert: Should receive head this week sir

Me: Alright, but when we spoke on Oct.13th you said it was expected to come the following Wednesday, the 19th. Something come up?

11/07/11

Me: That cylinder head come in by any chance?

Robert: It is on truck for delivery

11/15/11

Me: Any news on that cylinder head?

Robert: Got head back and we are working it back in schedule

Me: Thanks, keep me posted.

12/01/11

Me: Any news?

12/06/11

Me: Any news?

Robert: I have it on the schedule to start putting it back together got gaskets in today

12/26/11

Me: Any luck on finishing up?

Robert: Had to order some different size valve shims to adjust new valves

12/29/11

Me: So is the cylinder head still the problem? At this point I would think you would ask for the money back on what appears to be an bad head job (it's been there twice and still needs work) and put it towards a new cylinder head (which are available from the BMW parts dept...I checked).

Robert: Head is fixed. The valves takes shims and there are many different ones and you don't know which ones you need till head is together. They come in different thicknesses to change valve clearance

Me: So once the valve shims come in, how long should it take to get it back together, valves adjusted, and running?

Robert: No more than 2 days

12/30/11

Me (email):

Good, two days is good.

2/25/12

Robert: Got the lift opened up for your will be on it Monday. Would like to drive it this week and meet you Friday to deliver it.

What follows is a steady weekly back and forth, including near constant "next week" estimates until I have a lawyer send some letters and he finally finishes in June, just short of two years. I almost have an engine fire when the oil from an improperly installed A/C compressor gets thrown on the exhaust and after that there's a breakdown where an improperly clamped vacuum hose comes loose. Fast forward to 2014 and I've only put 4k miles on the car. I'm still not fully confident about pushing it and the sounds it makes are getting worse. Everything I've ever heard about the S14 motor is that it makes a lot more noise than its contemporary BMW motors, so I take the loud valvetrain and bottom end to be normal. I guess what happened on a drive Patrick and I took should have been a sign:

I take it in for an oil change with a more reputable shop in town who tell me that the bottom end is "very very noisy" and sounds like it needs a rebuild. Considering I had paid $11k dollars for one less than two years and 5k miles ago...I was disturbed to say the least. No one would blame me for not taking the car back to Eurohaus. So, under both the advisement of the shop that diagnosed it as well as my gut, I sent it to Korman, one of the best BMW shops in the US. If you've been to Bring a Trailer, you'll know cars they've worked on bring a premium and their racing history with BMWs speaks for itself.

While the car was in transit, I attempted to get the money back I had spent on a rebuild less than 5k miles ago. Most of the replies consisted of "bring it back so I can look at it" and multiple instances where he mentioned how many years he had been doing engine work and accusing me of abusing the car.

There were some back and forth emails I won't bore you with. You can see his responses to my review on their facebook page if you want the Cliff's notes:

In the past few weeks, I have learned I'm not the only one. Eurohaus has done the same thing to at least four others. I've talked to a few and they "just want their cars back." One literally asked "how the hell did you get yours back? he's got SO many cars just sitting around." They "don't make a fuss" fearing that pissing off Eurohaus will just make it even harder to get them back. Apparently, me getting the M3 back is a fluke among his customers, "the one that got away." Some have been there for 4 years. One of which was scheduled for court in Knox County Monday, July 14th...but Eurohaus got it delayed until January 2015, surprise.

Going back to the forensic teardown of my S14, Korman's tear down confirmed my suspicions

SAE bolts in metric holes, over-torqued and too long, stripping threaded holes in the aluminum cylinder head

SAE bolts in metric holes, attaching alternator adjusting bracket to front cover, stripping metric threads in cover

Incorrectly sized pistons. Clearance between pistons and cylinder wall was twice BMW spec, resulting in the piston slapping/rattling in the block.

Incorrect oil pump. Eurohaus used the oil pump to a BMW 318i which lacks the proper secondary valve to prevent oil drain back when engine is shut down. This causes dry, unlubricated starts resulting in excessive wear and noise of vital components. It is also insufficient to provide flow at high RPMs

Worn valve guides, exhaust valve tilt clearance was over spec

Incorrect valve and valve seat widths. Intake and Exhaust valve sealing surface width nearly twice spec. Larger area resulting in poor seal between valve and head.

Thread locking compound used on cam carrier bolts where none should be used

They also found old parts that should have been replaced during a rebuild.

So now I'm out the $11k+ I gave Robert Berry and Eurohaus Motorsports for a rebuild. I have to pay over a grand to fix the damage he did to my motor. And I have to pay for a new rebuild on top of everything else (which is now more thanks to part scarcity).

I've also found out that according to the Tennessee Secretary of State's website, has been operating without a business license since 08/09/2011

My car is the closest thing I have to a child and I should have vetted the person/shop I left it with better than I did. Always know who you're dealing with when it comes to picking a shop. I still hope I can get some of the original money I spent on the rebuild back, but I'm not holding my breath. If I keep someone from making the same mistake, some good will have come of it. Be careful out there guys.

TL;DR: I spent $25k and 24 months of my life on something that should have cost $10k-12k and 1 month. Be careful who you do business with.

Brian Silvestro > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:43

84

Wow this seriously hurts my insides. That back and forth between you two was just unbelievable.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Brian Silvestro 07/23/2014 at 11:45

4

The full transcript is 2-3x longer, but most of it was redundant and I think what I posted gets the point across.

Brian Silvestro > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:47

5

Dear god. The redundancy is what really emphasises how bad this guy is. He really screwed you.

No Prius Needed > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:49

0

Is the M3 fixed after all of this or is it still broken?

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:50

0

Oh man, that is awful, just...awful.

Good write up though, thanks for posting!

505Turbeaux > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:53

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OK now it is revealed. Seriously sorry you were in this situation. Ridiculous.

Fuck you Eurohaus

Mattbob > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:57

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sae bolts in metric holes.... SAE BOLTS IN METRIC FUCKING HOLES!!!!!!!!!! I have so much rage built up because of that very issue on my BMW. Mine was from a previous owner though. I hope it all works out for you man.

Opposite Locksmith > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 11:58

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no schadenfreude whatsoever because this was one of the most infuriating pieces of literature I've ever read

Battery Tender Unnecessary > No Prius Needed 07/23/2014 at 12:00

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The place that did the forensic teardown is 2 weeks into the estimated 4-5 week rebuild. Parts from Germany, some machine work, etc. A lot better than two years.

spanfucker retire bitch > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:04

3

Unbelievable. I don't even know where to begin in how fucked up this is.

What a complete asshole. Are you taking him to court? Have you reported him for operating without a license?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:04

4

This makes me sick just reading it.

Jeremy H formerly Kalakaboooom > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:08

9

This story depresses the hell out of me. Getting an amazing car you've always wanted and then have some asshat shit all over it. It sucks that you've had to spend so much money but at least you got in back in one piece. With the documentation by the guys rebuilding your car now are you going to try and go after this guy at all?

macanamera > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:22

108

If this happened to me, Robert would have needed a good dentist.

zeontestpilot > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:26

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Well, it may have been a bittersweet ending, but at least you have the car back.

jariten1781 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:34

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You going to attempt to recoup any of the cost or is it not worth the time/effort having to deal with him again?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:39

3

I would sue.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Jeremy H formerly Kalakaboooom 07/23/2014 at 12:42

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Going to try and get some of the money back, because he doesn't deserve a dime of it.

Jeremy H formerly Kalakaboooom > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:45

0

Definitely not man. Stories like this seriously make me sick to my stomach. I hope for the absolute best for you man, let us know what happens.

On the bright side, at least once it's complete, you'll be able to hoon your M3 to your hearts content finally.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:54

1

Christ, I am so sorry man. This is why I am always careful about finding a good shop, and even more scared to try to find one that caters to specialty cars. Hope the court case goes well, and I thank you for sharing this story as well

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:54

1

Damn that sucks man. It'll be good to finally get that quality rebuild to be able to actually have fun with your car.

RotaryLover > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:57

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This is fucked up!!!! WHY OH WHY DO SHOPS LIKE THIS STILL OPERATES??? MAKES ME WANNA BURN THE PLACE DOWN!!

catkam623 misses his 944 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 12:59

2

what the hell that dude is a twatbag beyond comprehension. I can't believe he's been getting away with this for years. Please tell me you're taking him to court, shutting him down, and than getting your money back plus interests.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 13:00

7

Wow man, when I originally heard a while back that you were having trouble with the M3 I never figured it would be this bad. Robert is an asshole for sure, and from what I've read on his replies to you on Facebook, he can't spell for shit either. Unprofessional and a fucking crook. Terrible...

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur 07/23/2014 at 13:15

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I'm getting cold calls from people I've never met asking how to get their car out of there. I'm in phone/email communication with three others...and that's without even trying to find more. I think one said he had 60+ cars waiting to be worked on.

Saracen > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 13:22

2

Wow. That was a real eye opener.

To me, this is right up there with theft. It's a shame there is no way to protect the customer in these cases, except doing your homework before doing business with a shop.

Patrick George > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 14:41

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I was behind the wheel when this happened, and I do feel better knowing it wasn't my fault!

Dream Theater of the Absurd > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:06

1

Granted, my car isn't as "exotic" as yours, but your story confirms why I don't like to let anyone else touch either of my cars. And this is in spite of the fact that wifey's ride is an absolute nightmare to work on.

4play > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:08

2

I don't understand. Yeah, it's easy to Monday morning quarterback, but an engine rebuild on a 4 cylinder engine takes maybe 2 months. After 2 months, you should have been all over him on a daily basis. What the hell were you thinking?

Any "reputable" shop can rebuild even a complex engine in 6 months tops. I have a friend who restores old racing cars and his longest rebuild was a Porsche flat 12 - 14 months because many of the parts were NLA and had to be custom fabricated. Had the parts been in stock, he said it would have taken 4-6 months.

MFEJAL grey because who knows... > macanamera 07/23/2014 at 15:09

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A good coroner.

Vin > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:09

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TL;DR for original TL;DR - Fuck Eurohaus Motorsports in the ear.

Rusty Shackleford > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:09

1

Sue him for time lost with the car as well. Contact not just Korman for estimates, but other reputable shops like Dinan. Make sure Korman is documenting everything he did wrong or flat did not fix. This is theft btw.

zonecontroller > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:09

0

uhhhhhh why would you deal with any of this? do you get screwed over a lot in your personal life? i would bet yes.

StevenG > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:10

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Sue the bastards.

Also you intended to spend $12,000 on a car worth what $28,000? If it is not a daily driver, that is a condition 3 car. I suspect with the rust it is a condition 4 car.

CAR_IS_MI > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:10

3

Holy crap dude, he had you'r car for almost 2 years!?!?! I've taken a car from engine in, to out, apart, to a 3rd party machine shop, back together and in the car in > 2 weeks.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > 4play 07/23/2014 at 15:10

4

Honestly, I was just too busy with work. My practice was still in its infancy and needed my full attention. Like I said, in hindsight I would have showed up with a trailer and the local police if necessary. And the shop is two hours away so I couldn't just drop by whenever I would have liked.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:11

1

Keeping my fingers crossed for you man, I hope you and the other customers take him for every dim he has.

StevenG > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:11

3

Why would anyone do that?
What possible reason? Bolts are cheap!

Battery Tender Unnecessary > zonecontroller 07/23/2014 at 15:11

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First time actually.

StevenG > Rusty Shackleford 07/23/2014 at 15:12

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Get it all in writing and some pictures too.

Mattbob > StevenG 07/23/2014 at 15:12

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some dipshit probably just had them on had in a bin or random shit and ran it in, and figured if they could get it in there it fits.

waveridin1959 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:12

2

This is beyond baffling to me. I am a weekend wrencher and self taught for the most part. I own Workshop Manuals for all of my vehicles. I buy all my parts from independent parts suppliers. I do my best to own all the tools required. If increasingly harder jobs when needed.

If your a shop, how do you use the wrong freaking bolts? Wrong Specs? Is everything just Good enough?

Unfortunately this is can happen with so called "Specialty Shops". I know of one shop locally that reuses parts and bills as new and has done rebuilds that are not going to last back to your house. One particular rebuild was taken apart to find a nut sitting on the piston. I find most of the guys in my particular Niche have learned to work on their vehicles themselves or source help from friends/internet when needed.

signintoburnerlol > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:13

1

Why not do a big group lawsuit with the other customers whom's car have yet to come back? Seems logical...

Vin > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:13

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I know right? I nearly dropped my phone when I read that.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > MFEJAL grey because who knows... 07/23/2014 at 15:13

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"Sam, we found SAE bolts in metric holes... Clearly this was the work of a wrench-wielding monkey."

Battery Tender Unnecessary > StevenG 07/23/2014 at 15:13

1

Oh, I guess I should have mentioned the car had complete rust removal, new sunroof/roof, reupholstery, every piece of trim, etc replaced, respray, etc. The car is near perfect except the engine. Korman did all the cosmetic restoration work last year.

zonecontroller > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:14

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how would you let somebody hold your property for several years? why did you hold out so long.

the transcript makes you look like a sucker

nugget-australia > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:14

0

I know you have engaged a lawyer and many on the blog are saying sue him but given that it's an LLC I would be careful about throwing good money after bad. Yeah you might get a judgment in the end but it's going to be unlikely you're going to get any money out of the judgment, even to cover your own attorney's fees.

StevenG > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:14

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That makes way more sense!

I thought you were putting $12 grand into an engine on a Condition 4 car.

responsible-alcoholic > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:15

49

WHY WOULD A EURO TUNER SHOP EVEN HAVE SAE BOLTS?!?!?

Time is a flat circle > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:16

0

Keep us posted, I'd like to see the resolution to this. I hope your court case can get you some of your money back.

Sport Compact Car Magazine (RIP) had a write up on some shop they sent their Project 350Z to for the twin turbo installation. The shop stole their first turbo kit and put it on another customer's car, then had the company send another one which got billed to the magazine. After constant delays and broken promises, SCC caught on to this and discovered a lot of other 350Z owners had similar experiences. IRRC they got the car back in heap of parts and were out a ton of money with no real hope of getting proper restitution.

StevenG > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:16

0

That is not how bolts work!

I am about having a damn seizure here.

Mattbob > responsible-alcoholic 07/23/2014 at 15:16

1

My mind is boggled....

macanamera > MFEJAL grey because who knows... 07/23/2014 at 15:16

127

People trip into woodchippers all the time. Natural causes.

RosarchII > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:16

0

Holy nightmare. These guys should be in prison.

cream wobbly > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:17

1

Cardinal sin. Like using a Philips #2 bit in a Pozi head.

JagrSaluteYourShorts > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:18

0

Fucking Christ. What a nightmare.

Mattbob > cream wobbly 07/23/2014 at 15:18

0

I'd say way worse. You can replace the screw. Threads are a lot harder to replace.

mark spam smith > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:19

2

Not having the corporation paper work up to date is a huge red flag, it is like the Brown M&Ms. If someone doesn't bother to have their business set up properly then they aren't paying attention to the details. Any contract that I review, the IL Secretary of State is the first stop, to see if the corporation is a real company, if it is not, I tell the client to go look for another company. However, it could be good news that Eurohaus is a defunct company as you can sue the owner personally.

Straightsix9904 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:19

0

When I saw that you got the car for under $13K a few years ago I was like "I COULD HAVE AFFORDED THAT" then I saw what you spent on everything and realized that is a club I am not ready to join just yet.

Are you planning on lawyering up?

heeltoehero > zonecontroller 07/23/2014 at 15:20

3

And your comments make you look like a prick.

Black 996 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:20

1

Plus, you give people the benefit of the doubt. I know I did with a crooked shop for a while.

I'm glad you got your machine back.

StevenG > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:20

0

Well now you can just tap the block for new bolts. They can even be SAE if you like.

Black 996 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:21

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I hope that jerk still has some assets left to support a judgment should you prevail.

macanamera > Patrick George 07/23/2014 at 15:21

7

You brokeded it.

 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:22

0

Sue that mother fucker!

SheriffTruman > nugget-australia 07/23/2014 at 15:22

3

Honestly at this point, it is probably best to sue for whatever the max in small claims court for damages, show the judge the teardown report, ask the shop to produce any manuals they have saying it is ok to use SAE bolts in metric holes, get what you can from them and roll.

RicksterR > Patrick George 07/23/2014 at 15:22

17

There needs to be a dedicated site that contains all this BS of so called "shops" and their mechanics. There are many out there still stealing money and getting away with it.. I myself can name a handful.

ohio991 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:22

0

Not a BMW guy at all , except for the E30's I love how they look.

But this goes beyond basic fraud, its attempted murder

thebigbossyboss > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:22

0

Wow. I can't believe he just holds customers cars hostage like that. Ridiculous. 2+ years in the shop????

As they say on espn football: CMON MAN!

macanamera > responsible-alcoholic 07/23/2014 at 15:22

0

lolol

Brian, The Life of > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:23

1

I think this is the most painful and rage-inducing stories about vehicle repair work I have ever read. Also, I do not blame you at all for any of this ... I can totally see how the Stockholm Syndrome thing could kick in after a while ... especially when you are so busy with your professional work. I can only hope that Eurohaus piece of shit gets what he deserves and is never in a position to do that to anyone else.

Here's to smooth sailing for you and your awesome car from here on out!

Matt Fast > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:23

0

Should I read this? No. I should not. It will feel very bad.

...

*cringe*

...

*eyes glued to screen can't pull away*

cream wobbly > zonecontroller 07/23/2014 at 15:23

1

He explained elsewhere he was getting his practice established, so didn't have a lot of downtime to deal with this kind of crap. (And now you'll probably say they were doing him a favour then, if he didn't have time to drive it anyway...)

borkbork69 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:24

1

you seriously spent $12,700 on a 1988 3 series _knowing_ you needed to put at least another $12k into it and not only got snookered out of that but another $13k to fix the fix?

I have a bridge in brooklyn I'd like to sell you.

seriously, a good used 318 is like $3k, hop up the engine, throw shocks and tires on it and drive the crap out of it for another $3k, drive it like you stole it till the engine blows, drop in another junkyard engine, wash, rinse repeat about 15 times and you will still be in the black.

Fleetwood T. Brougham > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:25

0

Sorry man, sort of been there before, but not to this extent. If Korman wasn't too far too drive for round 2, why didn't you just choose them for round one?

DipodomysDeserti > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:25

41

You have got to be the most patient person ever.

StevenG > Mattbob 07/23/2014 at 15:25

0

Why would you not just reuse the old bolts in that situation, can't be worse than using the wrong ones.

crowmolly > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:26

3

I am extremely sorry to hear about your experience. I hope this guy gets what's coming to him. You seem like a nice guy and don't deserve this type of treatment.

What is very sad is that these types of stories are not unheard of. Restoration shops in particular are notorious for taking payment and not producing. It's always "RAH RAH RAH I wouldn't stand for that and would kick him in the nuts etc" until it's YOUR stuff in build hell and you need to be tactful to get anything. Especially if places that work on your stuff are few and far between. Been there, done that.

I really, really, really loathe it when arrogant/poor shops make huge mistakes building engines or transmissions and say "well you should have brought it back to me!" when you attack them for a bad job. Well, asshole, if you can't hot-tank a block properly what makes you think I have any faith in any of your skills? You are bad at your job and you're out. You can pay to get it fixed elsewhere or I will sue you for damages. Here's a registered letter saying so.

It sounds like you have gotten a lawyer- good, and I wish you the very best of luck.

cream wobbly > StevenG 07/23/2014 at 15:26

1

I trust Korman is documenting this, which could then be used as evidence in court. Maybe even someone from Korman stand as witness.

vwtypeiii > heeltoehero 07/23/2014 at 15:27

0

Nope, after 2 months, I would have been there with a trailer or at least demanded he respect his own deadlines/estimates. Even if I didn't do that, I certainly wouldn't keep paying the guy! Come on, two hours away is NOT that far at all, he let this happen to himself (to some extent anyway).

titsinmymitts > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:27

2

I really feel for you, man. I'm getting jerked around by Ford on my ST (sorry fellow Jalops..I know I bring this up a LOT) and it is a terrible feeling.

I know how it feels when all you want to do is enjoy your car yet something is stopping you.

macanamera > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:27

0

Yo, since this got FP'd you might wanna blur your name on your FB review...I probably would if it was me.

Then again I just assume everyone on the internet is evil and dangerous.

S14 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:27

2

This is heartbreaking and infuriating. All new e30M3 owners need to take heed of this story. Even an honest shop isn't likely to have the experience to do the right job rebuilding a precious S14 motor. In the 12yrs or so I've owned mine, I've let very few mechanics work on it and when it comes time to rebuild, I will not think twice to trailer the car to an out of state shop.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > DipodomysDeserti 07/23/2014 at 15:28

43

Doctors have patients (sic)

Old joke

KurtAKX > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:28

0

Pretty sure I could've done a better job rebuilding that engine.

n54 & s38 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:29

0

Shit, this is terrible. Like you, I also have a predilection for old BMWs. I'm suddenly reconsidering the 1990 E34 M5 I'm looking at....

Battery Tender Unnecessary > macanamera 07/23/2014 at 15:29

2

Meh, if they go to his page they'll see it anyway.

StevenG > cream wobbly 07/23/2014 at 15:29

3

I think if they have the SAE bolts and evidence they were used in the rebuild that should be an open and shut case.

First Witness: We found SAE bolts on the M3.

*Gasps from Jury*

Judge: I sentence you to death!

Defendant: This is a civil trial.

Judge: Don't care, off to the gallows you go.

News reports that night: The Judge showed the utmost restraint only having the defendant executed by hanging and not a death by torture or being set on fire.

G/O Sucks > RicksterR 07/23/2014 at 15:29

9

Yep. I had my Miata's engine destroyed by a Valvoline oil change shop — They stripped my oil plug then tried to cover it up by wedging a shop rag in and letting me go as oil poured out. Eight hours later, it ran dry on a highway at 4000 rpm.

NEVER use Valvoline Oil Change. Still trying to get them to pay for it, a year later...

scotschris > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:29

0

I believe that this is a sister company to EuroBahn Motorsport, based in Greensboro, NC. I went to visit them a couple of times about different 330ci's. I actually put a deposit on one of them over the phone, got there and it had rear quarter panel damage which wasn't reported and I had specifically asked about it. Obviously didn't take the car, apologies were made and a promise that they had another one coming in. Traveled back to see them about this one and it had a new front end on it..

Checked reviews online when I got home and the kicking of myself started!

jsmizira > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:30

0

If that shop that is doing the rebuild is Korman then you are in great hands. If it has a roundel and is old those guys know it and have raced it. SAE bolts...smh.

MazdaMonkey > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:31

21

This totally sucks. I feel for you, as I have gotten similar treatment from companies in the past. Sometimes you are so invested that it is hard to pull out. You just want things finished so you can move on.

I will say, though, that it is common practice in the industry for a shop to want to take a look at a car again when the customer is complaining about bad work. If I owned a shop and someone called 2 years after we rebuilt their sports car and complained of an issue, I would want to see the car as well before agreeing to pay for anything (although I wouldn't do such terrible work in the first place, necessitating said call). Again, your treatment was terrible, but I dont think he was being totally unreasonable wanting to see the car to try and make it right before agreeing to refund anything (especially when you drove the car for 2 years after they completed work). For all he knows, you could have been wheel-to-wheel racing it every weekend for those two years.

Also, I highly recommend not engaging him on the internet or by posting articles about him while you have a pending court case. Everything you say could be used as evidence in your case. If you misstated a fact here or somewhere else, even if small, it could be used to discredit you later during a cross-examination. Don't give him free points (although it looks like he is digging himself a deeper hole with his facebook posts!).

TheBaron2112 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:31

0

Wow.

Just... wow...

There are no words for this. 2 years at the shop. And some cars are there for 4? How are they still in business?

MachineReplica > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:32

0

I don't want to be an arm chair lawyer, but here's my opinion.

I feel like there has to be a way to get some of or all of your money back. He had a business license when you dropped the car off for the work. Then again, I don't know if it is worth your time or lawyer fees. I'm very sorry to see what happened, and I know your pain, albeit with much less expensive vehicles.

Did this guy not warranty his work?

Doug DeMuro > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:32

11

Amazing story. So sorry it all happened. Here's hoping at least the car ends up finished and perfect, and that you're able to recover at least some of your losses. If it's any consolation, someday that $11k might be completely erased by appreciation in the car's value!

Dolemite > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:33

0

How does the good shop's rebuild cost compare to the shop that didn't know what they were doing?

Patrick George > RicksterR 07/23/2014 at 15:34

17

I got a few myself. I once took my old WRX to a shop that was supposed to change my tranny fluid but didn't put any new fluid back in. Then when I complained they whined about how mean their customers can be.

DipodomysDeserti > Battery Tender Unnecessary 07/23/2014 at 15:35

3

Heyyy ohhhh, you're the funniest dentist ever too.

zonecontroller > cream wobbly 07/23/2014 at 15:35

1

no, i just think he is a HUGE sucker with no common sense... years of being brushed off and he just keeps inquiring for an update on his m3. is he a robot? is he mentally handicapped?

it sounds like something that would happen to a non english speaker

really absurd that he never pulled the plug or initiated a lawsuit or did anything

basically he laid down and got fucked. its on him

zonecontroller > heeltoehero 07/23/2014 at 15:36

0

you're a fucking pussy if you feel that way