Blown BMW engine whilst in the care of Autoworks Strand.

Blown BMW engine whilst in the care of Autoworks Strand.

Autoworks Strand had serviced our vehicles since 2015 with no issues, we recommended their service and were overall very happy... until something went wrong and Autoworks went silent, disputed liability, ignored our calls and requests for meetings. Even after a ruling in our favour by MIOSA we did not get a response from Autoworks Strand.

Our incident happened in 2017 - im sure they have all but forgotten about us, but the fact that in 2019 we still pay for a car that we do not have, that they destroyed, and are paying multiple debts incurred due to their negligence it is still a constant reminder of their poor service and lack of integrity.

The Vehicle a BMW was serviced only by Autoworks Strand from 2015 when the service plan expired.

My husbands BMW engine light came on and he immediately took the vehicle to Autoworks, they did repair and car was fine for a few weeks. The engine light came on again and vehicle went into limp mode, car was taken directly to Autoworks.

Whilst in their care they cleared the fault and drove the vehicle to Milnerton to their service provider for the FRM module (they thought this could be the problem). The service provider for FRM module was too busy and an appointment was not made so they turned the vehicle away on the return trip on the N2 the engine blew.

When we were called and advised of the news the first thought was: why was the car being driven when the engine light had came on and the car was in limp mode? We requested to speak to the driver of the vehicle at the time to get more info and this was denied. We requested to sit with Jonathan who was the manager at the time and he advised us he was instructed not to speak with us until the owner was present. A few days later we met with the owner and the manager and advised that this was not acceptable. He was not interested and advised they had not worked on the components that lead to the engine failing. We asked why they had cleared the faults but not actually repaired anything and driven the car such a vast distance knowing the engine light was on and that was the primary reason we took the vehicle in. We advised we were not happy with the reasoning and we needed to take the matter further if he was not being helpful. He then advised us of how knowledgeable he is in the field and that he was a specialist and we were not, so we could take the matter further but did not stand a chance.

With a blown engine, the car was useless and we needed to do something, we asked what was next and were advised that if we purchase a new engine they would reduce the labour costs to fit it.

We purchased an engine and delivered it to Autoworks we were billed and settled the bill for labour. We were still trying to discuss a way forward and possible assistance with the new engine. Each time we were dismissed. We needed the car so at this point had no choice but to outlay the funds.

A few days later the car gave more issues we took the vehicle back. eventually after receiving no support we contacted BMW. BMW gave a report of the bad workmanship on the vehicle, bolts holding the engine were the incorrect size there were nuts and *****s that were the incorrect size some were sawn off to fit and a list of other issues. Again we contacted Auoworks and requested they meet with us and BMW to discuss. This meeting was declined and Autoworks advised they wanted nothing more to do with the vehicle or us.

We paid BMW to repair the bad workmanship and to get the vehicle running.

We took the matter to the RMI. the local representative to this day has not returned our calls or emails. We then went to the RMI General Manager who was helpful in our plight and advised the steps to take if we wanted the RMI to investigate. When I explained the situation the owner of Autoworks is actually the Chairman of some or other portfolio of the RMI. I advised I found that this was biased and that we would not get a fair investigation. I was advised that the RMI is a mediation body and they could only try to mediate between the parties. Autoworks Strand declined any discussions, refused to meet and denied liability.

We then went to the Motor Industry Ombudsman, who had the following to say: In terms of Section 54 subsection 1 (d) of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 German Autoworks Pty Ltd should have been liable to repair Mr C's vehicle to at least the same condition that he delivered it to them. Therefore the vehicles engine failed while in the care of German Autoworks Pty Ltd and therefore they were liable.

We were advised to seek legal action as MIOSA to cannot solicit refunds. We did consider taking it further but after the large expenditure already outlaying further funds with no guarantees was risky and we didn't have anymore financial means.

Strangely and it may be coincidental but at this time the manager was replaced. We are reasonable people and accidents happen, a bad decision was made and the result was the engine blew - workshops have insurance for negligence and this matter could have been resolved amicably. The car was in their care they made the decision to drive a vehicle with an engine fault. At any time they could have advised they would prefer not to attempt to fix the vehicle. They could have put the car on a flatbed to Milnerton. There were many other options that would not have resulted in a blown engine. They made the decision - even if it was with good intentions, and they ultimately damaged the vehicle and did not take responsibility.

I would not recommend Autoworks Strand because if something were to go wrong in any capacity they would not be open to resolution of any kind even if they are wrong or found to be responsible for damages.