Why to think twice, when considering a BMW. Highly disappointing experience!

<p>I drive a 120i, '09 model with only 140 000 on the clock. My car was due for a service and I booked it in at Cedar Isle Auto early Wednesday morning on 26 April 2017. I was told that they are so busy I might not have a car for the long weekend, which was the case. When I booked the vehicle for the service I also mentioned that they have a look, as I got a Coolant warning light - there was no other issues with the car. Friday morning, the 28th, the service consultant only tried to contact me once to advise that they need a go-ahead to continue with the repairs as I needed a new radiator and cooling hoses, new brake pads, new power steering, with the pump, etc. I have a warranty policy with an external provider and they could not pay the amount that Cedar Isle quoted. I therefore sent an e-mail notifying the service consultant to "PREP" the vehicle for collection because I was advised to do the repairs elsewhere. I got an e-mail saying: Noted. On arrival, the 2nd of May, to collect the vehicle I was told to wait in the coffee station while they bring the car out, the service advisor handed me the key and said that the vehicle was ready. TO MY DISGUST, I discovered later that night that the vehicle had NO lights at the back as I was reversing out of the parking when someone told me that nothing is on at the back, I also found it very strange that after I collected the vehicle it sounded way too loud when I accelerate and there was smoke. When I got out, that night, to investigate I confirmed that there was definitely no lights and when I opened the book, the parts were laying in the boot, the light fittings, with the bulbs AND the engine cover was in my boot. I WAS FURIOUS!!! I had to drive home with no indicators, no rear lights except for the number plate lights and I could clearly see smoking coming out of the exhaust - which was NOT the case before I took it in for the service. My main concern is still, did they do something to the vehicle that they did not correct, in the workshop??!! The next morning I went to Cedar Isle and asked for the dealer principal, she welcomed me into her office and I raised my concerns, eventhough she apologised for the negligence - no compensation was granted. I went back last week Friday, the 5th and then spoke to the service manager to ask if they could further reduce the repair costs as compensation and to inquire as to why the car is smoking and what the ridiculous idling sound from the front is, because apart from their mess up with not fitting everything back and the smoke emitting from the exhaust, there is currently a strange sound coming from the bonet. SHOCKINGLY, the service manager insinuated that I consider buying a new vehicle and said the car will now start giving me problems, after I already told him that I would like to keep the vehicle eventhough another one will be added in the next few months. Which is the blatant truth, I want to keep the 120i and add another car soon but now I have lost a drastic amount of faith in BMW as a whole! Now tell me, how can a good running vehicle suddenly have ample issues AFTER a service. What did they do??! And what sort of faith are they showing in their vehicles if they tell a client to consider a new vehicle? So suddenly 140 000 k's is a run-down vehicle?! I eventually left BMW with no good news and in even a worse off mood. This has surely left a bad taste and a very humiliating experience. To think, I took a vehicle in for a service and possible repairs that never had any issues, to now driving a BMW that smokes ridiculously and gives off a loud and very concerning sound when the engine is running. I will really think twice before buying a bmw and even advising bmw drivers I know, to take their vehicles to Cedar Isle. I actually took a video of the smoke, which is getting worse and pictures - that night - of how the part were just left in the boot. Pictures I have now decided to post on social media and spread the word. I have tried to go into the dealership and have them sort it out, politely so but now I am done running after BMW. I don't care how much more humiliating it will look if I post the pictures but enough is enough, and maybe I can save someone else the grief. It is probably a good time to consider Merc or Audi.</p>