HELP! Am I being ripped off by this company in CA?

[DCBryan]

Guys and Gals:

Recently I found out that my engine has had little or no work on it even after being at:

Bavarian Engine Exchange,
3698 Omec Circle
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

(www.bavengine.com)for almost three (3) months, going on four (4).

Despite weekly calls I don't think they have even cracked the crate I shipped my engine on.

I am now getting calls on, "We need payment".

In which I reply, "Is my engine done and ready to be shipped back?"

They are responding that they need payment before they even begin work!

Is this the proper way to conduct business? Or am I just ignorant on engine rebuilding/payment procedures?

They seem quite inflexible and after two calls to the owner, Brice Eagle, CEO, I am getting return calls from the Operations manager, Nelson who seems to be a nice enough guy and has offered me the option of half payment to begin work.

Tommorrow, they are going to fax me a bill for $6,000.00+ dollars for a rebuilt M70 engine since my 1991 BMW 850i had an overheating problem and supposedly had cracked heads.

I checked with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and they have no unresolved complaints. I consulted with my attorney and he said to at least get a fully, descriptive invoice from them that includes all work and services to be performed.

QUESTIONS:

1) Have any of you had any positive AND ESPECIALLY negative experience with Bavarian Engine Exchange?
2) Is this proper procedure for engine rebuild shops?
3) Should I pay first so they can begin work?
4) Or should I have my motor shipped elsewhere?
5) Am I doing the right thing?
6) Is ther anything you can think of to help me resolve this issue?

Since there seems to be a misfeasance or even malfeaseance issue at hand, I am pretty upset that almost four (4) months later, they are not ready to ship back my engine as their services and sales literature on their website state (nice 5 year warranty).

Any advice would be much appreciated and I look forward to your responses.

Sincerely,

Chris Bryan
Little Rock, Arkansas
501-952-3632
dcbryan1@aol.com

[Jon '92 325ic]

I have no personal experience with them, but have read several posts regarding their service. Most were negative but several were positive as well.

Cash up front doesn't sound like normal operating procedure for engine work (or any auto work). Unless they are selling you a different engine and consider the one you mailed them a "core" deposit. In that case, cash upfront would make sense. It would also explain the delay, as they're certainly not going to ship a rebuilt engine before you pay them. Not defending the shop by any means, but perhaps it's a communication issue. They think you're buying another rebuilt engine from them in exchange for cash and rebuildable core. You think they're rebuilding your engine.

I know (from their website) that they rebuild engines and sell them for $ plus a rebuildable core. I haven't heard of them rebuilding a customers specific engine and then returning it. Too much downtime for the customer. By selling rebuilt engines, turnaround is quicker and the customer isn't without a working car for as long. There's also no pressure to rush the job.

[jim86325es]

make sure you post, MONTHLY, Yea you, MONTHLY, all your experiences with the outfit.

Anyone who takes your recommendations wil cost that company at least $3K or more in lost sales. Per person.

Just my $.02

[DCBryan]

[DCBryan]

Had good talk with company today, lots of communication.

Will post update tommorrow or THURS on resolution of situation.

I am having a friend stop by and "put a friendly face" on the issue and to check VIN numbers and stuff.

Will keep you posted....

Chris Bryan
Little Rock, AR