BMW of Reading

Review: The issue deals with my purchase of a pre-owned vehicle, VIN: [redacted]. I had found this on the internet went to the dealer location on May 15th 2013 to test drive and purchase the vehicle. The price negotiated was $37,400 for the advertised vehicle. As we were finalizing the paperwork, I was taken into a room to do so with sales representatives of the dealership. I was then told that an additional fee of $449 would be added to the negotiated total to pay for my purchase of the Security Guard system. I expressed my desire to have this removed as I didn't want to pay for an option I did not ask for, and I was told there was no way to remove it. I was subsequently forced to add $449 to my total purchase price, which I did so that I could leave with my vehicle. However, upon further review of the advertisement on my vehicle, "security system" was included in the installed ite**. The disclaimer only stated "Tax, Title, License Fee, Registration Fee, Dealer Documentary Fee, Finance Charges, Emission Testing Fees and Compliance Fees are additional to the advertised price." There was no mention of the additional cost of an already installed option. I raised this issue to the representative that assisted me on 25 May, and she assured me on 15 Jun that she would bring this to the attention of her sales management. I did not hear back for several months despite several attempts to contact the representative (**. Michele Grim) by phone, voicemail, and e-mails. Consequently, I wrote a letter to the management on 4 November 2013 expressing my concern and requesting the refund for $449. They responded on 11 December 2013 stating the security system advertised was different than the "Security Guard" installed tags which was warranty that I was subsequently charged for to be transferred to my name. If this was the case, it was not adequately explained to me, and I was never allowed to decline this option, which in the definition of an "option", should have been a choice for me to make while finalizing my purchase. It was clear to the representatives of BMW of Reading that this was something I did not want, but they never provided me with alternatives to paying for this service.Desired Settlement: I was charged for an option I never wished to have installed on my vehicle. I wish to decline this service in exchange for the $449 I was forced to pay.

BMW of Reading, PA should refund or equivalent compensation in the amount of $449 by check or credited back to the MasterCard used to make the purchase and transfer the Security Guard system out of my name.

Business

Response:

January 15, 2014

Dear **. [redacted]:

Thank you for informing us of **. [redacted]’s concern. We sincerely apologize for the oversight. We were aware that **. [redacted] wanted to cancel the Security Guard but neglected to complete the refund. Since receipt of your letter we have issued her a refund in the form of a check.

If I can be of further assistance, I can be reached at ###-###-####, ext [redacted] or email, [redacted].

Sincerely,