Aftermarket vs. Factory BMW parts

California Congresswoman takes saw to vehicle safety parts
California Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) launched her exploration of the structural differences between certain vehicle safety parts by sawing through an aftermarket reinforcement bar in her San Mateo district office in May. The reciprocating saw she used didn’t dent the bar from the vehicle manufacturer.

Speier, author of California's anti-steering law, stated, "I'm concerned that vehicle owners who've been in an accident are unaware that replacing a reinforcement bar with one not designed by the manufacturer may compromise the safety of vehicle occupants in a subsequent collision. Airbag deployment can be thrown off by a reinforcement bar that doesn't absorb shock in the way intended by the vehicle manufacturer."

Speier conducted the test with the help of two collision industry experts: Lee Amardio, president of the Collision Repair Association of California and Allen Wood, the association’s executive director. Amaradio stated, "The congresswoman has always taken time to hear our industry's concerns. The issue of aftermarket safety parts is of national importance. Hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners are driving around in repaired cars that won't withstand a collision the way the manufacturer intended." Speier said that the use of vehicle safety aftermarket parts have been pushed by certain insurers that apparently want to save money without regard for passenger safety. "I am opposed to reengineering a vehicle through the claims process," she said. "Parts such as reinforcement bars that affect the vehicle safety restraint system should not be replaced by parts of inferior quality."

She said she would be contacting the appropriate regulators to determine what is being done to inform consumers about the installation of aftermarket safety parts. She said she was also concerned about reports that many inferior aftermarket parts are made overseas and shipped to the United States without adequate manufacturer information stamped on the parts, as required by California law.

"My first step will be to assess how well California and federal laws covering vehicle repair, including insurance benefits for collision work, are being enforced," stated Speier. "Additionally, I want to determine the extent to which unsafe parts made overseas are finding their way into shops in this country."
Speier invited interested parties to contact her district director, Richard Steffen, at 650-342-0300.
Publish date: May 18, 2010 on http://www.search-autoparts.com/

BMW Service Experience at East Bay BMW

"My service advisor, Jim Burke, was totally awesome!! I was able to get a "loaner" vehicle, thanks Jim and Ryan:-) I moved just south of Half Moon Bay, CA last year and I went to the BMW Dealership closest to me (I won't mention their name) to make an appt. for the work I needed done. I thought all BMW's are the same & I would be treated great as I've always experienced at the Pleasanton BMW, plus It would save me time not having to drive 85 miles one way. Unfortunately, It was the exact opposite of Pleasanton BMW. It took quite a while to be acknowledged & when asking for an estimate on the service, I felt like it was an inconvenience to the service advisor who was helping me. It was definitely worth the 170 mile round -trip go out Pleasanton!!!!"

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2005 BMW 325i Sedan

East Bay BMW signs up for Costco Auto Program

East Bay BMW has joined four Costco Warehouses--Livermore, Danville, Hayward and Antioch to offer exclusive BMW discounts to Costco members on New 2009 model BMW's.



Visit the Livermore Costco at the Airway Boulevard Exit off I580 to find a BMW X5 on display.



The Costco Auto Program's primary goal is to consistently provide Costco members with value and superior customer service. With continuous and careful research, the Costco Auto Program established low prearranged pricing with East Bay BMW to save Costco members on the purchase of a New BMW, Service and Parts.



How the Program Works:
Call 1-800-800-5778 or visit http://www.costco.com/ and search "auto save". With the Costco Auto Program, all vehicles come equipped with savings, service and value.

Customer Testimonial about Service Visit at East Bay BMW

"Service Advisor Aaron Ginn's level of courtesy, explanation of charges and expertise is impressive and is much appreciated. Thanks Aaron and East Bay BMW!"

Ramana Gogineni
2007 BMW 328i Sedan