Complaints

This profile includes complaints for BMW of Columbia's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  BMW of Columbia

  250 Killian Commons Pkwy Columbia, SC 29203-9131

  
• 

  BMW of Columbia

  5919 Two Notch Rd Columbia, SC 29223-7224

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/13/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 12\12\2024 I purchased a used car from BMW of Columbia, 250 Killian Commons Parkway, Columbia, SC 29203. As of 2\12\2025, 9 full weeks later, I still have no title to the vehicle. I cannot register the vehicle without the title. The temporary tag expired 1\26\2025. This dealership has put me in a position where I cannot legally drive the car. The dealership has told me repeatedly that I will have the title by a day\date certain, but those were all lies. I'm seeking monetary relief, including for a trip to Ohio that I now cannot make.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/13/2025

  The registration was delayed due to a delay on the previous lender not providing the title to BMW of Columbia.  We final received the title on 1/29/2025.  The paperwork was delivered to the DMV on 01/31/2025.  The car was registered with the ***** ******** DMV on 2/06/2025.   BMW of Columbia sent the tag and registration to Mr. *** via *** ** on 2/10/2025.  The title will be sent to Mr. *** by the **DMV not BMW of Columbia.  The estimated time is tow to three weeks.  Mr. ***'s  car is titled, registered, and is legal to drive.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/14/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Was looking to purchase an X3 from this dealership in late November. Was given a price and was looking at different deals on financing vs purchasing the vehicle in cash. The dealership was advertising 3 months of no payments, which I knew was a sales trick as the interest would accumulate during that no payment period and I was correct in this assumption. However, the salesman had informed me that I would be paying a 2.99% interest rate during the first few months as a part of their promotion before the eventual >7% interest would take effect and at which point I would have already paid off the vehicle. So we agreed on the sale with the loan over the cash payment. However, both my loan information from the bank and my plate/registration were never delivered to my home and I received no email contact from the bank either. I work out of state and sometimes there are delays in processing but after 2 months I was getting concerned and then returned to the dealership to inquire. They were unable to figure out where the license plate was during the first inquiry, but were able to provide me with the financial institution's account number for the loan. After immediately pulling up the loan information I had already accumulated over $680 in interest of a >7% interest rate. I then returned for a second inquiry to meet with the manager about why the interest rate was already accumulating at >7%. After meeting with the manager, he explained that they provided a $3000 rebate in place of the 2.99% interest rate without informing me during the sale. It's also hard to quantify a $3000 rebate from an unknown price tag on the vehicle itself as this is a common sales tactic to make it seem as if the price was reduced when it wasn't really changed. The lack of transparency of this without my consent is the main reason for this complaint. They were able to rectify my plate/registration issue after discovering it was never issued, which is also a concern.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/14/2025

  First as for the Tag issue, There was an address discrepancy because Mr. ******* did not inform the DMV of an address change which caused a mix-up with the DMV.  As for the interest rate, there was no 2.99% available from any bank including the Manufacture.  There was a Manufacture special rate of 2.99% on selected 2024 Models.  The $3000 rebate is a manufacture rebate not a BMW of Columbia Rebate.  This rebate is exclusive to Military personnel.  Due to Mr. ******* only financing for a short time this was the best program we had for price reduction.  I will be happy to show Mr.******* how the programs are applied.  All pricing clearly shows the discount coming off of the MSRP which is set by BMW not by BMW of Columbia.  We do not increase the price of a BMW and we do not play games with discounts as assumed by Mr. *******.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/14/2025

  First as for the Tag issue, There was an address discrepancy because Mr. ******* did not inform the DMV of an address change which caused a mix-up with the DMV.  As for the interest rate, there was no 2.99% available from any bank including the Manufacture.  There was a Manufacture special rate of 2.99% on selected 2024 Models.  The $3000 rebate is a manufacture rebate not a BMW of Columbia Rebate.  This rebate is exclusive to Military personnel.  Due to Mr. ******* only financing for a short time this was the best program we had for price reduction.  I will be happy to show Mr.******* how the programs are applied.  All pricing clearly shows the discount coming off of the MSRP which is set by BMW not by BMW of Columbia.  We do not increase the price of a BMW and we do not play games with discounts as assumed by Mr. *******.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/07/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On June 26, 2024 BWM Roadside picked up my car during my vacation because it was completely disabled. The towed my vehicle to BMW Columbia. After several attempts it was finally determined that the part needed had to be shipped from Germany and would be two weeks. Meanwhile I had to get rental car transportation to get back home and get back to work. Finally on July 3, 2024 the BMW engineering team approved the diagnosis and the part being ordered. On July 3 I sent proof of ownership to the dealership. I was told 2 weeks for the part to arrive. I called back 2 weeks later to find out “they were still waiting for proof of ownership”. The part was finally ordered around July 17 with a 2 week delivery. Finally on August 10th the dealership deemed my car repair complete. My car was picked up by a carrier which was supposed to bring it back to my house. After almost six days of sitting on a truck in a used car dealership in South Carolina they shipped it to a local dealership in Michigan. I had to take an hour **** ride to pick it up. I have suffered 2800 dollars in rental car expenses alone and roadside can only reimburse up to $1000. I have not had any success through this entire process getting clear answers from the dealership service department, service manager, general manager, etc. Not one person has been willing to help me or even return my phone calls. Everything that was accomplished was through me contacting Bloomfield Hills BMW and their willingness to help a customer in need. My car is fully covered under warranty and the repair was a defect DME (electronic brain) and was nothing in my control or of my fault. I was without a car from June 26th until August 17th, almost 8 weeks. I have documented every communication to them and every communication and lack there of along the way. I am completely disappointed with the lack of accountability, I was told on several occasions that my rental car would be taken care of, my job was at risk without transport.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/05/2024

  Much of this complaint should be directed to BMW of North America. BMW of Columbia should have done a better job of communication with Ms. *****.  We at the dealership level do not have control over back order parts nor do we have control over transportation through BMW road side assistance.  We did what we could do to assist Ms. ***** in this unfortunate situation.   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/03/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was billed for service that I didn’t have done. I bought my car in there for a recall purposes just to find out they didn’t have a part. I booked my appointment through BMW of America.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/03/2024

  Not sure what Ms. ****** is referring to.  The last time we show the 2011 BMW 328 in our shop was 05-22-2023.  There was no charge.  Before that there was a charge for an oil change on 01-19-2023 for $99.95.  We will be happy to assist Ms. ******.  All that we need is a receipt showing that we charged her for service.  Our records show no charges were collected the last time she was here.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/03/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My review may not mean anything to this company but here is my experience. i order a key on 9/17/2024 and was told this high dollar key replacement would take 3 to 5 bus days and I would receive a call. It is 09/26/2024 I have called everyday since 09/23/2024 and after all the apologies I am still without a status racked up $300 in Ubers and $200 in tows later still not even a phone call. I understand my business isn't important to you by the way I am being ignored. As the viewers can see I was contacted today I will keep you posted. 09/27/2024 I still don't have my key. update 10/01/2024 still no key or any call from bmw/update no call no key 10/02/2024 i have been calling daily at this point for the key. was never able to hear from GM sent email to him and asked for him each time i called.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/03/2024

  TI have copied Zac on this email chain.  I have asked him to provide you the documentation that the key was ordered.  At this time we do not have a status on when the key will be here.  We have to order a key from BMW North America which is not our company.  We do not have the ability to make keys on sight.  The feedback on our inquiries about the key you ordered is that it is on backorder.  We have expressed our concern with BMW North America.  We want to get you your key ASAP.  We do not want you to be without a key.  Please see attached documentation showing when we ordered the key and our last follow up which was today.  On that document you will see that there is no availability and that there is 94 ordered keys in the USA at this time.  We apologize for the inconvenience.  .

  This is the email I sent Ms. *******.  We are a franchise.  We order BMW parts through BMW North America Parts Distribution.  Unfortunately the key she is requesting is on back order at this time.

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/20/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I leased a vehicle from this Dealership and at the end of lease I bought the vehicle for 55,900.15. The money was taken out of my checking account on June 14. Paid if full. I telephoned SC DMV regarding my title status and was told that BMW still had a lein on my vehicle. Ergo I cannot sell a vehicle I don't own. Accordingly I want my money back. I made 6 phone calls to what I thought was the dealership but was talking to someone in another state. Finally got someone in the showroom who indicated that they would check with the title person. Have not heard anything back. I called BMW financial services and asked if they had a lein on my vehicle and they hung up on me. This is awlful and I need compensation or the title ASAP

  Business Response

  Date: 06/20/2024

  In the State of South Carolina a dealership has 45 days to execute a title.  Mr. ***** purchased his lease back on June 14th.  The car was paid off on June 17th.  BMW Financial Services will send the title to BMW of Columbia and we will  then send needed paperwork to the DMV.  We will expedite the process on our end as quick as possible.  So far there has been only 3 business days form the day he purchased his lease return and when I am writing this response.  BMW of Columbia will do everything in our power to expedite the title process as soon as possible.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/22/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My car was serviced for an oil change on 1/26/2024. On 1/27/2024 I noticed a burning smell and my car was making a squealing noise. I originally thought the burning smell was just maybe some oil leaked on and it was just burning off. I thought the squealing sound was my breaks. A few weeks pass I continue to smell something burning and the squealing continued but it only did it every so often. The squealing got louder and o started to see my car smoking so I took my car back to BMW yo have them check it out. I was informed that my valve cover needed to be replaced. Usually when I go to bmw the customer service is always great and I usually get a video of the work being performed on my car. When I got my oil changed on 1/26/2024 there was no video sent to me. I have had no issues with my car until this oil change was done and I think it was something the technician did and did not tell anyone while going my oil change. I asked to speak with a manager and he was just as rude. He talked to me like I was a child and did not hear my concern nor was he trying to be helpful. I mentioned to him why I didn’t get a video when my oil was changed he said that was his technicians fault. They are trying to charge me $2700 for something that they caused. I feel like I was targeted because I’m a female and they thought I didn’t know any better. I will be filing a civil suit against them in this matter. But I think bmw should be liable for these damages.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/22/2024

  This BMW X5 is a 2018 with 135360 miles on it.  When Ms. ***** came back in to check on the X5 "smoking" we showed her where her Valve Cover Gasket was leaking.  From the video that we did take it is apparent that the leak was preexisting.  Gaskets deteriorate over  time and usage.  It is common for a BMW X6 with 135360 miles on it to have leaking seals and gaskets.  The implied tampering with Ms. *****s BMW X5 is unfounded.  We offered Ms. ***** a discount for repairs, however she refused.   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/22/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: No one Ever mentioned to me about a discount on services. The manager I spoke with was very rude, kept reiterating to me that because of the year and mileage that these things would occur with this vehicle in which I understand and speaking to me as if I was clueless to what he was saying. I have been a loyal customer of BMW for several years and has never had any issues. Any time my car has been serviced they have made me aware of things that should be taken care or any problems they see related to my vehicle. I do suspect tampering. It very well could have been an accident on the technicians behalf and I understand things happen. I had issues right away after my car was serviced by BMW and no video proof of what was done. I found that very strange after being sent videos any other time my car has been serviced. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 04/02/2024

  We will assist you in repairs on your BMW.  We did not cause the issues you are having with your BMW.  

   

  Sam R*******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/15/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  10/2023 i purchased a $5,000 extended service contract with this dealership. Everything was fine until 1/2024, I noticed i was being charged twice for the monthly installments. I contacted Jeremy Easterling to resolve this, as he is who i was working with. It’s not only hard to get a clear response from Jeremy but also hard to get any resolution. It is now 2 months later and this hasn’t been resolved. I contacted the contract servicer, and they told me the dealership needs to give authority to cancel, the customer cannot do it. However, the servicer did stop the payments so my card wouldn’t be double charged while the issue was ongoing. Then, i got a notice from the servicer that the account is past due (since the payments were stopped). I called the servicer and said the dealership still hasn’t resolved this duplicate account issue, but can you put an administrative hold on the account? They said no, we don’t have the authority and if the past due status remains like this, they will send the account to collections WHICH WILL IMPACT MY CREDIT SCORE. This is so frustrating. Meanwhile, i still am not getting any clear answers from the dealership on why it’s taking so long to review my account and see that i only have 1 contract and the duplicate account needs to be closed and refunded for the double charges. It’s been 2 months? This issue should not take more than an hour from the dealership to resolve. So now my credit is at risk for something that was never my fault? And the dealership cannot do anything? Everyone at the dealership keeps pointing fingers at someone else and no one wants to put any effort to make the customer whole again. They are so quick to take your money, but when there’s problems associated, they give the customer nothing more than silence. This company has never been helpful, from it’s management to its administration and now i am stuck owing on 2 accounts when it should be just 1. Please fix this. It’s been 2months!!!

  Business Response

  Date: 03/15/2024

  The issue has been resolved.  The process was not handled properly from the beginning.  There was a breakdown in communication between the third party companies involved with this transaction.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/27/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  Thank you for your response.  I am wondering if you could possibly provide the documentation that *** has provided you?  I have called *** and they advised that they will be issuing me a refund; however, they will NOT close the account because they are waiting for the dealership to provide them with a check for the refunded amount.  Only then will they close the account.  This was told to me on Monday.  I am not sure if BMW of Columbia has sent the check since it's now been about two weeks since BMW told me they "resolved" the issue?  If so, could confirmation of that be given as well?  Thanks.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ****

  Business Response

  Date: 04/02/2024

  The Copy of the check that I emailed to personal account was the check that we overnighted to ***.

   

  Sam R*******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/08/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a Lexus UX250h from BMW of Colombia. VIN: *****************. It was not a great experience and I have been trying to work with the dealership directly to remedy the poor buying experience. I have emailed Daniel Bostic several times who contacted me after the salesperson Mike L********* was unable to do much of anything -- but Daniel has stopped responding to my emails. When I emailed him on 12/6/2023 and 12/7/2023, he did not respond. Then when I emailed him on 12/8/2023, I received an automatic reply that his mailbox was full. I can only assume that he is now avoiding me and has blocked my communication. This is unacceptable and is the reason why I am now perusing this through the Better Business Bureau. I look forward to resolving all of my complaints in a swift and professional matter so that all parties can move forward. Please provide an update on the following: 1. When should I expect tag/title information from Georgia DDS? Have you sent all of the information to them? I would like detailed information. 2. When should I expect the check for the detail reimbursement which was agreed upon due to the poor condition of the interior? (Tracking #?) 3. When should I expect the check for the break fluid, air filters, oil change, etc which was agreed upon due to the lack of proper work done on the vehicle prior to sale? (Tracking #?) The dealership has satisfied my two other items: They sent the paperwork electronically after I asked them repeatedly over the course of a week. It should not have taken this long but ok. I also received the $4,500 trade in check on 12/7/2023. Please respond IN-WRITING via the BBB platform for my records. *******

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2023

  All issues have been taken care of.  Some of the complaints take time.

   

  Sam

  Business Response

  Date: 12/26/2023

  We will be happy to trade you out of the car.  When purchasing a Used Car there will be defects.  We have provided you additional compensation for said defects.  

  Best Regards,

  Sam R*******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/26/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  

  I reject the response for the following reason:

  While I understand that I did purchase a pre-owned car, as I mentioned in my previous message, the used sales car manager told me with full confidence that the cosmetic defects in the car would come out with a detail. This includes the poor discoloration of the interior door panel, the scratches and dents in the front hood, and the discoloration of the leather seats. The car was sold to me under the auspicies that it was in "good" condition. These defects did not improve after the BMW detail and a private party detail. They will not come out of the car. Therefore, I feel like I was lied to by the used sales car manager. If I had known this information that the defects would not come out with a detail, I would not have purchasd the car AT THE PRICE LISTED. I would have instead negotiated for a better price, or went to a different dealership.
  
  Suggested Solution: After consulting Kelly Blue Book and their rating of the vehicle, I believe that the car instead falls under "fair" condition. I would like to receive  compensation for actual condition of the vehicle. I would like to suggest $1,500 in compensation which I believe will accurately represent the true condition of the car. I have attached a Kelly Blue Book value which shows the value of the car  rated at 'FAIR'.
  
  While I appriciate the offer to trade in for another car at your dealership, I cannot accept this because you do not have another Lexus UX 250h in stock, and this is the car that I want to drive. Had I not purchased the Lexus UX 250h at your dealership, I would have done so at another dealership. I had several other options availalbe to me.

  I will consider this matter closed once the car is accurately priced. I have had the car checked out at Lexus and mechanically it is fine. Therefore, I am open to keeping the car. However, if I go to sell the car in the future, I will take a hit based upon the "fair" condition of the car.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/09/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 03 Aug 2023, I took my 2005 BMW 545I to BMW of Columbia to have my vehicle serviced due to a stripped drain plug, After conducting diagnostic, service agent recommended getting all the valves, gaskets and seals done, replace 2 rear tires, wiper blades, replace battery and a coolant Y pipe. I was charged $10465.23 for labor and $2620.01 for parts. Vehicle wasnt ready till 6 September. I went to pick up vehicle on or around 18/20 September. Although I was quoted a different price, I paid for the services BMW stated they had done. When I left BMW driving the vehicle home, vehicle went into limp mode, stating transmission issues, dynamic stability issues, and another sensor code. Again, BMW had the vehicle for over a month, vehicle did not previous have these issues. I took vehicle back to BMW on 22 September, now I was sent an estimate of another $1700 plus to fix problems most likely BMW caused, I go to pick up vehicle, it is now 04 November 2023. They send me a service fee of $3800 plus, now I am complaining with them pleading that how does a simple fix of a drain plug leak, turn into over $16000.00 plus of services and my car is not operational after being serviced by BMW. There visibly is oil leaking in engine, engine cover wasn't even screwed back on. My chief problem. I am out $16000.00, but more importantly, the car is inoperable, want even start, when again, it was functioning just fine, I just needed the oil leak from drain plug fixed!!!

  Business Response

  Date: 11/20/2023

  The BMW inquisition is a 2005.  We have explained each repair to the customer.  We advised him that fixing his car would cost more than it was worth in value.  This BMW had much more wrong with it than the drain plug.  We are in the process of working with the customer concerning additional repairs.