BS
BMW South Africa
Claimed Business
BS
BMW South Africa
Claimed Business
57 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Rated in:
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
BMW South Africa
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, BMW South Africa is facing significant customer dissatisfaction across most service touchpoints. Customers report repeated service failures, unresolved vehicle defects, poor communication from head office, and difficulties with recall handling. While isolated dealerships such as BMW Menlyn, BMW JHB South, and BMW Fourways receive praise for individual consultants, the broader experience reflects systemic accountability, transparency, and aftercare problems.
TrustIndex
2.3
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Based on recent customer reviews, BMW South Africa is facing significant customer dissatisfaction across most service touchpoints. Customers report repeated service failures, unresolved vehicle defects, poor communication from head office, and difficulties with recall handling. While isolated dealerships such as BMW Menlyn, BMW JHB South, and BMW Fourways receive praise for individual consultants, the broader experience reflects systemic accountability, transparency, and aftercare problems.
The most common complaint about BMW South Africa, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Communication & Aftercare. Customers consistently report being ignored by head office, no callbacks from BMW SA executives, unanswered emails, and complaints escalated without resolution. BMW On Call roadside assistance is described as unresponsive, and after-sales follow-up drops off entirely once issues arise.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had a terrible experience with BMW Pietermaritzburg when buying a car from Sbusiso Zondi. We agreed on a fixed all-inclusive budget, but the final deal included unwanted extras like VAPS and tyre cover (adding R20k) plus a R180k balloon payment, all of which I had explicitly rejected. My bank later uncovered these hidden costs that Sbu added without my permission, and I also discovered that Sbu had submitted financing enquiries to multiple banks without my consent or asking me if we could proceed. As someone who works at a bank, this made no sense since I could secure better rates directly, yet he went ahead and shared my documents with several banks without permission. The dealership promised to service the car before delivery, but I received it with torn seats and they confirmed they changed the battery. I enquired multiple times if they indeed changed the battery, as my BMW app kept giving errors of an unchanged battery. I decided to go to a different dealership and they confirmed the service wasn't done and the batter was last replaced three years ago, despite assurances otherwise. After a week of trading in my car(that they assessed), they asked me to claim under my insurance for a windscreen replacement on my trade-in since it would be more expensive for them to replace it on their side and would be cheaper if insurance pay and they just pay excess. Sbu then made arrangements directly with Glasfit PMB without my consent, took the car to be fixed and told them to send the bill to me to pay. Overall, the process was dishonest, misleading and frustrating, leaving me with no interest in the car anymore. My mother and close friend were also in the market looking at buying new BMW's, but after telling them my negative experience, it shocked them that such a big company would operate with such dishonesty and they refrained from buying BMW vehicles, as they feared similar treatment. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had a terrible experience with BMW Pietermaritzburg when buying a car from Sbusiso Zondi. We agreed on a fixed all-inclusive budget, but the final deal included unwanted extras like VAPS and tyre cover (adding R20k) plus a R180k balloon payment, all of which I had explicitly rejected. My bank later uncovered these hidden costs that Sbu added without my permission, and I also discovered that Sbu had submitted financing enquiries to multiple banks without my consent or asking me if we could proceed. As someone who works at a bank, this made no sense since I could secure better rates directly, yet he went ahead and shared my documents with several banks without permission. The dealership promised to service the car before delivery, but I received it with torn seats and they confirmed they changed the battery. I enquired multiple times if they indeed changed the battery, as my BMW app kept giving errors of an unchanged battery. I decided to go to a different dealership and they confirmed the service wasn't done and the batter was last replaced three years ago, despite assurances otherwise. After a week of trading in my car(that they assessed), they asked me to claim under my insurance for a windscreen replacement on my trade-in since it would be more expensive for them to replace it on their side and would be cheaper if insurance pay and they just pay excess. Sbu then made arrangements directly with Glasfit PMB without my consent, took the car to be fixed and told them to send the bill to me to pay. Overall, the process was dishonest, misleading and frustrating, leaving me with no interest in the car anymore. My mother and close friend were also in the market looking at buying new BMW's, but after telling them my negative experience, it shocked them that such a big company would operate with such dishonesty and they refrained from buying BMW vehicles, as they feared similar treatment. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I bought a car from BMW Bedfordview the sales person was Charmaine on the 16 February 2026. My issue is ive asked for dekra report of which was not given, i took the car to BMW Montana for both service & quality check. I found out the car had multiple issues such as worn out engine mountings, control arm bushes, Wishbone bra, stabilizer links etc. Which is not fair that ive only got the car 2 months ago which is also not fair that i got quoted R27 000.00 that i have to pay. This is frustrating now that no one from BMW Bedfordview is picking me up my calls nor getting back to me. This is really concerning and questions the intergrity of BMW Bedfordview and their workmanship, if the vehicle indeed went for a quality check they should have picked up these issues, it doesn't take two months for the mentioned above issues to worn out as they insist that it's wear and tear item. Even when i tried to engage with the manager by the name of Kyle Ferrari, He never rep**** to my emails nor taking my calls. Becareful of BMW Bedfordview when considering buying a vehicle from them because once the sale is done, you are just a nobody to them.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I bought a car from BMW Bedfordview the sales person was Charmaine on the 16 February 2026. My issue is ive asked for dekra report of which was not given, i took the car to BMW Montana for both service & quality check. I found out the car had multiple issues such as worn out engine mountings, control arm bushes, Wishbone bra, stabilizer links etc. Which is not fair that ive only got the car 2 months ago which is also not fair that i got quoted R27 000.00 that i have to pay. This is frustrating now that no one from BMW Bedfordview is picking me up my calls nor getting back to me. This is really concerning and questions the intergrity of BMW Bedfordview and their workmanship, if the vehicle indeed went for a quality check they should have picked up these issues, it doesn't take two months for the mentioned above issues to worn out as they insist that it's wear and tear item. Even when i tried to engage with the manager by the name of Kyle Ferrari, He never rep**** to my emails nor taking my calls. Becareful of BMW Bedfordview when considering buying a vehicle from them because once the sale is done, you are just a nobody to them.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Item stole from my car at BMW Sandton while it went for service and STILL NO RESOLUTION!!!! The customer service team lead Busi and Dealer principle Mike King have handled this so terribly. Leaving the brand soon.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Item stole from my car at BMW Sandton while it went for service and STILL NO RESOLUTION!!!! The customer service team lead Busi and Dealer principle Mike King have handled this so terribly. Leaving the brand soon.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am the owner of a 2021 BMW X1 Sdrive18i, purchased brand new in September 2021. The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at SMG Tygervalley and SMG Century City dealerships. On 4 April 2026, I was involved in a serious accident in which the car rolled and landed on its roof. Shockingly, none of the airbags deployed. This is unacceptable given that the vehicle was regularly maintained and no warnings or defects were ever indicated. I lodged a formal complaint on 6 April 2026 regarding this critical safety failure. Since then, my dealings with Kesan Pillay and Lawrence Titus have been wholly unsatisfactory. My emails are routinely ignored, promised callbacks never materialize, and the handling of this matter has been obstructive and dismissive. I was initially told an investigation would proceed once the car was towed to the nearest dealership. However, I am now being informed that BMW South Africa will not conduct an assessment because the car has been “written off” by insurance. This claim is factually incorrect. No settlement has been paid, and I have not signed any documentation surrendering ownership of the vehicle. The car remains BMW’s property. I demand clarity on where Kesan obtained this misinformation. I am formally requesting that BMW immediately conduct the investigation into why the airbags failed to deploy. I require confirmation of: • When the investigation technician will be in Cape Town. • Who at SMG Century City will sign for the vehicle upon towing. If BMW refuses to investigate, I expect to be provided with the specific legal clause that justifies this refusal. Should BMW decline to resolve this complaint, I demand a deadlock letter without delay so that I may escalate the matter to the ombudsman. This is a matter of consumer safety and corporate accountability. I expect BMW to treat it with the seriousness it deserves and provide me with a clear, documented response.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am the owner of a 2021 BMW X1 Sdrive18i, purchased brand new in September 2021. The vehicle has been serviced exclusively at SMG Tygervalley and SMG Century City dealerships. On 4 April 2026, I was involved in a serious accident in which the car rolled and landed on its roof. Shockingly, none of the airbags deployed. This is unacceptable given that the vehicle was regularly maintained and no warnings or defects were ever indicated. I lodged a formal complaint on 6 April 2026 regarding this critical safety failure. Since then, my dealings with Kesan Pillay and Lawrence Titus have been wholly unsatisfactory. My emails are routinely ignored, promised callbacks never materialize, and the handling of this matter has been obstructive and dismissive. I was initially told an investigation would proceed once the car was towed to the nearest dealership. However, I am now being informed that BMW South Africa will not conduct an assessment because the car has been “written off” by insurance. This claim is factually incorrect. No settlement has been paid, and I have not signed any documentation surrendering ownership of the vehicle. The car remains BMW’s property. I demand clarity on where Kesan obtained this misinformation. I am formally requesting that BMW immediately conduct the investigation into why the airbags failed to deploy. I require confirmation of: • When the investigation technician will be in Cape Town. • Who at SMG Century City will sign for the vehicle upon towing. If BMW refuses to investigate, I expect to be provided with the specific legal clause that justifies this refusal. Should BMW decline to resolve this complaint, I demand a deadlock letter without delay so that I may escalate the matter to the ombudsman. This is a matter of consumer safety and corporate accountability. I expect BMW to treat it with the seriousness it deserves and provide me with a clear, documented response.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I write regarding OUR BMW X6 M50d, registered under Torres Logistics (Pty) Ltd, currently at BMW Menlyn following a breakdown approximately three weeks ago. The vehicle was recovered by BMW Roadside Assistance after suffering a complete roadside failure and was transported to BMW Menlyn for diagnosis under the vehicle’s active BMW Motor Plan / Full Maintenance Plan coverage. Subsequent technical findings communicated to US include: • Collapse/failure of the high-pressure turbo • Metal filings/shavings found in the oil system and filter • Low oil pressure warnings • Further inspections requested by BMW SA Technical, including borescope examinations and intake manifold removal to inspect cylinder bores. Importantly, I must place on record that approximately one month prior, during the vehicle’s last service at BMW Johannesburg South, I reported abnormal oil consumption concerns. At that stage, no fault could be identified. Given the current findings, it now appears possible that an underlying failure condition may already have existed at that time. At present, the vehicle has now been unavailable for approximately FOUR weeks, with no conclusive repair direction, no confirmed timeline, and no formal mobility solution in place. As this is a business vehicle used extensively in the operation of Torres Logistics (Pty) Ltd, the ongoing lack of mobility is causing significant operational prejudice and disruption to cross-border business activities, including travel into Mozambique. I therefore respectfully request urgent assistance and formal clarification on the following: Confirmation of BMW South Africa’s technical decision regarding the vehicle: • Whether the repair will involve turbo replacement only, or complete engine replacement; • Whether the warranty / Motor Plan claim has been formally approved; • Estimated parts availability and expected repair completion timelines. Immediate provision of a suitable BMW replacement mobility vehicle of similar class and capability, pending completion of repairs. Written authorization permitting cross-border travel into Mozambique with the replacement vehicle, given the operational requirements of my business. I fully appreciate that technical investigations must be completed correctly and responsibly. However, considering the premium nature of the BMW brand, the Motor Plan coverage in place, and the extended period already elapsed, I trust BMW South Africa will appreciate the urgency of resolving both the technical and mobility aspects of this matter without further delay. This email is sent in the spirit of constructive and professional resolution, and I remain hopeful that the matter can be concluded promptly and amicably. this is BMW SA REPLY: Please note that courtesy vehicles are provided by the dealership and are subject to vehicle availability. Additionally, due to processes and parameters, courtesy vehicles may only be used within the borders of South Africa as the insurance company will not issue a border letter for a non-owner of the vehicle. Should an incident occur while the vehicle is outside South Africa, the dealership will bear liability. Furthermore, please note that we do not handle border letter requests, and Customer Care is unable to advise or provide guidance on this matter. I believe you have already informed the customer accordingly in your previous email. We understand this may not be the outcome you were hoping for, but there is nothing we can do to assist in this matter. Please note that no mention as to a repair timeline, complete ignorance to the fact that we have been without a Director's transport for almost four weeks. If this is the customer support that BMW South Africa are prepared to offer a customer that has a vehicle well over the R1.8million. MR. PJ VAN BINSBERGEN - as CEO of BMW SA. Your attention is being drawn to this poor customer service delivery. Disgusting, NEVER EVER will we purchase another BMW in South Africa.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I write regarding OUR BMW X6 M50d, registered under Torres Logistics (Pty) Ltd, currently at BMW Menlyn following a breakdown approximately three weeks ago. The vehicle was recovered by BMW Roadside Assistance after suffering a complete roadside failure and was transported to BMW Menlyn for diagnosis under the vehicle’s active BMW Motor Plan / Full Maintenance Plan coverage. Subsequent technical findings communicated to US include: • Collapse/failure of the high-pressure turbo • Metal filings/shavings found in the oil system and filter • Low oil pressure warnings • Further inspections requested by BMW SA Technical, including borescope examinations and intake manifold removal to inspect cylinder bores. Importantly, I must place on record that approximately one month prior, during the vehicle’s last service at BMW Johannesburg South, I reported abnormal oil consumption concerns. At that stage, no fault could be identified. Given the current findings, it now appears possible that an underlying failure condition may already have existed at that time. At present, the vehicle has now been unavailable for approximately FOUR weeks, with no conclusive repair direction, no confirmed timeline, and no formal mobility solution in place. As this is a business vehicle used extensively in the operation of Torres Logistics (Pty) Ltd, the ongoing lack of mobility is causing significant operational prejudice and disruption to cross-border business activities, including travel into Mozambique. I therefore respectfully request urgent assistance and formal clarification on the following: Confirmation of BMW South Africa’s technical decision regarding the vehicle: • Whether the repair will involve turbo replacement only, or complete engine replacement; • Whether the warranty / Motor Plan claim has been formally approved; • Estimated parts availability and expected repair completion timelines. Immediate provision of a suitable BMW replacement mobility vehicle of similar class and capability, pending completion of repairs. Written authorization permitting cross-border travel into Mozambique with the replacement vehicle, given the operational requirements of my business. I fully appreciate that technical investigations must be completed correctly and responsibly. However, considering the premium nature of the BMW brand, the Motor Plan coverage in place, and the extended period already elapsed, I trust BMW South Africa will appreciate the urgency of resolving both the technical and mobility aspects of this matter without further delay. This email is sent in the spirit of constructive and professional resolution, and I remain hopeful that the matter can be concluded promptly and amicably. this is BMW SA REPLY: Please note that courtesy vehicles are provided by the dealership and are subject to vehicle availability. Additionally, due to processes and parameters, courtesy vehicles may only be used within the borders of South Africa as the insurance company will not issue a border letter for a non-owner of the vehicle. Should an incident occur while the vehicle is outside South Africa, the dealership will bear liability. Furthermore, please note that we do not handle border letter requests, and Customer Care is unable to advise or provide guidance on this matter. I believe you have already informed the customer accordingly in your previous email. We understand this may not be the outcome you were hoping for, but there is nothing we can do to assist in this matter. Please note that no mention as to a repair timeline, complete ignorance to the fact that we have been without a Director's transport for almost four weeks. If this is the customer support that BMW South Africa are prepared to offer a customer that has a vehicle well over the R1.8million. MR. PJ VAN BINSBERGEN - as CEO of BMW SA. Your attention is being drawn to this poor customer service delivery. Disgusting, NEVER EVER will we purchase another BMW in South Africa.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I passed a car that started to burn on the South Coast yesterday. I pressed the emergency button on my BMW. The system tried to connect me to our local emergency services. They did not pick up. The system then put me through to the BMW help centre in Europe. The help centre managed to summon local help from their side. The call centre agent stayed online throughout the entire process of getting help. I am so very impressed with this feature/service/attitude
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I passed a car that started to burn on the South Coast yesterday. I pressed the emergency button on my BMW. The system tried to connect me to our local emergency services. They did not pick up. The system then put me through to the BMW help centre in Europe. The help centre managed to summon local help from their side. The call centre agent stayed online throughout the entire process of getting help. I am so very impressed with this feature/service/attitude
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Do not trust the BMW Centurion approved used cars dealership. Lies should never lead to sales. Extremely disappointed with the service from BMW Centurion. I was misled during the sales process and only discovered the truth afterwards. When I raised the issue, I was told they would get back to me, but the handling of the matter has been poor from the start. Expected far better service, honesty, and professionalism from BMW.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Do not trust the BMW Centurion approved used cars dealership. Lies should never lead to sales. Extremely disappointed with the service from BMW Centurion. I was misled during the sales process and only discovered the truth afterwards. When I raised the issue, I was told they would get back to me, but the handling of the matter has been poor from the start. Expected far better service, honesty, and professionalism from BMW.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
BMW has to be one of the most unprofessional, selfish and disappointing establishments one has to deal with. My dad took his car to be fixed at BMW in Emalahleni paid everything he was quoted for in full . He was called to collect the car 2 weeks ago only to discover that the car still has problems. My disappointment comes from the fact that my dad is a cancer patient he’s taking his chemotherapy we stay in Witbank/Emalahleni and his oncologist is in Pretoria. He has to travel with taxis each and eveytime he goes for his chemotherapy while his car is at the garage and fully paid off. I tried reporting this to the head office but still I am not get any justice I was told my dad’s car is an old model and is out of the motor plan I do not know how that is relevant or helpful to what’s going on. They cannot even offer my dad a courtesy car to atleast travel with when he has to go for his chemotherapy. Hellopeter help me expose this unprofessional and brutal treatment my dad is getting from BMW! My dad needs his car this is a man that needs frequently visit a Dr not for flu but for cancer he’s a stage 4 cancer for crying out loud!!!!!!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
BMW has to be one of the most unprofessional, selfish and disappointing establishments one has to deal with. My dad took his car to be fixed at BMW in Emalahleni paid everything he was quoted for in full . He was called to collect the car 2 weeks ago only to discover that the car still has problems. My disappointment comes from the fact that my dad is a cancer patient he’s taking his chemotherapy we stay in Witbank/Emalahleni and his oncologist is in Pretoria. He has to travel with taxis each and eveytime he goes for his chemotherapy while his car is at the garage and fully paid off. I tried reporting this to the head office but still I am not get any justice I was told my dad’s car is an old model and is out of the motor plan I do not know how that is relevant or helpful to what’s going on. They cannot even offer my dad a courtesy car to atleast travel with when he has to go for his chemotherapy. Hellopeter help me expose this unprofessional and brutal treatment my dad is getting from BMW! My dad needs his car this is a man that needs frequently visit a Dr not for flu but for cancer he’s a stage 4 cancer for crying out loud!!!!!!
BMW South Africa has a TrustIndex of 2.3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 57 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked BMW South Africa across 1,301 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →