I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was bad enough to warrant one. What I…read moreencountered at Viking Automotive in Vero Beach was not just disappointing--it was dishonest and unprofessional.
From the beginning, basic expectations weren't met. Communication was slow or nonexistent, and when I did get answers, they were dismissive rather than helpful. I took my 2007 BMW Z4 3.0i E85 in for a straightforward diagnostic: rough cold start, a tire sensor issue, and a few mechanical noises. I was told it would take a couple of hours, which I was more than willing to pay for--especially if it meant getting a thorough, accurate assessment by their only BMW Mechanic!
Instead, after about an hour, I found my car already sitting back in the lot with no phone call it was ready or an update. I was then told that nothing had been done beyond checking the oil, and that the engine was essentially "breaking down" due to supposed metal shavings and large debris in the oil filter. No one showed me the filter at the time. No one explained the findings clearly. I never even spoke directly to the mechanic.
The written report was filled with vague language, like "possibly this" and "possibly that," which is not a diagnosis--it's guesswork. Despite claiming photos were taken, none were provided so I had to call and request them.
Once I received the photos, I see this in the Subject of the email: * INSPECTION RESULTS FOR YOUR 2007 BMW Z4 ROADSTER* "3.0si"
I Told them my Bimmer was a 3.0i ... did I receive another 2007 BMW owners diagnostic report?! And it's THEIR oil filter and diagnostic I received?!?! Are they THAT Unorganized & Incompetent?
What's worse is what came next. After spending days stressed, believing my engine was failing, I had the car inspected by an independent mechanic. He reviewed the same photos and immediately identified what Viking called "metal" as air bubbles. When he physically inspected the car, he confirmed there were zero metal shavings or plastic debris in the oil filter--just bubbles. He also explained why the filter had collapsed, which was supposed to have been changed by a previous mechanic in Fort Pierce (obviously didn't change the filter, did they even change the oil)? After a cold start, changed AND filter, put in an additive all of which has quieted the tapping to ticking (intrinsic of the N52 per BMW) and improving. He then took my car for a drive afterward and stated my Bimmer has a strong engine!
So now I'm left with a simple conclusion: either the Viking BMW mechanic, Colton, lacks the basic competence to distinguish between metal debris and air bubbles, or they knowingly misrepresented the condition of my engine, plus exaggerated damage, or diagnosed another BMW and sent me photos of another owner's Oil Filter, or simply LIED! None of which is acceptable.
Kathy refused to do any other diagnoses as requested, nor will she do any repairs, and couldn't explain in-depth the diagnoses I needed explained. (She's a mechanic too??). The only person that should be explaining the diagnoses is THE Mechanic him or herself and Show ME the Filter!
If they didn't want to work on an older BMW, they should have said so. Instead, they chose to provide a rushed, incomplete, and ultimately misleading assessment that caused unnecessary stress, wasted my time and money. Time IS Money!
I would have gladly paid for a full, proper diagnostic and on MY CAR, Not someone elses. Instead, I paid for an hour of speculation and left with a completely inaccurate conclusion about MY vehicle's condition.
I cannot recommend Viking Automotive to anyone looking for honesty, reliability, or professional integrity. There are far better options out there that actually value their customers, appreciate drivers that love their vehicle, and not only Do the Work, but stand behind it!
