Barnett BMW Motorcycles of El Paso is Closed

[ecaho]

I go out of my way to do more business at a dealership where I'm treated well. Years ago I had a clutch master cylinder fail under warranty while on a trip in the Sacramento area. A&S BMW in Roseville got a tech on the bike as soon as it was unloaded. They didn't have a clutch master cylinder in stock and we were planning on heading further south that day. They told me they would take one off a showroom bike. There was a recall that had just come out that I hadn't even received the letter on yet. They said they'd take care of it at the same time. They gave my wife and I a bike to ride and suggested a couple of good lunch spots. When we got back the bike wasn't quite done so we waited in their waiting area. The waiting area had a few computers with an internet connection, a fridge stocked with free drinks, nuts and snacks, etc. It was a very nice waiting area. We were back on the road quickly and everyone there treated us great.

Since that time I have ordered things online from them, and when I have had other warranty or recall work I have scheduled a trip through their area to have them take care of it when I could.

I like A&S. It's a big dealership with multiple brands and a good online presence.

 

[exgman]

+1 on A&S. I've bought some parts and accessories from them and they've been great in getting what I needed to me fast. Kirk Vincent is the parts manager and he runs a great operation. If you get on their email list, a couple of times a year (usually Thanksgiving and Christmas) they have 15% off sales on lots of BMW stuff. Not "selected" stuff, but site-wide.

 

[t6pilot]

Find a dealer you like and stick with them, Long Beach BMW has been my place for a number of years, and three new bikes, when I walk in the GM always says hi Jim, same for parts and sales. Service department, 99% of the time has a loaner bike avaible, if not the service rep has loaned me his truck.

 

[wetboxerrt]

I live in the N. GA mountains, my closest dealers are Atlanta or Chattanooga, they are both the same distance(75 Miles). I don't care for the folks in Atlanta they tend to be on the arrogant side, and not real friendly. I decided to go with Pandora European Motorsports for my service work, when I don't do it myself. The sales, service, and parts department are top notch. Matt is the service manager and is always accommodating. They always offer me a loaner bike, so I can run errands or grab a bite to eat. If you're in the area, I highly recommend you to stop by and see them.

 

[rangerreece]

Find a dealer you like and stick with them, Long Beach BMW has been my place for a number of years, and three new bikes, when I walk in the GM always says hi Jim, same for parts and sales. Service department, 99% of the time has a loaner bike avaible, if not the service rep has loaned me his truck.

This is one of the things I like about my sport. When dealers are done right, it makes for a very rewarding experience.

 

[BMW Triumphant]

Apparently, Viva Powersports now has the BMW line including the new 4-cylinder R1200RT


View attachment 55558

Those 4 cylinders must be standing vertical, what with a height of 55.7 inches.

 

[pglaves]

Those 4 cylinders must be standing vertical, what with a height of 55.7 inches.

I am certainly glad that I never made a mistake. I thought I did once, but I was mistaken.

 

[BC1100S]

I am certainly glad that I never made a mistake. I thought I did once, but I was mistaken.

Hey, I always thought there was just one of me! I guess I was mistaken.

 

[okiepapist]

Hey, I always thought there was just one of me! I guess I was mistaken.

Sounds like you were mistakenly mistaken about your mistake.

 

[barryg]

I don't make mistakes. Errors, I make a lot of them.

 

[boltgunner]

Damn

OK, so tonight I find out the El Paso gentleman who was the Barnett BMW tech I depended on is moving east. I am gonna miss his wealth of knowledge and skills.

So now it is Viva or Sandia.

Anyone have any intel on either dealer?

This sucks.

 

[boltgunner]

Resending...

Any comments? Experiences?

 

[wbrownell9]

Picky about the design/manufacture of the motorcycles ? For sure But overly picky about dealers setting up ? Only limits the ability of some [to] open up. I'd rather have [a] dealer than have the fanciest dealer. I'm more concerned about good mechanics with proper tools & equipment , than mood lighting & perfect sign placement in the showroom ....don't you agree ?

I agree. Maybe this is a product of a fevered misinterpretation on my part but I got the idea that Gina's sold out in part because they didn't want to pop for mood lighting etc.

I went to Viva last month and they had zero rear tires for my GSA, claimed they'd sold them out a week earlier for some GS group that came through. Shouldn't they have replaced the stock they sold by the time I got there? My online research was equivocal whether or not Barnett was a BMW dealer, my bad maybe I should have tried. There was another place across town that had one tire that would fit: a 7-year old Metzler (no thanks). Next closest was Albuquerque who fixed me up no problem but wow was that a boring ride up I-25.

 

[ragtoplvr]

I like my dealer Bentonville BMW in Arkansas. Their prices on anything I have had done are fair, and the work was done correctly. It is nice to have a backup for when I get busy and do not have time myself, or the job is beyond my comfort level.

I do most my own maintenance, and they almost always have the part I need. I even needed a turn signal lens for my R1150RS, and they had it! I was sure I needed to order it.

I bought most my gear from them. Most, not all. I consider it unethical to try on something and then mail order it for less. I also have gear from cycle gear, and the local harley leather guy. I will mail order what I know will fit. Filters, the special spark plugs etc I get from them. Nice to have them there for those things.

But tires, there is a sore spot. I can remove my own tire and take to a local guy to have changed. If the delta was $50 I would have the dealer do it. BUT the difference is way more. I know they need to make money, I understand that. But for a tire. Every 6 to 8K miles.

I hope that classes as supporting my local dealer.

Rod

 

[rangerreece]

Rod,
I think you are "supporting" your dealership just fine. More importantly, it sounds like (minus your tires situation) your dealership is supporting you.

 

[hesterx6]

thoughts

mongo don't know only pawn in game of life