ARNOLD CLARK BMW !!!!!!!!
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Category: Regional & Specific Forums
Forum Name: Scottish Forum
Forum Discription: where Scottish regional members can discuss upcoming events
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=30019
Printed Date: 29-April-2024 at 09:13
Topic: ARNOLD CLARK BMW !!!!!!!!
Posted By: swifty_440
Subject: ARNOLD CLARK BMW !!!!!!!!
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 14:31
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Today i had it confirmed by HARRY FAIRBAIRN BMW GLASGOW they have been bought out by ARNOLD CLARK also inc the sale of the HARRY FAIRBAIRN BMW IRVINE dealership and bodyshop i have been a loyal bm customer to this dealership the past 16 years and i'm dearly concerned for the bmw marque and all it stand for in the industry and personal disscusted at BMW GB for letting this go ahead poor old harry fairbairn must be turning in his grave how does anyone else feel !!!!!! |
Replies:
Posted By: Rossi
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 14:47
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Firstly welcome to the forums Yes, well business is business, that's the way it goes! You'll find out some good info on here to DIY and save your hard earned cash for other things. ------------- |
Posted By: GWatson
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 16:01
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That's not good news.... Arnold Clark are terrible, certainly up in the part of the world. A couple of years back if you googled "Arnold Clark" the first link was Arnoldsucks.com not a dodgy site but a very disastisfied customer along with hundreds of others who left feedback with similar experiance. G |
Posted By: stephenperry
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 16:17
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so what will happen to the place? will it still be called harry fairburn and part of the bmw dealer network carrying on as before but run by arnie clark; are they flattening the place and building another arnold clark dealership; or is it doing away with the bmw dealer part and selling other makes instead? ------------- 2007 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Titanium X Auto 1983 Ford Sierra XR4i 2000 Alpina B10 3.3 #118 1999 BMW 323Ci 1995 BMW 318i SE 1994 Vauxhall Omega 2.0 GLS 1995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX 1990 Honda Concerto 1.6 EX 1986 Ford Orion 1.6 GL 1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Firefly |
Posted By: 523 iAN
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 17:39
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forgot ..... i was told about this when my car was in getting it's new rear bumper, back in March by the bodyshop owner who done the work to my car...... he said it might be the last time they use H-F's for part's as they have had to many problem's in the past with Arnold Clark outlet's for sourceing part's.
------------- 2003-530i SE 
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Posted By: nero
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 17:45
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If they are to continue to be a BMW dealership, they will have to conform to BMW's guidelines - hence why most dealers showrooms look alike? As for quality, I know that every dealer is assessed by a team of auditors made up of BMW's own people and independant 1st party auditors. If they don't come up to standard, they could lose the franchise? It will be interesting to see how things go and if there are any changes. -------------  |
Posted By: Pete330
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 19:13
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certainly don`t sound good does it
------------- Previous: E36 318is coupe, E36 323i coupe, E30 316 saloon, E30 318 saloon, E46 330ci Sport Conv E92 325d M Sport(3.0),With Loads of gadgets Current: 116i Sport F20 |
Posted By: NOISUFNOC
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 19:57
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Well it works out fine Both Arnold and Fairbairns customer service is terrible so they will both go hand in hand. ------------- 528 for now |
Posted By: m3tiko
Date Posted: 02-May-2006 at 20:02
I, 2nd that...  -------------  |
Posted By: Chas C
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 03:48
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It may be the first BMW dealership for Arnold but it probably won't be the last. He managed to oust Cordiners from the Ford market even though they'd had a near 100 year association with the marque. Thre's still a few independent BM dealers left in Scotland so I hope the DPs have their pension plans in place. ------------- 
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Posted By: cliffwilliams
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 05:45
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Jim O'Donnell MD BMW GB Ltd went on record last year saying that an unhealthy proportion of BMW dealers were underperforming and that there would be a window of opportunity to sell up as a going concern now or lose their franchise. That makes two Scottish dealers 'lost' in a few months, David Morrison and Harry Fairbairn. Expect a few more to go to the big groups as these are the guys that on paper can turn the numbers over. The difference in stock levels at the old David Morrison dealer (now Phoenix BMW) means that parking is harder. Don't know why they have a row of 5+ identikit 1 series though in black same wheels etc! ------------- Click below for more E38 & E65 pics "http://www.cardomain.com/id/sorrentocj""> 
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Posted By: bluebro
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 06:27
Henry Bros., here i come!  -------------  F22 Estoril Blue M235i |
Posted By: muppet 2
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 16:41
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I have bought several cars form Arnold Clark over the years and found the sales service good , but it didn't take me long to work out that servicing the car was better done elsewhere ------------- I have been diagnosed with ADHOtS. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Ohh that's Shiney 
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Posted By: Crombers
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 18:06
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Arnold Clark & BMW.... BMW might as well distribute through Tesco while they're at it. Henry Bros & Douglas Park for me! -------------  Alpina B7 E65 Facelift Alpina B10 V8 Touring (Sold) |
Posted By: stephenperry
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 18:16
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spotted today in the regional rag.... advert for arnold clark under the tagline "arnolds movie classics" (how twee) "seatless in seattle" (geddit? no? me neither, unless you mispronouce http://www.seat.co.uk - see-at as seat, like what your **** sits on... an unintended double-entendre? ------------- 2007 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Titanium X Auto 1983 Ford Sierra XR4i 2000 Alpina B10 3.3 #118 1999 BMW 323Ci 1995 BMW 318i SE 1994 Vauxhall Omega 2.0 GLS 1995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX 1990 Honda Concerto 1.6 EX 1986 Ford Orion 1.6 GL 1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Firefly |
)Posted By: stephenperry
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 18:19
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even then it still doesn't work! i'd blame the advertising company but i suppose "you can't make honey out of hens ****e" (local equivalent of the usual "silk purse/sows ear") ------------- 2007 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Titanium X Auto 1983 Ford Sierra XR4i 2000 Alpina B10 3.3 #118 1999 BMW 323Ci 1995 BMW 318i SE 1994 Vauxhall Omega 2.0 GLS 1995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX 1990 Honda Concerto 1.6 EX 1986 Ford Orion 1.6 GL 1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Firefly |
Posted By: swifty_440
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 18:46
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Thank you all for u r replies and thoughts on this subject i have new info on this HARRY FAIRBAIRN have a 90% complete 3 storie pdi and service centre build on the burnfield rd round from the dealership in glasgow thus allowing the service side to be shifted and extending the sales area and also on the reply mentioning PHEONIX BMW i'am an ex pheonix group employee and they are as bad as arnold clark i walked out of my job in the service team because of frustation of repeatedly seeing the poor aftersales methods bein used which lead to me and the managing director having a heated discution about this very shroud mans methods in structured aftersales if only the customer knew what they were getting for there money well the way i see it chaps is if bmw just want to sell large volumes of car well fine i know 1st hand PHONIX and ARNORLD excel in that sector but in my eye's the selling the product is easy after all it's BMW but the big issue comes to aftersales good luck to BMW because there in for a rough ride with customer complaints and this is not good for BMW !!!!! THANKS AGAIN GUYS !!!!!!! |
Posted By: m3Cecotto
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 20:55
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The loss of Fairbairn's can only be a good thing. Even if the dealership was taken over by Aldi as opposed to Arnie, it'd still be better than HF. Good riddance. ------------- 1981 E23 735i 1989 E30 325i Motorsport Cabrio 1989 E24 635CSi Motorsport Edition http://www.bavarianretro.com" rel="nofollow - Bavarian Retro Cars |
Posted By: I_MNL
Date Posted: 03-May-2006 at 20:57
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Hope you enjoy, but...am not quite sure ------------- Citizen of the Earth  Explorer of Life  Marie-Noëlle or nick name MNL. NOT Marie or Noëlle ALONE! Alpina D3 2007 E36 316 1998 |
bluebro wrote:
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 05-May-2006 at 03:27
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Every car my parents bought from Arnold Clark has had issues. My dad used the expression "You've been Arnold Clarked" for years when he came across a situation where someone or something had been done badly/shortchanged/got a crap deal/poor workmanship etc etc. T'is the end for flagship dealers if that crook has his name associated with BMW. In a recent newspaper article, it was mentioned how much money he makes and how little he pays his staff. His kids aren't very nice either, they went to uni with my sister and her mates! Andrew ------------- Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto |
Posted By: Del64
Date Posted: 05-May-2006 at 14:55
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As Ayrshire's only BMW dealer the loos to "Arnie" will be felt for sure and I shudder to think of driving down to Harbourside and seeing rows and rows of Peugeots interpersed with BMW's.
Sadly I found "Henry" little better than "Arnie" the attitude to my e32 V12 was despicable. I am a money paying customer who has parted with thousands of pounds in the past four years, not a penny went to them because of one petty jobsworth and the snooty attitude to my car. I will now have little choice but to go out to "Dougie" if "Arnie" plays true to recent form. A sad day indeed for the marque. Why can't a few of the better heeled here (Tiko this is your area) get together and do a V.Cap, J.V ------------- 2009 520d SE Business Edition Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. |
Posted By: stephenperry
Date Posted: 05-May-2006 at 15:11
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what's a v.cap j.v. ? ------------- 2007 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Titanium X Auto 1983 Ford Sierra XR4i 2000 Alpina B10 3.3 #118 1999 BMW 323Ci 1995 BMW 318i SE 1994 Vauxhall Omega 2.0 GLS 1995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX 1990 Honda Concerto 1.6 EX 1986 Ford Orion 1.6 GL 1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Firefly |
Posted By: Rossi
Date Posted: 05-May-2006 at 16:03
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well, I haven't had dealings with Arnold Clark, and by your opinions I won't be having anything to do with them. I feel for you guys though.. Living in the sticks, the only dealer in our area are d*****n and they continue the trend of dealerships nudge, nudge, wink, wink if you know what I mean ------------- |
Posted By: Del64
Date Posted: 06-May-2006 at 03:05
Its a Venture capital joint venture, I have seen many put together to form the projects I end up designing and it starts with one or two highly driven individuals who Chery pick the staff from existing (or closing) business's then form a company around it with funding from high(er) risk lenders such as the aforementioned Venture captialists. The next few months will be "someone's" best shot at starting a real BMW dealership. I just don't See Arnie being the bloke. ------------- 2009 520d SE Business Edition Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. |
Posted By: Chas C
Date Posted: 06-May-2006 at 04:55
Ssshhh!!  -------------
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Posted By: bluebro
Date Posted: 16-May-2006 at 13:30
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Was in at the parts dept. in Irvine today and Sir Arnold was in meeting staff and looking around at his new purchase. He came and introduced himself to me and shook my hand and a couple of other customers in the showroom. His biggest complaint seemed to be the height of the service desk and it looked like he wanted it lowered promptly. I personally think it was made high to stop disgruntled customers from reaching over it to grab the staff by the neck! Anyway i haven't personally had any dealings with Clarkies conglomaret yet so time will tell. He personally seems like a nice, down to earth guy though. ------------- F22 Estoril Blue M235i |
Posted By: ewan.c
Date Posted: 16-May-2006 at 14:47
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Paisley BMW has got to be a runner
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Posted By: bm1.
Date Posted: 16-May-2006 at 17:49
| So who actually own HF and HB is it one man like Arnie.....well it's simple as this....after hearing about vx paying 1k tomorrow it's the end of car manufacturing here, the uk id flodded with cheap european crap because that's all the most ppl can afford. |
Posted By: Black Betty
Date Posted: 20-May-2006 at 05:13
I worked at Arnolds in the parts department, rover branch on Hamilton road and i can assure you theres nothing wrong with Arnie ( ) while i was there he reversed his new Lexus sc430 through the window of his Lexus branch window, i rest my case------------- 2009 45th anniversary Mustang GT / Black / 8 spark plugs / rubber tyres / twin exhaust / STOCK / pine magic tree :) 
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Posted By: muppet 2
Date Posted: 20-May-2006 at 06:29
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He probably only bought the BMW dealership so he could drive one withput going against his own outlets. He can't be al bad if he wants a Beemer that much
------------- I have been diagnosed with ADHOtS. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Ohh that's Shiney
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Posted By: Del64
Date Posted: 20-May-2006 at 08:54
Fairbairn were I believe owned by the family, (hence all the cars with HF plates kicking around plus I was once told that HF24 was owned by Harry's brother??? it came from a sales person at the Irvine branch so i cannot be quoted. Henry Brothers also own St Andrews Honda and Skoda franchise's I have never found out the actual name in the frame on them so to speak as to the M.D or chairman. ------------- 2009 520d SE Business Edition Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. |
Posted By: hennabm
Date Posted: 20-May-2006 at 13:03
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I had dealing with an Arnie site in Broxburn. Fitted a cambelt to a Tipo and less than 3 mths later it burst and wrecked the engine. Said I had done it!!!!! They didn't even have the tool to set the tappets and the thing rattled til I sold it.
Had my 3 series in at HF in early May and was told then that Arnie had bought it. Hope he gets rid of the useless skirt at reception. She really went off on one when I said I had paid the MOT station direct instead of being billed by HF!! Richard the technician, great guy, once I finally was allowed to talk to him. It was like they were holding my car prisoner when it was in workshop. Wouldn't let me see in at all. Don't like that - never know what could happen. I've worked in the trade all my life and know what does happen in workshops!! Met Arnie himself and not a bad bloke - just some of the t***rs around him he employs. Went and spoke to my new dealer (as I am temporarily relocating) - no problem at standing and watching vehicle serviced etc AND discount as well. |
Posted By: m3Cecotto
Date Posted: 20-May-2006 at 22:06
He owns a decent collection of classics and exotica. I doubt he'll have lashed out a few mill just so that he can tool around in a 318i. He's clever. If you look at his recent adverts, there'll be a couple of BMWs at each branch and generally advertised at prices a good bit cheaper than the main dealers. Look at the same adverts in three or six months and I guarantee you that there'll be no BMWs for sale at the regular branches and if there are they'll be the hounds that he couldn't retail at Fairbairns. Every used BMW he gets in will, if of suitable quality, go to Fairbairns and be sold for a better price than he could get at the other sites. Good business sense, buy something that immediately makes every BMW you buy more valuable. ------------- 1981 E23 735i 1989 E30 325i Motorsport Cabrio 1989 E24 635CSi Motorsport Edition http://www.bavarianretro.com" rel="nofollow - Bavarian Retro Cars |
Posted By: Del64
Date Posted: 21-May-2006 at 03:40
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I had noticed this in my search for an e38, he has a pretty 728i Sport a 2000 or 2001 for £10K at one of the branches where he never would touch them to this degree before.
I agree it's very clever the same sort of thing has gone on with D.C Cook in the Yorkshire and even Vardy group with a full brand sales set up. I still feel that "we just lost something" feeling though. I can't put my finger on it yet but no doubt when we see rows and rows of junk parked in Irvine and Giffnock we will know. ------------- 2009 520d SE Business Edition Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. |
Posted By: Del64
Date Posted: 21-May-2006 at 10:21
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I further noticed today that for the first time ever they have a £6K e39 for sale right in the front of the yard. A 97 528i in glacier with cloth / Auto on at £5995. Tell me this would have been seen before? ------------- 2009 520d SE Business Edition Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. |