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      03-16-2018, 12:42 PM   #14
FriedPiston
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United_States
1973
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Drives: Scraper
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: East Oakland, CA

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OP, it's important to understand that while your subject says "needs", BMW is actually only saying "recommend".

In the US, service shops have to be very careful when using the words need/require and recommend. For example, most shops will not say your car needs new shocks. Instead, they'll say we recommend new shocks due to moisture/leak found on the hydraulic assembly. This upsell approach is perfectly acceptable, and is one of the main concepts of a for-profit business.

However, service shops are allowed to say you need new brakes or tires if the measurements are below specs. They can also say you need a new air filter if the filter element is clearly dirty. Pretty much any part that shows indisputable damage/failure fall under the need/require category. It would be unethical for them to say you need any service or repair done without thoroughly testing the part for failure.

I'm not sure if Canada has the same consumer protection, but if you ever find a shop throwing these words around incorrectly, then US consumers are encouraged to contact the B.A.R. for an immediate investigation.
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