Tonnesons fitment center plumstead horrible experience.

I took my vehicle (BMW e30 318i) in for a replacement of the shocks and shock mounts costing me R4323. The vehicle was in good mechanical condition and I made a note to check my fluids (oil and water) as I always do before dropping the vehicle off. The car had been serviced a month prior to this at my regular mechanic who always maintains the car.

I dropped the vehicle off at Tonnesons plumstead fitment centre at 8:30am on 13/10/2018. I was notified that the vehicle was ready for collection at around 12:00pm. I arrived at the fitment centre at 12:30 just before closing time where I made payment and proceeded to the car.

I immediately knew something was amis as the car struggled to start and after a few attempts the vehicle eventually started but had a horrible misfire on the engine and did not sound like the car i had dropped of a few hours earlier. The staff had left and I proceeded to test drive the car to diagnose what could be the problem. After a short distance the cars exhaust came loose s****ing the road I immediately pulled over and inspected the vehicle again. The car had a terrible vibration and the engine sounded horrible...I called my son and asked him to assist me in towing the vehicle to my mechanic.

While waiting I checked my oil and water again and to my despair found the vehicle had unquestionably blown the head gasket (mixed oil and water in the engine) and I was still unsure what was causing the wobble on the steering. So in the time the shocks were replaced all this damage to my vehicle had taken place...I found this very hard understand and something did not make sense. I dropped off a car that was in good driving condition and received a car with a blown gasket and would find out later the damages continue.

After further inspection I found that my wheel/rim was buckled (it was not buckled prior to dropping the car off at Tonnesons) like someone had hit a pavement or pothole. I had decided to let the mechanic proceed in repairing and investigating further.

The mechanic and engineers who repaired the cylinder head undoubtedly agreed that the vehicle had been driven aggressively causing damage to the head gasket as well as timing chain and tensioner. This is usually caused by excessive high rpm or over revving of the engine.

Finally after doing the repairs which cost me a pretty penny I drive the car again for the first time and discover further damage to the suspension and propshaft. As I put the pieces of the puzzle together I am lead to believe that during the road test of the vehicle after the shocks were installed the individual who performed the road test abused the vehicle and caused significant damage without taking ownership for his actions. I am deeply disappointed with the service received and would not like this to happen to anyone else.

Due to the time that has elapsed I feel it would be pointless to complain almost a month later as the person or people responsible would not own up for the actions now. This is just a warning and to bring awareness that even a well established business who seem reliable cannot be trusted.

Regards