Dealers in SE Wisconsin

[glurkus]

Which has the best service department, Mischlers or BMW Motorcycles of Milwaukee?
I've have had a couple of minor issues with both BMW of Milwaukee, (Forgot to put in a fastener, anti seize all over hand grip) and Mischlers (Scratches on rim from tire change) Their shop prices seem about the same.

[Essnowyt]

The problems you list are a complaint that can be had by all dealers. Sadly with BMW's we only have 3 dealers in Wisconsin, BMW MKE, Mischlers, and Nicks.

In my experience I am very happy with BMW MKE. The work is done quick, and correct (as best as I can tell). Previously I owned a Yamaha and Kawasaki brand machines. In my opinion there is no good Yamaha dealer in SE Wisconsin, parts and service sucked! I did find a good place for Kawi parts and service, but they did not really know bikes is parts, and service was slow. My carb clean was behind a John Deere Gator. I now laugh at my father with his Goldwing dealer. The dealer does not have any clue on long distance touring accessories or mods. I have not had these problems with BMW MKE.

The point is that BMW shops do provide specialized services. Can problems or errors happen, yes. Talk to the shop and explain the problem. In truth, it is your responsibility to build a rapport with the dealer and staff. But remember, you want to build a good rapport.

Snowy.

[Gilly]

The other 2 dealers get all the accolades, but I really like Mischlers. I've had a few problems, nothing that I feel couldn't have happened at any dealer, and they've always made it right. I did feel more confident in Arts ability when he was a tech, but the guys in the shop seem to know their stuff. Jason, the service writer, is really good at what he does and enthused about the product.

Gilly

[womanridge]

+1 for Mischlers. I've visited all 3 and find them all nice. I met Art Mischler & the gang when I was buying my first BMW and have nothing but positive things to say about them. They sold me and give me reasons to keep coming back.

[cheesewhiz]

+1 for Mischler's as well. :thumb

My story too:
+1 for Mischlers. I've visited all 3 and find them all nice. I met Art Mischler & the gang when I was buying my first BMW and have nothing but positive things to say about them. They sold me and give me reasons to keep coming back.

[ToddSchaefer]

I had emergency service done on my 2007 R1200RT when on a trip to NC. Mischler's ordered and replaced the antenna ring in less than 36 hours. The service was great and they loaned me a BMW motorcycle to ride for the time mine was in the shop. If I didn't live so far away I'd purchase my motorcycles from them.

[LoneRanger]

+1 for Mischler's as well. I recently purchased a used 2008 RT from a Doctor in Florida and had it shipped here to Iowa. I e-mailed Gina's and Mischler's for some prices for a 49L top case and a few other items. I did not hear anything from Gina's but Mischler's got right back to me with some excellent prices. I ordered a top case and the dual horns for the 05 model. I want to get rid of the scooter horn that is on the bike now. Man that horn is embarrassing to use LOL... I have had a few questions and the service dept at Mischler's has answered every question for me and seemed very eager to help me.

[mikegates]

If you are looking for service work call Glen. http://www.thoroughbred-cycles.com/

I stay away from all dealers seeing how they dont sell airheads anymore.

[kstoo]

If you are looking for service work call Glen. http://www.thoroughbred-cycles.com/

I stay away from all dealers seeing how they dont sell airheads anymore.

+1
ditto
what he said
I have had no empathy or understanding from Mischler's since the kids took over or Milwaukee BMW and Rockford BMW died when BMW made them separate from Kiegels.
I have had really good experiences from Thoroughbred's. I give him money all the time.
I have had good report about Matt at Motor West.
Motor West (http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/)
John Rambo, who used to wrench at Rockford BMW and Kiegels has recently gone out on his own. I have his phone number if your interested in that.

[glurkus]

Anyone know if these Independents work on newer oilheads? I have an '07 RT.

[mikegates]

Glen works on anything. he maintains our 07 650 GS. call him

[Tlaw1994]

If you are looking for service work call Glen. http://www.thoroughbred-cycles.com/

I stay away from all dealers seeing how they dont sell airheads anymore.

I would recommend Glen as well, reasonable prices, knowledgeable technician, and friendly service.

[kstoo]

I would recommend Glen as well, reasonable prices, knowledgeable technician, and friendly service.

Yeah, what dealer do you know of that has a daily scheduled customer appreciation conversation and wind-down time? :dunno

[JR]

I've been very happy with the service at BMW Motorcycles of Milwaukee. I've been going there since they opened about 6 years ago. Before that I've had many years of good service at their other dealership down the block called Southeast Sales (Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, Suzuki) which is owned by the same family. Very good people to deal with.

[LoneRanger]

Give Jim a call at Rose Farm Classics. He has been working on BMW's for many years and is a good wrench. He is located in Woodstock, IL.

http://www.rosefarmclassics.com/

[jasonTDI]

Glen +3.

Can be really busy so it can take some time.

Matt in Milwaukee. Not a chance in He## will he EVER see one of my bikes again. Not after A half Arsed $500 service and the bike ran WORSE and SLOWER and the front brake let go on the ride back to Madison by Miller park in 70-25 mph traffic.... Got to practice lane splitting or play superman off a lexus....All I got was a BS song and dance on the issue. Should have cancelled the check.....This was on an R60/5 and since you drive a new bike it won't matter since he does airheads and back.

[kstoo]

I mentioned John Rambow before and then I checked up on him to see how he is doing. He used to do my bike for me when he was at Kegel's and Rockford BMW and I have known him since before there were any slash 6's ... he has BMW dealer experience, he was at Rockford BMW till they closed, so he knows airheads and more. OK it is not really Wisconsin but it is worth the trip if you are looking for a good mech.
He is listed in the IBMWR independent mechanic section and I will paste here his 'blurb' from the email that he sent to me.

"Hello BMW riders, JOHN RAMBOW here
Friendly neighborhood BMW wrench

I was the BMW technician at Kegel Motorcycles and BMW Motorcycles of Rockford for 22 years until the shop closed. Now I’m working on bikes at home. I can fix anything the dealers can; I even have the software to diagnose the electronics on the newer bikes.

My labor rate is $50.00 per hour, considerably less than most local dealers.


I can be reached at 815-298-0498 to make arrangements for wrenching.
My home phone is 815-874-0222, with message machine.
My E-mail address is jbdk4@comcast.net
My local address is 3012 Bavarian Ln., Rockford, IL, 61109. Mapquest works.
My global address is: N 42 deg 13.639 min. and W 089 deg 02.347 min.

Please share this info with your club members and riding friends. Thank you.

I can also do some repairs on older HDs & Asian bikes, lawnmowers, snow blowers or if it runs on fuel I can probably fix it.

[cheesewhiz]

My local address is 3012 Bavarian Ln., Rockford, IL, 61109. Mapquest works.


Bavarian Lane huh?

That's a good sign!

:german

[astrin]

A big thing I like about BMW Milwaukee is that they participate in the demo program; Mischler's does not. Mischler's asks you to test ride a bike around a flat square route of a few miles that's pretty useless. On the other hand, I spent a whole day riding the Kettle Moraine North Unit on an R1200GS and another day on a K1200GT from BMW Milwaukee, and they even paid for gas.

While my wife and I were out whooping it up on the GS, they did the 72k inspection/service on my K75RT, and it was ready to go when we rolled in just before closing time. The work was fine, the labor rate lower than Motorcycle Performance in Madison (which I don't think really has a lot of K-bike expertise, but I've heard they've got an airhead mechanic).

I've been up to Mischler's several times, and they serviced my bike with previous owners, but it IS a Harley dealership more than a BMW dealership. I'll stick with taking my bike to Milwaukee and spending the day riding a sweet new machine with my wife in the hills while they fix mine. I still use Motorcycle Performance for routine things like balancing tires, and it's fun that they're Ducati fanatics.

[Gilly]

If you're serious about a bike, Mischlers will let you take an extended roadtest with a bike. When I bought my bike last summer, they never mentioned a roadtest route, just "go and check it out, see ya in awhile". The first one I drove a good 1/2 hour plus, the second one (same type) only 10 minutes or so, that's all I felt I needed.
But no, no demo fleet or program. Doesn't bother me, I don't think I would want to get involved in that either, having a service customer "whoop it up" with no serious intention of buying one?
I had to bring mine back for the 1st service and infamous EWS job, they gave me a bike to ride home, didn't bother me a bit it wasn't a BMW, just a UJM. I really have a problem with people who are snobs to the point they would scoff at that. NOT saying you would, just sayin'.
I wouldn't use the phraseology "more Harley dealer than BMW", I don't think that's fair. They are both. Yeah Harley places more demands on the facility for floor space and appearance, that's the way they are and I am sure it is more of their business than BMW. The place fills a niche for the area, if they don't have the BMW business to make the business float, then they need the HD brand in there (more money anyways). I just wish they would build a stand-alone BMW dealer in Madison (been tried in the past by others though and failed) and just let Beaver D be their HD shop, but I don't think it'll ever happen.
I like Bill at MP also, he did a lot of work on my bikes back when I lived in Middleton and owned Kawasakis. I let them do some failry major work on my K75 though, and that was a big turn off. To the point where I wished I would have done it myself. But I would also use them for tires, etc too. I just think the tech was in over his head on a K.
Gilly

[Hotspice]

I've always had my bike serviced at BMW Motorcycles of Milwaukee.

Never had a problem with the quality of work or the turnaround time and most of the time, if I make arrangements in advance, they take care of the smaller service items while I wait.

It was stated earlier but I think bears repeating that BMW Motorcycles is very active with supporting the local clubs and events. For that reason I go to them first for any parts I need for any of the self-service work I do on our bikes.

[topjeff]

I have since moved to KY, but John and the boys treated me well (and fairly) with good service.

[Rapid_Roy]

Glen at Thoroughbred for all my bikes. I got ripped on a upper fairing paint job at Milwaukee that looked like it was brush painted. I have never been back since.

[Gilly]

Have had Mischlers handle some paint work for me while the bike was getting work done over the winter, and have been well satisfied with the quality, but pretty sure it's just a local body shop doing it, but they did fine work, no complaints, fair prices.

Gilly

[bmwdean]

BMW Motorcycles of Milwaukee, hands down.

I have not gone to Mischler's for years and will not go there. Instead, I ride twice as far to get to John Erdmann's BMW Motorcycles of Milwaukee.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2690&highlight=mischler

[Gilly]

Yeah, Beaver Dam is bad enough, no way I have time to drive to Milwaukee for work. I can see why you'd be upset after reading that thread you linked us to, Jeff. Would like to hear more, maybe we'll meet up someplace again, has been awhile.
Anyways, I've "always" gone there, have had a few turn-offs, but for the most part am happy, never even considered another dealer when I bought the new bike last year.
The comments regarding service parts on that other thread really baffles me though, have high regard for Aaron in parts and Jason in service and always feel I am getting a good price. Maybe not better than a few dealers who give discounts for online parts sales, but a fair price and are willing to ship stuff to me post haste for a reasonable price. That really helps a lot when you are an hour or so from them and have to work.
I don't really care if the BMWs are back in the corner. It would be GREAT to have a BMW-only shop in the area, I really think Madison could support a BMW dealer now (and yeah I'd go there, where ever is closest). Maybe not back in the 80s, especially with the following C&D had in the area back then.
NOW I think a stand-alone BMW dealer would work, the product is better placed and C&D, although I never went there, is sadly gone. (RIP Bill).
But anyways, yeah Mischlers has both BMW and HD, most of the time they have a few BMWs right there in the foyer when you walk in the front door, along with the Harleys.
I don't mind going into a Harley dealer though, for Petes sake this IS Wisconsin! Nothing personal Jeff, but it strikes me wrong, as a sort of aloof: "Oh, I don't want to have to be around THOSE Harley people"
Regards, Jeff
Gilly

[Gilly]

OH, as an aside, and for others who were loyal C&D patrons.
I really got interested in BMWs when the K75S came, out. I had been interested in those "soul-less" K bikes since they came out. Then the 75 came out, and it called me even more (I didn't think I wanted a 1000cc bike). THEN the S came out, and BMW had my number right there. So I did check around and someone (not even sure who, possibly an MSF trainer at MATC, prior to me meeting Jeff when we both took the same MSF instructor class at UW-Whitewater). HIGHLY recommended C&D BMW in Freeport IL. Also mentioned Mischlers in Beaver Dam (could not believe there wasn't a BMW cycle dealer in '87 in Madison. There had been one just prior to this time frame, I'm sure Jeff remembers the details).
So, I called C&D, and my reaction was a total turnoff. Not sure if it was Bill (who I did meet a few times later on), but conversation was similar to:
Yeah hey, I'm interested in looking at one of these K75S's, you have one in stock?
*snort" WE don't sell those things, no one wants 'em. (may have mentioned "junk" in there, may have been implied).
OH, uh, ok then. Thanks?
Yeah come on over if you want to look at an air cooled twin, we have some of those.........

So, I called Mischlers and that was when Bill Mischler owned it, and I know he was the one I talked to. I really like Bill a lot. Very old school guy, said he has one sitting on the floor right now, come on up and take it for a spin.

Gilly

[Gilly]

Just noticed the BMW demo truck will be at my favorite BMW dealer on June 12-13. 50 years as a BMW dealer, whoa that's a pretty good record!
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/individual/dealer_demo_events/index.html&notrack=1

Gilly

[flemingps]

I vote for Mischlers, had nothing but great service from them. I even get a loaner bike so I can get lunch & take a ride while they do the service.
Milwaukee BMW is a bust in my opinion. They scratch the crap out of my rims when I had the tires replaced, had the valves to tight on the RT so the cylinders started to overheat in Kansas City and the bike wouldn't start. The bike ran like crap till I got it home and reset the valves and synced the carbs myself. I'll never give them any business again.
I've never used Nicks, but I have heard good stuff about them.
Just my 2 cents.

[LoneRanger]

I rode my RT up to Mischler's yesterday to pick up my topcase. I must admit that Mischler's is a Harley shop that sells a few BMW's. It was very clear to me who comes first between a Harley or a BMW customer. I felt like a 2nd class citizen. They were falling all over the Harley customers. I spent $1,100 on a top case, jacket, gloves and a couple T shirts. I didn't even get a thank you. The Harley people stared at me like I was someone from outer space. A guy and his wife even asked me if I ware "that helmet" all the time, even in summer. I had the only BMW in the lot except for Mischler had 4 used ones sitting in front of the store. The new BMW's are in the back corner. I was planning on having my 6,000 mile service done there. I don't want some Harley mechanic working on my bike. I think I will check out Leo's South. Gina in Iowa City is mad at me because I did not buy my bike from her and does not seem to want to do any service on mine. I gave her plenty of chances to sell me a bike but she is really firm on her pricing. Maybe you guys can give me some ideas.

[Gilly]

Mischlers has been selling BMWs a long long time. As I earlier posted the 50th anniversary of the BMW franchise is next month, the 50th anniversary for Mischlers as a dealership was just a yr or two ago? It just strikes me that they are badmouthed simply because they are also (and yes mainly) an HD dealership. So if for example someone is in WI on a trip, you would rather have NO BMW dealership in that location, or an HD/BMW dealership? The comment about having a Harley mechanic work on your bike, you think they have no one there trained on BMW??
Gilly

[Gilly]

I A guy and his wife even asked me if I ware "that helmet" all the time, even in summer. I had the only BMW in the lot except for Mischler had 4 used ones sitting in front of the store. The new BMW's are in the back corner.

You have to realize there is a lot of pull from Harley to have things looking they way they want them to. HD will barely tolerate another line of product, and yeah it get relegated to the back corners. BMW IS represented there, it can't all be laid on the dealership. Show me an HD/BMW dealer where it is set up just the opposite (HDs in the corner), it doesn't happen.

Only BMW in the lot? Yeah I've been there when it's like that, I think it's kinda cool. "Look at me, I'm not a sheep!"

The helmet comment, Ooo, could have had a lot of fun with that, my reaction would I think be " YEAH I wear this helmet all the time, how stupid do you have to BE to not wear a helmet on a motorcycle, you know humans have the uncanny ability to overlook obvious hazards, you ever think about that, huh?"
Or something like that..........
Anyways you can't hold stupid customer comments against the dealer......
Gilly

[jasonTDI]

Boy with a surly attitude like that it's no wonder nobody wants to "earn" your service. :violin

I have to disagree 100% with you on their parts, sales and service. Always first rate. And it's more than a "corner" of the store.

Hey, a lot of Harley stuff there because it PAYS the BILLS. More than a lot of long gone BMW stores could say for themselves.

[LoneRanger]

I really would like to apologize for my ranting about my trip to Mischler's. I did not know they were having some kind of Harley gathering when I went up there on Saturday. On the way there I was passed by a lot of Harley's. They blew by me with there straight pipes blasting. When I got there the exhaust racket was deafening as there were a lot of Harley's in the parking lot and going back and forth in front of Mischler's. The trip home was just a bad as the trip to get there. I was passed by 15 to 20 Harley's on the way to Madison. Not one had a muffler, no one wore a helmet. Just a do rag, T shirt and jeans. While I was at Mischler's the Harley riders were not friendly at all. I had my bike parked up by the front door and it got a lot of disapproving comments. I really can not blame Mischler's for my poor interaction with the Harley riders. Mischler's has been very responsive to my e-mails about service etc and Jason has answered all my goofy questions about my RT after I bought it. I should wait a few days and cool off before I go ranting about my bad experiences. I waved to every Harley rider that passed me - not 1 waved back.

[Doglips]

Mischler's has always been good for me. Been treated fairly when buying and servicing and for parts. Are they the cheapest? No. But I live in the U.P of Michigan and when I visit Art always says hi and calls me by my first name, even though he has probably seen thousands of customer pass through his doors. Free wireless internet is great to have there too as I have serviced my bike during a business trip and I was able to continue working while waiting for my service. That is service I can use. Oh yeah and as for Leo's, I bought bikes from them in 89 and '93 prior to moving to the U.P. in '98. I had an emergency service needed last summer on my way to Gillette, and while they couldn't get the part in time for me to ride my bike to the Rally, (it was in Germany) I was still able to attend on a friends bike who works at the shop, as I was a customer there many years earlier and he wasn't going. I would never have expected this from anyone at a dealership. The bike was ready for me on my way back from the Rally, washed and ready to rock.

[OrchardRT]

People can't complain about the Wisconsin dealers. Mischlers has done good for me and I purchased two RT's from them. His and Her's. I've never felt ignored or second class in the HD side and the counter guys are knowledgeable and Jason is good. They always made sure I had crush washers.
I have been very spoiled as I moved to south-central Indiana and there isn't a choice, although the Indy dealer seems to try very hard and has a good staff. They didn't kick me out when I walked into the shop, always a good indication.

Ben

[Gilly]

Wanted to bump this to the top, remember there is a big 50th anniversary celebration at Mischlers June 12 & 13, demo truck is there, rare midwest appearance!
http://www.mischlersbmw.com/
Gilly

[Gilly]

Sad to report the passing of Bill Mischler this past Wednesday, he was a super guy:
http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20090611/FON010301/906110451/-1/archive

[miffy]

Nothing bad to say about Mischlers. They are very knowledgeable and have been very helpful in my dealings with them. My preference would have to go to http://www.bmwmotorcyclesofmilwaukee.com/. They have always been there in time of need. As in getting involved with a bike out of warranty to be covered at no cost to me. Went the extra mile to help out a customer in need. Didn't even buy the bike from http://www.bmwmotorcyclesofmilwaukee.com/. Now that's service! Johnny and company know how to get the job done and I have never been blind sided with extra costs. Glen at http://www.thoroughbred-cycles.com/ is always another good option in time of need in Elkhorn. :beer