[WarrENDeatH]

I'm coming to the BMW forums for this issue because frankly, the Mustang forums are filled with assholes. It's always a measuring contest, and nobody wants to help. So, I'm calling on everyone for constructive advice.

I brought in my Mustang to Ford for my back wheel losing three lug nuts, and blowing off three heads that the lugs attach to. This happened on the interstate, and the reasoning was blamed on a plastic centric ring left behind from my winter wheels (My father and I put my winter wheels on, never put this ring on, so I'm not sure if Tire Discounters did this or what).

Regardless, I got to Ford and found the charge to fix these three lug nuts and heads was an incredible 498 dollars. I was confused and immediately brought up that all I needed was lug nuts and new heads. These can be simply knocked out with elbow grease and two dollar parts. The guy stated, and I kid you not, "Things are more advanced now, and that's not how they work anymore." I went back and forth with him, before I (stupidly) conceded. It didn't help my wife was just wanting me to get my car back, and frankly, I needed it back for work.

So, after talking to more people and having her now give a crap. I've found out that I was in fact right, and all I needed was those few parts. I was told at max 100 dollars, not the $498 I was charged.

My first move is to contact the dealership, then to contact corporate as well as dispute the charges with my banking institution.

What would you guys suggest? Thanks.

[WarrENDeatH]

Below is a picture of the issue, as well as the centric ring that they're talking about that caused the issue.

Scary situation, considering the lug nuts blew off when I was going about 80 on the interstate.

[BUFFLARS12]

You should have gotten a quote before they performed the service.

As far as they are concerned, they had nothing to do with the issue. A hubcentric ring like that improperly installed can absoloutly cause this damage.

That may be expensive but I don't see an issue. It's the dealer.

[Graves]

Sorry to hear this bro but that is on you. Mustangs are simple fixes and damn near anything can be fixed and performed in your garage. I know the forums are full of assholes with their dick measuring contest; however, you still would have got the answer you are looking for. I am a lifetime Mustang owner so I know the forums well, this is my first BMW. Either way, you're wasting your time. Its not Ford's fault you spent more money than you needed to. Good luck either way.

[RM7]

I thought it was law they have to give you an estimate?

[nick3753]

Never go to dealer for anything other than warranty work (I understand you thought maybe this was a warranty issue).

Agree with others this is not Fords fault. It may be helpful to know the breakdown of the charges for parts and labor. Maybe with that info and a quote or 2 (or 3) from somewhere else, you can get some sort of partial reimbursement if you take it up the chain of command at the dealership. Good luck.

[eluded]

You can always get a quote from another dealership just so you know what the Ford dealers in the area are charging. Prices vary greatly from dealer to dealer and state to state.

[tdott]

How long ago were you at the last shop?
Perhaps they caused the damage but its going to be hard to prove it since you didnt take it back to them.

[wdb]

This is why I'll never use hub centric rings.