I typically post in the 997 Turbo forum but thought this was worth crossing over since I see a lot of GTs in Northern Virginia / DC / MD... I just picked up an amazing low milage 997.1 GMG beast and was promptly pulled over for not having a front plate. I called the service department at Porsche of Tyson's and asked about a bracket that would go through the tow hook and NOT require drilling. They said they had it in stock but were closing in an hour. I got there with time to spare and was told it would have to be special ordered... oh well... I specify again a NO DRILL kit. I was assured it was no problem and would be ready Wednesday. Wednesday rolls around and I went over during lunch to have it put on and get an emissions test. 45 min later the car comes out with the inspection but no plates. I mention the bracket to the service advisor and she has the tech take it back assuring me it would only be a few minutes. I'm sure going by the title you can guess what happened next. Amazingly i have stayed calm and collected. Screaming gets us nowhere. When the car came back the license plate was on a mount drilled dead center into the bumper. I asked her if it was the no mount and she assured me it was. Clearly it wasn't so I asked her to call and confirm. About 30 seconds into the call she looked like she was about to be sick. Shortly there after another service advisor showed up to ask me exactly what I had requested and exactly what the rep at parts said. After going to "verify" he came back and offered to patch and paint it. Wrong answer. I told him I wanted a new bumper. Today I called to get an update and the woman I initially spoke with answered. She said he wasn't available but would take a message. I said "this is the guy with the turbo you drilled into". Guess who was available. He told me he would have a new bumper by Tuesday. I just now got a call from another guy trying to convince me this is my fault for going to them and assuming a tow hook bracket was sold there. He even went on to say there was a miscommunication and the parts department neither heard me request no drill nor stated they could offer that. After telling him this was unacceptable he asked "do you expect me to replace a bumper on a 5 year old car?" I asked him "is this your final word? Do you really want to handle it this way?" He deferred to his GM. I currently am awaiting his call and posting reviews.

 

WOW, some people just truly have a lack of normal everyday intelligence. How people like that are allowed around any cars let alone 6 figure rides on a daily basis is beyond me. Definitely keep us updated on what happens with this whole saga.

 

holy sh.

 

Stories like this make me wanna wear a wire everytime I go to the stealership. You should consider using a recording device on future conversations. most smart phones should be able to record.

 

My hats off to you… I would have been livid!!

Did it say anything on the order form something about the tow hook or not drilling. That would be nice. Any paperwork like that?
God darn dealerships… So shady and it's never their fault right?

Gotta love the part where the guy is trying to convince you, tells you its your fault. What a genius! I would be more pissed off with him than anybody else at that point. The only one that is remotely reasonable is the guy who offered to patch and paint not that is what you want. I am with you, btw… I'd demand a new bumper too.

I forgot what it's called, I am sure one of you guys is a lawyer and know what I am trying to say, if something is damaged and can not be put back to its state before they damage it, then they are responsible for the cost of replacement; new parts and new paint in this case. Something like that.
I hope this gets resolved ASAP.

 

I am sorry this happened, hopefully they will make it alright and you will have a spare bumper for track days. Does Porsche make a tow hook license plate frame? The only one I have seen is from Rennline. Most dealers do not use after market parts. Dealers that allow you to talk directly with the techs are ok. If you find they won't let you in the shop, or talk directly to the person doing the work it is time to drive off.

 

Today I received a call from Chad the service manager. He stated that he had read this thread and was extremely sorry to hear how things have turned out. He went on to say that they had a staff meeting regarding the "miscommunication" would be happy to replace my bumper. He has ordered one which should arrive Tuesday/Wednesday then be painted&baked promptly.

Pending results I hold no grudge; I'm glad that the mistake has been taken care of and we can all be friends again.

 

The Power of the internet is a wonderful thing! Congrats on getting what you deserve which is the bumper replacement. Good decision by the GM, it was the right thing to do.

 

Dude as you and I chatted elsewhere, That should have been the ONLY solution. Glad they took care of you. I've been there a few times for parts, but never had them do any work for me.

As I mentioned before, if you want to put that thing up in the air at my place, you're more than welcome to come down. I'm about an hour south of you...

Mike Kelly

 

They did the right thing and I am glad to see that. If I were you I would keep all your paperwork that way if you sell the car and have to show bumper replacement you have proof it was only done for misdrilling the first bumper and not an accident. Make them write that on your paperwork. Just looking out for you and resale of car.

 

You can find the plate holder you need at Rennline.com, I have one on my GT3.

 

That's actually a REALLY good idea, because come resale time, the astute buyer, may think a new bumper would be to hide a prior accident. But if it's documented as to why it was replaced, then a prospective buyer should have no problem with it.

 

they made the mistake & should be paying for the mistake they made. it's the principle. sucks u have to deal with it.