Off Topic, but I got fired today.

[Aindriu]

Yeah, from the Merc dealership. Didn't seem like it was going well from the start really them drilling me about driving a BMW and then after a misunderstanding earlier this week I was told that my contract is being terminated.
Luckily although I had actually applied for a job at Auto Classic BMW a week before and that lunch time had actually got a copy of their bonus' by the boss to have a look over and consider.

Basically the misunderstanding was that I was taking my dealers licence on Tue/Wed and was told it might be a good thing having a break for two days from the dealership and to come in fresh on Thursday, then Wednesday night (late night dealing) I get a nasty call asking where I am.
Also one morning being the first one in, as always, I thought I'd get a coffee before I opened up the cars quickly and that was seen as having a 'piss poor attitude'.

Anyway at least now I've got two weeks to prepare for my Police Physical which if I pass should get me into the Police Acadmey which I've been trying to get into for over a year now.

[mrsharp]

Yeah, from the Merc dealership. Didn't seem like it was going well from the start really them drilling me about driving a BMW and then after a misunderstanding earlier this week I was told that my contract is being terminated.
Luckily although I had actually applied for a job at Auto Classic BMW a week before and that lunch time had actually got a copy of their bonus' by the boss to have a look over and consider.

Basically the misunderstanding was that I was taking my dealers licence on Tue/Wed and was told it might be a good thing having a break for two days from the dealership and to come in fresh on Thursday, then Wednesday night (late night dealing) I get a nasty call asking where I am.
Also one morning being the first one in, as always, I thought I'd get a coffee before I opened up the cars quickly and that was seen as having a 'piss poor attitude'.

Anyway at least now I've got two weeks to prepare for my Police Physical which if I pass should get me into the Police Acadmey which I've been trying to get into for over a year now.
I work at a Bmw dealership and employees drive all sorts of cars. Do they really expect everyone to drive a merc?

[Aindriu]

It was a very narrow minded workplace. They expected all the dealers to accept the $200 per fortnight charge to drive the 'product' and most of the time it was a POS A or B class.
I honestly didn't belong there however it still is upsetting that I got messed around. To be completley honest though I don't know what they expected of me. I was given practically no training when I was told in the interview that I would be.
I was given a desk with a folder full of pricing and options and just left to my own device.

[Binjammin]

You're gonna join the bronze? To steal our pride?

[AquilaBMW]

Though it is sad that you were fired, sounds like you were better off without this place. IIRC, you had your doubts from the beginning.

[acet]

Its alright man. They didn't deserve an employee like you anyways! Best of luck at the police academy! I want the blue line sticker ;)

[5mall5nail5]

That seems silly that you have to pay $200 a pay week (I think?) to drive their cars. Weirdness - sounds like you're better off without it though!

[OregonE34]

The only unfortunate thing about losing the job is now you won't be mad enough to take them to court for making you drive their POS. Good luck moving onto bigger and better things! And make sure you tell anyone you know, not to buy from them. They sound like the uppercrust of crap.

[BMWheadSpence]

for the price of "renting" the merc from em (200 per week) you could probably buy one and have money left. thats ridiculous
just another reason to not work at the other manufacturers dealer

[janders211]

Congrats!- that sounded like a terrible job anyways...I hope the BMW dealership works out for you, and the academy.

[strad]

That seems silly that you have to pay $200 a pay week (I think?) to drive their cars. Weirdness - sounds like you're better off without it though!

$200/2 weeks. But still, totally ridiculous. Glad I don't work there lol!

[zubbie]

all I can think of is:

http://www.cinemastrikesback.com/news/new%20dailies/PoliceAcademy/policeacademy2-1024.jpg

[janders211]

I don't have p-shop - but I'm sure someone can put chrome wheel arches on this.
http://www.allcarwallpapers.com/wallpapers/previews/brabus-cls-v12-s-rocket-police-car-9523.jpg

[attack eagle]

lol. you actually got fired for not subscribing to their Kickback system...

that is what the 200 p month 'rental' is. :)

They are writing that lost value off as a demo on their books, turning the cars over and selling them for a profit still every year, and 'underpaying' the employees by $200 a month.

[janders211]

lol. you actually got fired for not subscribing to their Kickback system...

that is what the 200 p month 'rental' is. :)

They are writing that lost value off as a demo on their books, turning the cars over and selling them for a profit still every year, and 'underpaying' the employees by $200 a month.
It's actually $400/month...fortnight is 2 weeks...yankee.

I completely agree- I'd report them to whatever sort of agency you guys have down there (BBB?), especially if other employess will attest that they were pressured to pay for the demos.

burn that fkr down.

[4500 RPM]

lol. you actually got fired for not subscribing to their Kickback system...

that is what the 200 p month 'rental' is. :)

They are writing that lost value off as a demo on their books, turning the cars over and selling them for a profit still every year, and 'underpaying' the employees by $200 a month.

Exactly, but $400. Insane.

What a scam. :mad

[jessejames]

if you don't mind me saying, this has all the signs of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
didn't enjoy working there, considered the bmw dealership, thought to 'suck it up...'
overall, you're better off enjoying what you do and doing what you enjoy, anyway.

[5senses]

What a ripp off even by your employer..
Unfortunately it ended this way but( not 2 b godly) everything happens for a reason..
Enjoy the force and a blue line sticker would b koooooool...

[Foglght]

I work at a Bmw dealership and employees drive all sorts of cars. Do they really expect everyone to drive a merc?

I get these stupid little business card things on my car at work (ford). They look like a regular ford salesman business card, and when you look for the name is says, "From a co-worker who thinks you're a traitor."

[Binjammin]

I get these stupid little business card things on my car at work (ford). They look like a regular ford salesman business card, and when you look for the name is says, "From a co-worker who thinks you're a traitor."


That's awesome! Too bad you can't put me in contact with your coworkers so I can tell them what I really think of their product, and how careful I am not to step in it.

[E34ührer]

I work at a Bmw dealership and employees drive all sorts of cars. Do they really expect everyone to drive a merc?


Yes....Merc requires thier salespeople to own a Mercedes product. Not only that, but it can't be older than 5 years or something like that. My buddy's dad has sold them for years and won the national sales contest to be on the Jay Leno show...he hates Mercs, so he bought a C class for his wife.

[Steve547i]

Its alright man. They didn't deserve an employee like you anyways! Best of luck at the police academy! I want the blue line sticker ;)

I second the sticker

[Lord DRIFT]

Though it is sad that you were fired, sounds like you were better off without this place. IIRC, you had your doubts from the beginning.

This.

Now take some of their prospects with you. :devillook

[BMWheadSpence]

Yes....Merc requires thier salespeople to own a Mercedes product. Not only that, but it can't be older than 5 years or something like that. My buddy's dad has sold them for years and won the national sales contest to be on the Jay Leno show...he hates Mercs, so he bought a C class for his wife.

that is ridiculous, :mad.
i personally hate mercs with a passion
if i had to own one it would definitely be an older one that has some actual style to it

ive noticed that the only people that chose to drive benz are elderly women, african-americans, and men with questionable sexual preference:shifty

[E34ührer]

that is ridiculous, :mad.
i personally hate mercs with a passion
if i had to own one it would definitely be an older one that has some actual style to it

ive noticed that the only people that chose to drive benz are elderly women, african-americans, and men with questionable sexual preference:shifty


Mercs are a nice high quality automobile. The craftsmenship is the best you can get without buying the likes of a Maserati or Bentley. I wouldn't stand in line to have one, but I sure wouldn't bitch if I had a car of that caliber.

[Aindriu]

Thanks guys.

I'm going to get back in touch with the manager at Auto Classic and tell him "I've taken the pay conditions home, I like it and so do my family so I'll be happy to accept a job if you are still offering me one."

For the time being though I'm hitting the gym, my physical is in two weeks. Reason I still need a job is that I heard the next intake into the Police Academy is something like Oct/Nov so I can't survive on nothing until then.

I will say that Mercedes-Benz actually do finish their cars off a little bit nicer than BMW but at the end of the day when you get behind the wheel you just feel like its lifeless and you feel nothing for it rather than a BMW. When you get behind the wheel you don't care about how frustrating the iDrive can be or that you have to turn the indicator the way you turn it on to turn it off, it just feels right.

[janders211]

Mercs are a nice high quality automobile. The craftsmenship is the best you can get without buying the likes of a Maserati or Bentley. I wouldn't stand in line to have one, but I sure wouldn't bitch if I had a car of that caliber.
I'm not sure what you mean by 'best' but from what I've seen Lexus has Merc (and BMW's for that matter) trumped in pretty much every quantifiable manner, other than outright power in new cars.

[Dexm]

I remember thinking in 90 or 91 comparing the finish work on Mercedes v. BMW, that BMW had the edge. At least that was my impression. But that was also about the time when those cheapo 190 and 300E's were in production I think.

[hutch555]

The only Mercedes I would own is the old 300 Turbo Deisel wagon. I think the shape is cool and that is when Mercedes built the bullet proof diesel engine. They do last forever. IMO, Merc went down hill after 1991.

[E34ührer]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'best' but from what I've seen Lexus has Merc (and BMW's for that matter) trumped in pretty much every quantifiable manner, other than outright power in new cars.

Funny. I wouldn't put Lexus in any 'build quality' or 'craftsmanship' competitions. Molded plastic and cheap leather don't scream 'quality' to me....but to each his own....Lexus still makes a fantastic automobile. But Mercs are fit and finished IMO better than pretty much everyone else. Don't get me wrong, there are a TON of cars that I would rather have, but that doesn't discount the fact that Mercedes makes a top notch auto.


I remember thinking in 90 or 91 comparing the finish work on Mercedes v. BMW, that BMW had the edge. At least that was my impression. But that was also about the time when those cheapo 190 and 300E's were in production I think.

True. The 190 and 300's weren't the pinnacle of MB's work. But if you compare a 190e to the competing BMW, a 190e was much nicer than an E30 of similar vintage. 300e vs 5er? I call that a draw.

Any way you want to look at it, they are good cars. But I still DD a BMW....and so do most of the other non-AARP-card holding enthusiasts.

[Kashmirbeige525]

that is ridiculous, :mad.
i personally hate mercs with a passion
if i had to own one it would definitely be an older one that has some actual style to it

ive noticed that the only people that chose to drive benz are elderly women, african-americans, and men with questionable sexual preference:shifty

Black Man's Weiner

[E34ührer]

men with questionable sexual preference:shifty


BTW....you are thinking Miatas and Foresters.....

[93FIM5]

Funny. I wouldn't put Lexus in any 'build quality' or 'craftsmanship' competitions. Molded plastic and cheap leather don't scream 'quality' to me....but to each his own....Lexus still makes a fantastic automobile.

Agreed, Lexus makes a nice car but the interior always comes across looking really cheap to me. Then again so does Audi's interiors their plastics always seemed too light in feel and just lower quality, and their cup holders look like something you would buy at Wal-mart (not saying BMW's are the best at all) but then again magazines are always praising Audi for their interior build quality and I just dont agree, it is nice for a VW.

That all being said Im really sick of the new BMW's having plastic engine covers and generally looking cheap when you open the hood, what happened to functional elegance :mad! My god they use to do it with the M30,M5X,S14,S5X,S38,S54,S62,S85 but now they just throw a cheap ass piece of plastic over it all and call it good. That is one area that Ferrari has mastered and to an extent Audi has as well, but come the new NXX engines BMW just dropped the ball :(.

OP, sorry to hijack your thread man I wish you the best of luck and if you ever happen to clock an E34 M5 going 150mph trying to set the new trans US record please let me go!

[OregonE34]

... but then again magazines are always praising Audi for their interior build quality and I just dont agree, it is nice for a VW.

I agree! I owned a 2008 VW Rabbit S for a year and I won't say I hated it but... I didn't like it. I hated the HUGE buttons everywhere on the stereo and it all seemed very simplified. Then my boss let me drive his A6 to get some stuff for him and I thought... this looks just like my Rabbit. That's why I hate Audi's because they remind me of a cheaper car (on the inside).

Back on topic: Mercedes suck. They are nice to look at but I honestly don't think I'd want to drive one.. BMW just... gets inside your body and takes over. It's an obsession but I love it.

[Binjammin]

Sorry, are you guys really arguing who has the better interior plastics? Any plastic is fail, and it's about time carmakers realized that.

[E34ührer]

Sorry, are you guys really arguing who has the better interior plastics?

No. No one is arguing. We all agree with the following statement....


Any plastic is fail, and it's about time carmakers realized that.

[janders211]

No. No one is arguing. We all agree with the following statement....

PLastics are superior to some things;
http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/hillbillyhotrod_1036_resized.jpg

I think wood is the most asinine interior material.

[93FIM5]

Plastics are a common part of car life, I agree they are crap on the interior of a car and they do cheapen it up but they are cost and weight effective. I'm not sure that any plastic is a failure I believe it depends on what type of plastic it is and how its used I mean you cant say CFRP is a failure when used in structural parts or even for its aesthetic value (vehicle dependent of course).

I think current automotive interior design USE of plastics is a failure for the most part though. Thats exactly why Im replacing my current interior door handles (the latch) with brushed aluminum (I have to figure out how to replace the splined portion or machine it, hrm need to get the rest of the assembly from me78569). I was a little happier when I noticed in BMW's Concept CS that they were intentionally limiting the areas where you would usually use giant pieces of plastic and replacing it with wood, aluminum, and leather (albiet most likely covering plastic, but its weight efficient which is a plus). Also I think the new Z4 interior is a step in the right direction for BMW as it is much cleaner than previous designs, anyways interior design is another thread.

[E34ührer]

Yes....plastic is a HUGE building block for auto manufacturers...but there is a limit....look at the interior of a Civic, then look at the interior of an E34....the Civic is ALL plastic, and the BMW uses some plastic, but not very much. As far as engine treatments....I don't really care....I think the NXX series motors look good.

[Binjammin]

PLastics are superior to some things;
http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/hillbillyhotrod_1036_resized.jpg

I think wood is the most asinine interior material.

I don't know what that is, and I think you're a decent dude, but I'm pretty sure you were put on this earth to disagree with everything I say. :rofl:


Plastics are a common part of car life, I agree they are crap on the interior of a car and they do cheapen it up but they are cost and weight effective. I'm not sure that any plastic is a failure I believe it depends on what type of plastic it is and how its used I mean you cant say CFRP is a failure when used in structural parts or even for its aesthetic value (vehicle dependent of course).

I think current automotive interior design USE of plastics is a failure for the most part though. Thats exactly why Im replacing my current interior door handles (the latch) with brushed aluminum (I have to figure out how to replace the splined portion or machine it, hrm need to get the rest of the assembly from me78569). I was a little happier when I noticed in BMW's Concept CS that they were intentionally limiting the areas where you would usually use giant pieces of plastic and replacing it with wood, aluminum, and leather (albiet most likely covering plastic, but its weight efficient which is a plus). Also I think the new Z4 interior is a step in the right direction for BMW as it is much cleaner than previous designs, anyways interior design is another thread.


I know plastics are a "necessity" for modern interiors, but when they look so OBVIOUS and cheap, they stop being anything more than a degradation of the car they're installed in. There are plenty of different finishes that can be applied to plastics to make them MUCH better looking, and different materials that can be applied to the backing of plastics so they don't sound like plastic if you hit them or when you're traveling down the road.

Personally, I long for a car that's just a stripper. Something like a mini, or an MG, or 2002 that's barely got an interior as a factory option. From ANY carmaker. A real sleeper/stripper.

[attack eagle]

that is denim...

and vinyl is plastic too :)

I prefer leather, stainless, chrome, and painted steel... pot metal is rather iffy for me.

[janders211]

I don't know what that is, and I think you're a decent dude, but I'm pretty sure you were put on this earth to disagree with everything I say. :rofl:
I disagree with that- I'm sure there are things we agree upon.


Personally, I long for a car that's just a stripper. Something like a mini, or an MG, or 2002 that's barely got an interior as a factory option. From ANY carmaker. A real sleeper/stripper.
I would love to have a car where you can see welds on the interior.
I shun options, and things uneccessary for driving. I like simple, and light. The favorite of my cars has no sunroof, no AC,no power locks, and no power windows. I actually hunted down this particular stripper, and flew states away to pick it up.

[E34ührer]

I disagree with that- I'm sure there are things we agree upon.
:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:



The favorite of my cars has no sunroof, no AC,no power locks, and no power windows. I actually hunted down this particular stripper, and flew states away to pick it up.

What kind of car is it??
:needpics

[93FIM5]

Personally, I long for a car that's just a stripper. Something like a mini, or an MG, or 2002 that's barely got an interior as a factory option. From ANY carmaker. A real sleeper/stripper.

Yea, a stripped out 2002 with a turbo M10 that would be a blast!

[Binjammin]

I disagree with that- I'm sure there are things we agree upon.
:rofl


I would love to have a car where you can see welds on the interior.
I shun options, and things uneccessary for driving. I like simple, and light. The favorite of my cars has no sunroof, no AC,no power locks, and no power windows. I actually hunted down this particular stripper, and flew states away to pick it up.


<3 Seriously, what kind of car? That's about as close as my 318 gets. It's got power windows and locks, but it's got no sunroof. 2650lbs from BMW. I need to get it weighed someday to see how light it is.


Yea, a stripped out 2002 with a turbo M10 that would be a blast!


Wish BMW had thought of that. :(

[5mall5nail5]

I like a car that looks like it has amenities, but when you get inside the fuel pump makes you have to go to the bathroom, the clutch engagement makes you feel like you're driving over 2x4's, and the ride is harsh. All in a four door sedan that looks like it'd be a comfy cruiser. It gets you everytime. EVERY time.

[Dexm]

that is denim...

and vinyl is plastic too :)

I prefer leather, stainless, chrome, and painted steel... pot metal is rather iffy for me.

I hope they bring back bakelite.

[Binjammin]

I hope they bring back bakelite.




:banghead: