As promised, here is the thread you've all been waiting for.
First a side trip down memory lane:
AA's official representative on the Internet, as well as AA's unofficial representative JMWeb and other vested interests, (example; TaZaM3) have initiated unjustified personal insults, spread lies and deception .... while calling me an Immature Lying Troll (omar all 3, jmweb and tazam3 obviously concur) n the M3Forum.
Assorted AA Trolls (you know who you are, so if the shoe fits) have seen fit to also initiate personal insults.
So far the AA camp have offered denials, unsubstantiated accusations, unsupported and/or unexplained allegations of misconduct on my part, one case of outright slander (jmweb calling honest businesses "chop shops"), a thinly veiled threat of bodily harm (from tazam3), the aforementioned personal insults and attempts to deceive thru innuendo and assorted distortions.
Oh, yes, I almost forgot ... AA's other response to my posts was to offer a "free" AA hat giveaway (15 hats?). ;-)
None of the AA supporters have offered cogent argument in refutation of my assertions. Why? Because they have none to offer!
How can they refute .... in no particular order:
Receipts.
Written notes.
Phone records.
Digital recordings.
AA's own manuals.
Unimpeachable eyewitnesses.
Info found on AA's own website.
Posts on this site and other websites.
That's a large body of evidence. Some of it from AA's own reps and supporters!
It has been pointed out to me that the haphazard spread of posts can be confusing for those who want to access true and accurate information relating to how Active Autowerks conduct themselves, the true nature of their Supercharger kits and the true nature of AA's tech support.
I concur. The AA controversy deserves it's own thread in the E46 M3 forum where all of the info can be easily found and examined and then:
You Decide!
I didn't begin posting about AA with the intent of upsetting anyone. I didn't intend this situation to develop into an adversarial relationship between AA and myself.
In fact, when the usual misguided souls...
(those who equate a criticism of their equipment w/a criticism of their .... ahem ..... other equipment <w>)
...offered insults in lieu of the reasoned argument they lacked .... I did not blame AA for their behavior.
Even when Jerry (who works with AA; ergo, he has a vested interest) lied .... I still did not hold it against AA. And I still had hopes that AA would get in touch with me and offer assistance.
But Omar preferred to call me a liar .... along with other insulting content in his posts. That teed me off.
He took notice and instead of apologizing, he did as he has done in the past and continued his personal attacks.
He did pause at one point to offer his "assistance," in a snide manner. Then he immediately followed that post with another Hate filled diatribe.
Then he proceeded to call me a Troll, as well as immature. Ergo: My references to being called "Immature Lying Troll."
So much for any CREDIBLE offer of assistance from AA.
IMHO, AA offers of "assistance" have been attempts to deceive us all into thinking that the shills and vested interests were trying to be reasonable.
The sheer gall of these individuals would be unbelievable if it were not for their own posts showing them to be liars and hypocrites.
Please keep in mind that after Omar's vicious personal attacks I wouldn't want to do business w/AA regardless of whether or not they offered to negotiate with me.
Yes, now I am pissed!
Omar had ample opportunity to apologize. AA's principals have known of Omar's similar egregious conduct in the past. And are well aware of what is happening now. The Hughs allow it and I can only surmise .... condone it.
And there are other reasons why I wouldn't think it wise to accept ANY forthcoming offers of assistance from AA.
Read on and those reasons shall be revealed.
As this thread progresses I shall offer quotes w/appropriate citations, along w/other references so that you may seek independent confirmation and then:
You Decide!
Of course I admit that I tossed a few so called, "insults" right back at the above named parties.
All of them were justified!
All of them were in direct response to lies, etc.
All of my so called "insults" were either calling them shills, liars and/or cheats. And always with justification.
Furthermore:
Never did I threaten anyone with bodily harm.
Never did I threaten to take unlawful action.
And at no time during this ordeal have I asked website admin to chastise, censor or intervene on my behalf in any way.
OTOH, I'm quite sure that AA have put pressure on website admin to have me censored in some manner.
But that would be, IMHO, a grievous error. I have not uttered terroristic threats and made actionable slanderous posts as have AA's vested interests (once again i speak of tazam3 & jmweb, respectively). Their posts, not mine, may put the site at some (small methinks) measure of risk.
My posts serve to inform. And carry ample verification.
AA can only accuse me of slander. But it's not actionable. Why? Because the truth is an unbeatable defense to such a charge.
As for the implied threat of reporting me for extortion, restraint of trade, or whatever other fantasies were going thru Omar's mind when he wrote: "Management wants to know if we should be contacting the local authorities or federal ones for that matter." Hogwash!
In fact i'd welcome investigation. I have nothing to hide. OTOH, methinks AA have a great deal to hide.
AA: Be careful what you wish for. <chuckle>
I submit to you, my fellow forum members ... site admin know that I am posting truthful information. Along with some strongly supported inferences. Plus a few reasonable opinions that are clearly shown to be mere opinion and do not constitute actionable offenses.
Nor can my, so called, "attacks" on AA and it's representatives be justifiably called personal attacks.
Impeaching vested interests is a time honored tradition .... When Warranted!!!
Consider the evidence that I will present to you (it will be limited to some extent by the possibility of litigation, ie; I have not entirely ruled out suing AA).
Consider AA's replies.
If they're foolish enough to reply when they lack cogent argument (heck, they've done it repeatedly already <shrug>.
Then after you've separated the wheat from the chaff: You Decide!
In 2004 after having my 03 SMG M3 Cab's motor replaced twice due to claimed rod bearing failures I began looking at more powerful SMG equipped vehicles as an alternative to BMWs. I found nothing which suited my criteria at the time.
I decided to purchase an 05 ZCP SMG M3 after doing extensive research on FI and NA upgrades for SMG BMWs.
Personally chatting w/AA reps on the phone, reading posts from AA reps (among others) on the Net and finding no negative commentary to speak of from end users, were the main reasons I chose an Active Autowerks Supercharger for my late model SMG M3.
AA had given me a reference to an installer in Washington state who does do business with AA. The gent I spoke with seemed (imho) to be annoyed with the entire situation (i have since learned that AA were STILL recommending this same shop). I apologized for bothering them and moved on.
Knowing the good folks @ Autohaus Bayern, a shop with an outstanding reputation who had maintained my 03 in an exemplary manner, I had A/B assist me with the purchase and perform the install.
And thus began a journey into grief, anger and despair. A path cushioned with my misspent thousands of dollars and littered with AA's deceit, empty promises, and outright lies.
If I knew then what I know now .... I would have run from AA like the Devil's hounds where on my tail!
First, I had A/B install a full Super Sprint exhaust system. With ceramic coated headers, race cats and twin race mufflers. Then I had A/B order directly from AA and at my behest, an AA SC kit for my car. Including an under-hood mounted Water/Alcohol injection kit.
AA sent us a trunk mounted W/A injection kit. I then learned that AA did not have, do not have and had no intention of supplying us with .... an under-hood mounted kit.
When I tried to return the W/A kit and exchange it .... AA set the pattern for what I found to be AA's SOPs when a customer has a problem:
First, they tried to blame us for the error. Claiming that we had mistakenly ordered a trunk mount kit.
When it was pointed out to AA that we had proof they made the error .... they then tried to talk me into keeping the kit by claiming that the trunk mount was a much better system.
When that failed .... they simply said that they didn't have any more under-hood kits, would not make any in the future and that we could return the trunk mount for a hefty 20% "restocking" fee.
It was obvious that AA were becoming upset w/me and realizing that if I pressed the issue AA might not be cooperative in the future, I decided to keep the trunk mount kit and make do.
Perhaps I should have realized that I'd been handed some clues? Well, hindsight is 20/20, isn't it dear friends?
BTW: I have since learned to my full satisfaction that AA had NO intention of providing me an under-hood W/A injection kit in the first place.
So, TTBOMK, here are the SOPs which AA live by:
1) Lie & Sell. First they tell you whatever AA think will result in a sale. Even if they have to lie to you.
Then they send you whatever AA feel like sending you. Even if it won't suit your clearly stated purposes.
2) Blame the Customer. If you complain; the first thing they do is blame YOU.
3) Deny & Lie. If that fails; they try to talk you into keeping the products.
4) Pressure the Customer. If that fails; they place an unjust financial burden on you.
But what if you continue to complain and demand that AA take responsibility for their actions? What is SOP #5? That's the $64K question. It will be answered as our ride w/AA continues .
We proceed w/the install and A/B soon find that the 10hr (average) install time AA claimed for the SC kit was not even close to the truth. To A/B's credit they did not charge me for many, many hours of extra time.
Please keep in mind that the TOTAL install includes troubleshooting the SC kit.
Upon initial install, A/B found that the blower as delivered was defective. AA sent us a new blower and w/o any further ado (or changes of any kind) the car now made considerably more power than OEM.
Eureka we're approaching the Finish line! ..... NOT! Not even close. <argh>
After initial install was complete; the engine would overheat (even under mild driving conditions) if we used the air conditioner. Example: Steady throttle, 70mph in top gear, ambient temp app 72 degrees. Red zone in a few of minutes, or so.
The harder one drives the car. The sooner the engine overheats.
As we later found out; even w/the AC turned off under track conditions after about two laps of 9 or 10/10ths driving .... the engine would overheat.
The only way to bring temps back out of the Red Zone and back to normal was to turn on the heater and slow down.
Trust me BoyzNGals it's no fun sitting in an M3 w/the heater turned on full blast during the summer.
The overheating problem made the car unusable for "Track Days" or anytime one needed AC.
But that's not the only bump in the road .... there was a huge surge in the powerband at app 4200RPM. It was so abrupt and hard that it could cause a spin if one was cornering when hitting 4200RPM. Heck, it was annoying at ALL times.
And there's still more .... the car shifted much slower than OEM. Ie; S6 mode felt like S4, or so.
But that's not all BoyzNGals .... you get all of this plus .... A car which only makes 345 RWHP with a full, high flow, exhaust system!
What A Deal AA Make You. Act Now. Right Now!!! Yee Haw!
For a one time price of $9400.00 plus the possibility of months of grief and tens of thousands of dollars more .... at best you'll wind up w/an SMG M3 which shifts slower than OEM and makes far less than the claimed 360RWHP.
Interestingly enough, JMWeb writes that we can only expect about 350RWHP.
These kind of contradictions exist everywhere. We'll examine the contradictions in detail as folks respond and the thread grows.
To be continued in part 2...
Peace,
Ronin.
First a side trip down memory lane:
AA's official representative on the Internet, as well as AA's unofficial representative JMWeb and other vested interests, (example; TaZaM3) have initiated unjustified personal insults, spread lies and deception .... while calling me an Immature Lying Troll (omar all 3, jmweb and tazam3 obviously concur) n the M3Forum.
Assorted AA Trolls (you know who you are, so if the shoe fits) have seen fit to also initiate personal insults.
So far the AA camp have offered denials, unsubstantiated accusations, unsupported and/or unexplained allegations of misconduct on my part, one case of outright slander (jmweb calling honest businesses "chop shops"), a thinly veiled threat of bodily harm (from tazam3), the aforementioned personal insults and attempts to deceive thru innuendo and assorted distortions.
Oh, yes, I almost forgot ... AA's other response to my posts was to offer a "free" AA hat giveaway (15 hats?). ;-)
None of the AA supporters have offered cogent argument in refutation of my assertions. Why? Because they have none to offer!
How can they refute .... in no particular order:
Receipts.
Written notes.
Phone records.
Digital recordings.
AA's own manuals.
Unimpeachable eyewitnesses.
Info found on AA's own website.
Posts on this site and other websites.
That's a large body of evidence. Some of it from AA's own reps and supporters!
It has been pointed out to me that the haphazard spread of posts can be confusing for those who want to access true and accurate information relating to how Active Autowerks conduct themselves, the true nature of their Supercharger kits and the true nature of AA's tech support.
I concur. The AA controversy deserves it's own thread in the E46 M3 forum where all of the info can be easily found and examined and then:
You Decide!
I didn't begin posting about AA with the intent of upsetting anyone. I didn't intend this situation to develop into an adversarial relationship between AA and myself.
In fact, when the usual misguided souls...
(those who equate a criticism of their equipment w/a criticism of their .... ahem ..... other equipment <w>)
...offered insults in lieu of the reasoned argument they lacked .... I did not blame AA for their behavior.
Even when Jerry (who works with AA; ergo, he has a vested interest) lied .... I still did not hold it against AA. And I still had hopes that AA would get in touch with me and offer assistance.
But Omar preferred to call me a liar .... along with other insulting content in his posts. That teed me off.
He took notice and instead of apologizing, he did as he has done in the past and continued his personal attacks.
He did pause at one point to offer his "assistance," in a snide manner. Then he immediately followed that post with another Hate filled diatribe.
Then he proceeded to call me a Troll, as well as immature. Ergo: My references to being called "Immature Lying Troll."
So much for any CREDIBLE offer of assistance from AA.
IMHO, AA offers of "assistance" have been attempts to deceive us all into thinking that the shills and vested interests were trying to be reasonable.
The sheer gall of these individuals would be unbelievable if it were not for their own posts showing them to be liars and hypocrites.
Please keep in mind that after Omar's vicious personal attacks I wouldn't want to do business w/AA regardless of whether or not they offered to negotiate with me.
Yes, now I am pissed!
Omar had ample opportunity to apologize. AA's principals have known of Omar's similar egregious conduct in the past. And are well aware of what is happening now. The Hughs allow it and I can only surmise .... condone it.
And there are other reasons why I wouldn't think it wise to accept ANY forthcoming offers of assistance from AA.
Read on and those reasons shall be revealed.
As this thread progresses I shall offer quotes w/appropriate citations, along w/other references so that you may seek independent confirmation and then:
You Decide!
Of course I admit that I tossed a few so called, "insults" right back at the above named parties.
All of them were justified!
All of them were in direct response to lies, etc.
All of my so called "insults" were either calling them shills, liars and/or cheats. And always with justification.
Furthermore:
Never did I threaten anyone with bodily harm.
Never did I threaten to take unlawful action.
And at no time during this ordeal have I asked website admin to chastise, censor or intervene on my behalf in any way.
OTOH, I'm quite sure that AA have put pressure on website admin to have me censored in some manner.
But that would be, IMHO, a grievous error. I have not uttered terroristic threats and made actionable slanderous posts as have AA's vested interests (once again i speak of tazam3 & jmweb, respectively). Their posts, not mine, may put the site at some (small methinks) measure of risk.
My posts serve to inform. And carry ample verification.
AA can only accuse me of slander. But it's not actionable. Why? Because the truth is an unbeatable defense to such a charge.
As for the implied threat of reporting me for extortion, restraint of trade, or whatever other fantasies were going thru Omar's mind when he wrote: "Management wants to know if we should be contacting the local authorities or federal ones for that matter." Hogwash!
In fact i'd welcome investigation. I have nothing to hide. OTOH, methinks AA have a great deal to hide.
AA: Be careful what you wish for. <chuckle>
I submit to you, my fellow forum members ... site admin know that I am posting truthful information. Along with some strongly supported inferences. Plus a few reasonable opinions that are clearly shown to be mere opinion and do not constitute actionable offenses.
Nor can my, so called, "attacks" on AA and it's representatives be justifiably called personal attacks.
Impeaching vested interests is a time honored tradition .... When Warranted!!!
Consider the evidence that I will present to you (it will be limited to some extent by the possibility of litigation, ie; I have not entirely ruled out suing AA).
Consider AA's replies.
If they're foolish enough to reply when they lack cogent argument (heck, they've done it repeatedly already <shrug>.
Then after you've separated the wheat from the chaff: You Decide!
In 2004 after having my 03 SMG M3 Cab's motor replaced twice due to claimed rod bearing failures I began looking at more powerful SMG equipped vehicles as an alternative to BMWs. I found nothing which suited my criteria at the time.
I decided to purchase an 05 ZCP SMG M3 after doing extensive research on FI and NA upgrades for SMG BMWs.
Personally chatting w/AA reps on the phone, reading posts from AA reps (among others) on the Net and finding no negative commentary to speak of from end users, were the main reasons I chose an Active Autowerks Supercharger for my late model SMG M3.
AA had given me a reference to an installer in Washington state who does do business with AA. The gent I spoke with seemed (imho) to be annoyed with the entire situation (i have since learned that AA were STILL recommending this same shop). I apologized for bothering them and moved on.
Knowing the good folks @ Autohaus Bayern, a shop with an outstanding reputation who had maintained my 03 in an exemplary manner, I had A/B assist me with the purchase and perform the install.
And thus began a journey into grief, anger and despair. A path cushioned with my misspent thousands of dollars and littered with AA's deceit, empty promises, and outright lies.
If I knew then what I know now .... I would have run from AA like the Devil's hounds where on my tail!
First, I had A/B install a full Super Sprint exhaust system. With ceramic coated headers, race cats and twin race mufflers. Then I had A/B order directly from AA and at my behest, an AA SC kit for my car. Including an under-hood mounted Water/Alcohol injection kit.
AA sent us a trunk mounted W/A injection kit. I then learned that AA did not have, do not have and had no intention of supplying us with .... an under-hood mounted kit.
When I tried to return the W/A kit and exchange it .... AA set the pattern for what I found to be AA's SOPs when a customer has a problem:
First, they tried to blame us for the error. Claiming that we had mistakenly ordered a trunk mount kit.
When it was pointed out to AA that we had proof they made the error .... they then tried to talk me into keeping the kit by claiming that the trunk mount was a much better system.
When that failed .... they simply said that they didn't have any more under-hood kits, would not make any in the future and that we could return the trunk mount for a hefty 20% "restocking" fee.
It was obvious that AA were becoming upset w/me and realizing that if I pressed the issue AA might not be cooperative in the future, I decided to keep the trunk mount kit and make do.
Perhaps I should have realized that I'd been handed some clues? Well, hindsight is 20/20, isn't it dear friends?
BTW: I have since learned to my full satisfaction that AA had NO intention of providing me an under-hood W/A injection kit in the first place.
So, TTBOMK, here are the SOPs which AA live by:
1) Lie & Sell. First they tell you whatever AA think will result in a sale. Even if they have to lie to you.
Then they send you whatever AA feel like sending you. Even if it won't suit your clearly stated purposes.
2) Blame the Customer. If you complain; the first thing they do is blame YOU.
3) Deny & Lie. If that fails; they try to talk you into keeping the products.
4) Pressure the Customer. If that fails; they place an unjust financial burden on you.
But what if you continue to complain and demand that AA take responsibility for their actions? What is SOP #5? That's the $64K question. It will be answered as our ride w/AA continues .
We proceed w/the install and A/B soon find that the 10hr (average) install time AA claimed for the SC kit was not even close to the truth. To A/B's credit they did not charge me for many, many hours of extra time.
Please keep in mind that the TOTAL install includes troubleshooting the SC kit.
Upon initial install, A/B found that the blower as delivered was defective. AA sent us a new blower and w/o any further ado (or changes of any kind) the car now made considerably more power than OEM.
Eureka we're approaching the Finish line! ..... NOT! Not even close. <argh>
After initial install was complete; the engine would overheat (even under mild driving conditions) if we used the air conditioner. Example: Steady throttle, 70mph in top gear, ambient temp app 72 degrees. Red zone in a few of minutes, or so.
The harder one drives the car. The sooner the engine overheats.
As we later found out; even w/the AC turned off under track conditions after about two laps of 9 or 10/10ths driving .... the engine would overheat.
The only way to bring temps back out of the Red Zone and back to normal was to turn on the heater and slow down.
Trust me BoyzNGals it's no fun sitting in an M3 w/the heater turned on full blast during the summer.
The overheating problem made the car unusable for "Track Days" or anytime one needed AC.
But that's not the only bump in the road .... there was a huge surge in the powerband at app 4200RPM. It was so abrupt and hard that it could cause a spin if one was cornering when hitting 4200RPM. Heck, it was annoying at ALL times.
And there's still more .... the car shifted much slower than OEM. Ie; S6 mode felt like S4, or so.
But that's not all BoyzNGals .... you get all of this plus .... A car which only makes 345 RWHP with a full, high flow, exhaust system!
What A Deal AA Make You. Act Now. Right Now!!! Yee Haw!
For a one time price of $9400.00 plus the possibility of months of grief and tens of thousands of dollars more .... at best you'll wind up w/an SMG M3 which shifts slower than OEM and makes far less than the claimed 360RWHP.
Interestingly enough, JMWeb writes that we can only expect about 350RWHP.
These kind of contradictions exist everywhere. We'll examine the contradictions in detail as folks respond and the thread grows.
To be continued in part 2...
Peace,
Ronin.