Several faults - advice req.

[Woofer]

Who's the dealer Barney?

[Barney]

[quote="Woofer"]
Who's the dealer Barney?
[/quote]

Supplying dealer was Sandals Wakefield, my local dealer is Spires Watford and these are the ones with the 'inspection charge'.
Bit of an update, I got very p*ssed off last night so I e-mailed the MD of BMW UK, I'm not being held to ransom over clear manufacturing faults  >:(
Got a reply first thing today and he has appointed someone who will contact me to discuss.

[Woofer]

Good. Luck Barney

I think Spire are a good operator , their MD , Darren? , was a great help with an Audi issue I had a while back.

Cheers

[Barney]

My main gripe is with BMW, the build quality and lack of warranty on these items. Don't know the MD of Spires as I went straight to the MD of BMW UK.
Got to say though that Spires charging to inspect and the fact I can't claim it back when the faults are agreed has p*ssed me off.

[X5Sport]

I don't think you'll find much difference with other manufacturers' Dealers.  They're all at it to a certain extent.

It's a sign of the times.....in the UK you get poor service because they don't have to do anything else - and not just with cars.

Richard

[Barney]

Customer service and MD office reply today, BMW UK seem to wash their hands of it and distance themselves from dealerships  >:(
This doesn't take away the fact that it's a BMW manufacturing fault/shoddy design that caused the issues ?

Anyway, they are saying my contract is with Sandals Wakefield, the supplying dealer so they should put things right. I phoned them again tonight and spoke to their dealer principle, he seemed more sympathetic and has assured me he will look at the options and even contact my local dealer in Watford. A better response so far however it could still turn sour.
One suggestion was he get the car picked up and take it back to Wakefield for repair, about 350 miles away from me !

[Barney]

Just had an interesting read on the net 

I was told by the dealer a few days ago that I only had rights up to six months, well this was wrong.

Apparantly, as I understand it, if the car was purchased from a dealer then the 1979 Sales of Goods act applies.
As I believe that these faults were present at the time of purchase, they are well documented manufacturing faults and not due to wear and tear and the car has only done a little over 1000 miles since purchase, then I can claim for full repairs anything up to six years  )

I'll see what the response is tomorrow and then hit them with this little gem  )

[X5Sport]

This could be interesting.  You're right about the rights, but don't be surprised if the line BMW take is 'prove it, and prove it on this specific car!'  I think this is where so many folks hit a brick wall as the cost of the tests might be huge and the result may still get you little back from the manufacturer.

The 6 month bit applies to faults apparent at first delivery from new.  If they occurred in that window then they should be considered as 'present at new'.

We badly need a 'Lemon's Law' here but we'll never get one.  Too many vested interests  >:(

Good luck and keep us informed.....

Richard

[Barney]

Cheers, the fact is that BMW have washed their hands of it and distanced themselves from their dealer  They have suggested my contract is with Sandals despite them making the bloody car and as such I should pursue Sandals for any costs.

Nothing like loyalty to your main dealers  )

My proof is that the problems are well documented on the X5, the car is still mint and no signs of wear and tear, only 1000 miles since I purchased and still very low miles on the clock. With the car's lack of use and it's current condition this will dismiss any 'wear and tear' issue they might counter with.
I have done nothing to help towards these faults, as far as the lights go BMW have recalled in the states for the same problem and come out with a fix (new seal).

Let's see if Sandals Wakefield do the right thing, if not then I'm happy to go the legal route.

[X5Sport]

BMW GB are very good at walking away.  They have more Teflon than Tefal!!

The US always seem to get things sorted, whereas here everyone blames everyone else and the customer gets treated like..

Good luck and let's hope you get better support elsewhere 

Richard

[martin33100]

The other problem to think about is any damp that is getting into the rear lights, I fitted the updated foam seals to our E70 when we got it. The next month the near side lamp failed and they are not cheap.

[Barney]

[quote="martin33100"]
The other problem to think about is any damp that is getting into the rear lights, I fitted the updated foam seals to our E70 when we got it. The next month the near side lamp failed and they are not cheap.
[/quote]

Interesting and as I thought, my claim is not just for updated foam seals but also two new rear light lenses. At £150 plus VAT each for the tailgate lenses and little or no chance of reversing the damage caused to them with water inside they can pay for the lot to be replaced in one go 

[graemeX5]

[quote="Barney"]
Cheers, the fact is that BMW have washed their hands of it and distanced themselves from their dealer  They have suggested my contract is with Sandals despite them making the bloody car and as such I should pursue Sandals for any costs.

Nothing like loyalty to your main dealers  )

My proof is that the problems are well documented on the X5, the car is still mint and no signs of wear and tear, only 1000 miles since I purchased and still very low miles on the clock. With the car's lack of use and it's current condition this will dismiss any 'wear and tear' issue they might counter with.
I have done nothing to help towards these faults, as far as the lights go BMW have recalled in the states for the same problem and come out with a fix (new seal).

Let's see if Sandals Wakefield do the right thing, if not then I'm happy to go the legal route.
[/quote]

Hi Barney sorry to here of the probs getting your car sorted. it's amazing that you spend so much with BMW on a 4.0d.

You said it's covered by the auc warranty. Just found this about their warranty and on face of it it covers everything until you look at what is not covered and that states weather strips and seals.

http://www.bmwfin.com/bmwuk/owner/servi ... __,00.html

There was nothing if their is a dispute but worth checking the policy to see if can be escalated, if not it may be more effective continuing to go the MD route, as it should illicit a response.

[Barney]

I think I'm looking at going for a 'goodwill' gesture through the supplying dealer as these are clearly not 'wear and tear' issues, the AUC warranty has many clauses they won't pay out on  >:(
I've tried the MD route, they and BMW UK customer service are appalling, they seem to wash their hands of it despite these being manufacturing problems.
As i said the supplying dealer is playing ball at the moment and it would be great if it stays that way, if not then I'll take legal action, getting really fed up now with all the hassle for such a black and white issue.

Also mine falls into the latest recall with UJ/driveshaft fault, I'm amazed at the growing list of manufacturing faults to repair for such a low mileage mint condition car ! I would hope to get all this sorted and then things settle but I'm seriously wondering if buying a BMW was a good idea ?

[martin33100]

[quote="Barney"]
[quote="martin33100"]
The other problem to think about is any damp that is getting into the rear lights, I fitted the updated foam seals to our E70 when we got it. The next month the near side lamp failed and they are not cheap.
[/quote]

Interesting and as I thought, my claim is not just for updated foam seals but also two new rear light lenses. At £150 plus VAT each for the tailgate lenses and little or no chance of reversing the damage caused to them with water inside they can pay for the lot to be replaced in one go 
[/quote]If the lamps are still working I wouldn't of thought BMW would change them, just may be add the seals.
When I spoke to the last owner of our E70 he said it went to BMW to have the rear lights looked at but the strange thing was there was still no gaskets on the rear lamps, just the mastic type sealant from the factory.
I know its not the right answer as you have probably paid alot for your car and you want the service from BMW but a pair of seals is around £20 and you could do the job yourself in less than an hour.