Several faults - advice req.

[X5Sport]

I bet if the car had been on full warranty then BMW would have changed them - as they have for others - with no questions asked.

One of the things I found about BMW with my 2005 X5 was that although certain items are supposedly 'sealed for life' that 'life' is the actually the useful service life of the car from BMWs viewpoint.  That to my surprise turned out to be just three years - which is why BMW will not offer any longer warranty period.

It was one of the issues with the gearbox oil for the auto boxes.  The oil really should be changed at around 60,000 miles but in some cases this change actually leads to transmission failure - and it's not just limited to this type of ZF box but to many auto boxes.  It's why I would MUCH always have a manual box, and yes I know these cars aren't suited to a manual, I just don't trust automation.

I would feel more comfortable if I trusted Dealers to be able to fix things without needing a computer to tell them, and then getting stuck when the computer says it's fine!!

Some Dealers are useless, others are better.  I now have a very good relationship with my Dealer because I have spent a lot if time reading BMW Training notes (available on US sites) and learning things from this forum.  Being a trained (mechanical & electronics) engineer helps because I can work through things with their techies to sort things.  All this depends upon co-operation and I do know some of the people in the service side are 'less willing' to be helpful, plus BMW GB just walk away more often than not (as do other manufacturers) so are of little use.

The only dealer network that I never had any problems with was Skoda.  Their cars were supremely reliable and most dealerships were almost family run.  Any issues were dealt with immediately, I used to spend time in the workshops and knew my way around the car.  Contrasted with our local VAG dealers who are arrogant and disinterested!  I can't imagine my BMW dealer letting me into their hallowed ground called the workshop - I spent years in a police one so I know my way around them safely.

I'm glad you are getting support from your dealer, that is the key to everything.  They are limited by what BMW GB will let them do, and will pay for.

Richard

[Barney]

The latest on this, the supplying dealer has been in contact with my local dealer and I've got to ring the local one to arrange inspection/repair, no mention of money this time. The supplying dealer has also been in contact with BMW UK who have said they will 'look generously on any claims for these two issues' .

Obviously that's once it's confirmed that the two issues are no due to wear or tear etc. (I'm 100% confident it's down to manufacturing problems)

Don't know if that means all costs covered which is what I'm after ? I hope they don't strip it all down, repair and then tell me I've got to pay labour or a percentage.

[X5Sport]

Glad it's beginning to sound positive at least.

If they have service sheets like my Dealer there is a bit at the bottom which you sign to say you'll pay the bill.  Don't sign it and explain why.

Richard

[Barney]

Thanks for the advice Richard, I'll refuse to sign or put a statement on the form stating my position.

[Barney]

The latest from the BMW UK Directors lot;

I acknowledge you feel that BMW should assist with the costs to diagnose and repair your vehicle, should the issues with the rear lights and bolster not be covered under your AUC warranty.  I can advise that I have spoken with Service team at Spire Watford regarding your concerns and regrettably, they have no record of your conversation with them.  However, they have explained that they would only ask customers for a diagnosis fee if the fault is not covered in line with your warranty.  If they are unsure when arranging the initial booking, they will inform you of any costs that could be associated with the repair.

I have noted your comments stating that these issues are well documented with the BMW X5 model range.  I can assure you that we collate information throughout our network of approved dealerships in order to establish any recurring faults with our vehicles.  Should we establish that a particular component is failing regularly, we will issue either a recall or quality enhancement.  I can confirm that we have not highlighted the faults you have described as being common for this model.

BMW UK not aware when the rest of the world is that the rear lights are shite !!
Also Spires of Watford haven't heard of me/the car/the issues despite my supplying dealer and me being in contact with them over several weeks ??? The inspection charge, I questioned and was told 100% that I would have to pay regardless of the outcome.

What a bunch of w*nkers, the lot of them  >:( 

I'm not skint so at this rate I'm considering buying the rear lights and seals, getting a professional upholstery firm to fix the seat and then sueing the b*stards for the lot plus my labour in fitting the lights and a hire car whilst the car is in the upholstery firm being repaired !!!

I've really had it with these dishonest, incompentent bunch of morons  >:(

[Barney]

Another update,

I spoke with a BMW UK Customer Service Manager today who has assured me that if the problems are not created by me or accident damage then they will give a generous goodwill gesture. I pushed to ask what this means and he said 100% of all costs.
So now I've got to book it in, they inspect and report back to BMW UK who will then pay when it's verified that it's down to manufacturing faults.
They will even pay the 'inspection fee', the one I was told I'd have to pay regardless ?

I'm happy with todays progress, all I need to do is get it booked in and hope they stick to their word....watch this space 

[Barney]

Further update, now booked in for rear lights, seat bolster and dif problems. BMW UK have assured me that all costs will be met as long as the issues aren't down to me, we'll see  )
Still got to pay £15 a day for a bloody loan car, these dealers take the biscuit 

[Barney]

Car went in this week, driveshaft checked and no problem found ?  Seat bolster, leather torn at fixing point so whole drivers seat leather replaced.
The rear tailgate lights.... New foam seal fitted, lights dry at the moment due to better weather so they decided they didn't need replacing despite them spending months with 10mm of water in them !?!?!  >:(

The best I got from BMW UK was 'see how they go', if they fail or steam up in the next few months then they will replace them.

Not 100% satisfied as the inside of the lights must be dirty/stained or corroded in some way.

Dealing with BMW UK is like pulling teeth
         

[X5Sport]

More than a few have found that.  It's like we're spending their money!!  >:D

[Barney]

Never had to fight so much for what comes down to manufacturing faults with any other make of car I've ever owned.

[535dboy]

[quote="Barney"]
Never had to fight so much for what comes down to manufacturing faults with any other make of car I've ever owned.
[/quote]

this is what I found !

[kenniff]

There are 2 points that BMW UK and the named dealers are missing:

1. they've spent far more arguing about this than it would have cost them to sort it on day 1.

2. this thread has been viewed 1300 times........