My Brand new Lemon - BMW 330cic

[tlk4175@yahoo.com]

I posted a message a few months ago concerning my brand new BMW 330cic which I purchased in March '04. That posting listed all the issues I've had with this brand new car, including having it towed 3 times, spending more time in the service department than on the road and the non-responsiveness of the GM of this Maryland BMW dealership (BMW VOB). Can you believe a new clutch and various new motors for a car with less than 1,500 miles?

Here's the update! Since then, BMW North America has contacted me and set up an inspection of the issues I had to deal with. Surprisingly, or not, a related issue has popped up! Of course, another trip back to the service department and another "one time" problem to replace another motor.

The ironic thing is that I asked for the contact information of the customer service manager responsible for making decisions on "lemons" - perhaps trading my lemon in for a real car. The response was: "sorry, we don't give out that information and sorry, but we hope you don't run into anymore problems."

This is ridiculous! Potential buyers be aware! Those considering buying a BMW, I would offer other options. Those considering doing business with BMW VOB, DON'T! I have had an Audi TT now for 4 years, great car, great performance, not a single problem!

I'm just getting the information out to you and have already convinced a few collegues not to purchase BMW's. Try a Mercedes, or even a Toyota, they are more reliable and won't cost you towing fees.

 

[codex57]

This is ridiculous! Potential buyers be aware! Those considering buying a BMW, I would offer other options. Those considering doing business with BMW VOB, DON'T! I have had an Audi TT now for 4 years, great car, great performance, not a single problem!

I'm just getting the information out to you and have already convinced a few collegues not to purchase BMW's. Try a Mercedes, or even a Toyota, they are more reliable and won't cost you towing fees.

If you check online boards, Mercedes and Audi are not brands to recommend in terms of reliability.

 

[gizzy]

If your serious about persuing the lemon law, dealers will generally just give you the run around no matter what you do. It is my personal opinion to at least give the dealer a chance to do the right thing, but if they don't, contact a lawyer. I had to do this with my grand am. GM told me that they don't use the lemon law and that all I could do is contact the BBB. I spent three months trying to work with the dealer to work out some sort of deal to trade in my car and we could never come to an agreement. After I contacted the lawyer, we settled out of court within a week. I'll never waste my time with a lemon again, it's just not worth the headaches.

http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/

My BMW has been in the shop for a couple of things (mostly minor), but overall I am very pleased with it and intend on keeping it for some time and will probably purchase another BMW. GM is out due to my last experience, they have lost my business for years to come.

 

[Abdoman]

it's too bad that you are having those problems, but no manufacturer is perfect. About a year ago I came across a lemon buy back from Lexus (LS400) for sale. Not all dealerships are the same, I have had excellent experience at Jackie Cooper in OKC. I have also owned 5 BMWs and have never experience what you are going through.

 

[DRWWE]

Sorry about your problems. Our 2002 325i and 530i have had no major problems. The only thing that went wrong with the 325 is the control knob on the radio broke. The dealer replaced the radio under warranty but only after my wife harassed him multiple times about it. The 530 has been a real joy so far.

If you read some of the consumer magazines (specifically Consumer Reports) about car reliability, BMW's 3 series is pretty good. The E-39's are great but the jury is still out on the new 5 and 6 series. The less than attractive new 7's apparently have terrible reliability (as did the previous models which I think were beautiful).

Mercedes and Audi are not that great in reliability. Toyota is great too but I don't want to own another one--there are just too many of them and I'd rather have something less common.

[driving2]

 

[Section_8]

I could also talk about the Toyota LEMON that I've owned previously. 2 engines in less than a year, more time in the shop than all my cars combined in 17 years of driving..

Sorry you got a bad BMW, but be a bit more realistic about it, and get a lawyer. I have heard stories from my sister in law (lawyer) about people claiming they had a 'lemon' but were bringing up very very minor issues, to the point of making the most anal person you've met seem like a creampuff.. (not saying this is YOU, but you should certainly read the Lemon law for your state, and again also your warranty.)

If you got a lemon, get a lawyer, get out of it legally, and get a good one. Lemon's happen in every car manufacturer's plant.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Sorry about your problems..... you should just bring it in and demand a rental or loaner but be respectful to the dealer. If you notice the car has too many problems all you can do is suggest that they buy back the car and you'll buy another from them especially since it has low mileage. Don't ask scornfully though, you did buy a 50k car which means the dealer knows you're potentially a customer they'd want to hold onto. If they kindly refuse then you can go to an attorney and seek the Lemon law on the car... it's a pain in the ass, but with a little restraint and patience it's workable. Goodluck with your Lemon, BMW doesn't usually build cars like that. BMW's main problem is their dealer Service Departments, and BMWNA customer-disservice. Otherwise it truly is a great car.

 

[epj3]

GM is out due to my last experience, they have lost my business for years to come.

Exact same situation my parents are in. They have only bought GM vehicles -- but will never again. We've put $4.5k of MAJOR engine repairs into our 99 Montana which has literally no resale value.

 

[Felicia68]

Just wondering what clutch problems you were having? I'm at 2500 miles and my second throwout bearing.